Isn’t it curious how alert a sick baby can be when it’s time for his meds? You would think a high fever would be enough to befuddle his senses. But no, each time you need to make the medicine go down, he knows just when to turn his perky little lips the other way, causing every carefully measured dose to trickle down his wilful chin.
Oh bother…just how do other parents do it? First, let’s not forget that all of us start parenting as newbies. Second, you will get the hang of giving your child medicine. By being resourceful (and should we say even crafty?), you can make the medicine go down and stay down. Here’s how.
1. Use the right dispenser. Choosing the correct dispenser ensures that you are giving your child the accurate dosage.
Check with your doctor or paediatrician for an age-appropriate medication device. For example, children under two years old respond better to an infant dropper. For kids two to four years old, you may want to try a clearly-marked plastic medicine syringe. Kids aged four and over are usually comfortable with a dosing spoon or cup.
2. Use a finger or pacifier. Your finger makes a good stopper to prevent spills from baby’s lips. Here’s what you could do.
Hold baby firmly, preferably with him on your lap and one of your arms hugging him so that he doesn’t squirm. Slide an index finger into his mouth and then insert the filled dropper or syringe. Squirt the dose into one of his cheek pockets and with your finger still in his mouth, pull out the device, ensuring that his lips are closed around your finger. Leave your finger in his mouth (but not too deep to prevent gagging) until he swallows the dose. You may also want to try popping in a pacifier immediately after the dose to speed up swallowing.
3. Gauge your child’s temperament. Some kids may fuss but may swallow the medication quicker than expected while others may take longer. Experience will help you to decide whether a quick push of the syringe is better or whether to take it slow.
4. Stay calm. Your child will be able to sense if you are nervous or impatient. So relax. When you rush the process, your hands may tremble or your child may be able to wriggle out of your grasp, causing the medicine to spill or worse, go the wrong way and result in a coughing fit.
5. Just chill. Chilled liquid medicine usually tastes less bitter than medicine at room temperature. Here’s another tip: some desperate mums get their children to first suck on a small stick of ice to numb the taste buds. Try it yourself the next time you’re ill!
6. Do the unexpected. Children being the intelligent creatures they are will soon be able to predict when a dose is due. For example, your child may start to fuss when you put him on your lap right after dinner if that’s when he usually has his dose. Instead of following a very rigid routine, take him by surprise. When it’s time to give him a dose, prepare the medication and keep it close. Then change his diaper or play with him and when he is distracted, swoop in with the dropper or syringe!
7. Promise a reward (but not sweets!). Here are some ways to coax your child to drink up his medicine. Right after the dose,
Offer him a drink of water or his favourite juice to help him swallow it completely.
Play an activity he likes or read aloud to him.
Bring him for a walk or a ride in the car.
Play a much-loved educational DVD.
8. Mask the flavour.
There are several camps of thought to mixing the medicine with baby’s juice, formula or mashed food. Some experts rightfully caution that if your baby doesn’t drink/ eat the whole of the juice/milk/food-with-medicine mixture, he won’t get the full dose. Others feel that it’s okay to mask the flavour with healthy foods but not sweet foods like ice cream or chocolate syrup.
If you do decide to try this method, the trick is to mix the medicine with a very small amount of juice, formula or food and to time the dosage when baby is especially hungry. Be sure to ask your doctor how to repeat the dose if baby throws up or doesn’t complete all of the mixture.
IMPORTANT DO’S AND DON’TS
DO keep an updated record of your baby’s weight to help the doctor determine the accurate dosage.
DO read the medicine label carefully and follow all dosage and storage instructions.
DO time and measure each dose carefully. If you aren’t sure how to time a thrice, four-times or six-times a day dose, speak to your doctor immediately.
DO keep a record of the date, time of each dose and types of medicines given. Not only will it help you remember which dose comes next, it will also be useful if baby develops a serious allergic reaction and you have to rush him to the emergency department.
DO complete the full course if your child has been prescribed antibiotics. Otherwise, the medication might not be effective. Continue the antibiotics even if your child seems to have recovered.
DO talk to your doctor immediately if you have any doubts at all regarding the dosage or potential allergic reactions to the medicine. Also, ask your doctor for safe ways to dispose unused or expired medicines.
DO praise your child after he swallows the medicine.
DON’T remove the label or pour the medicine into another container.
DON’T refer to any medicine as a sweet or candy. If your child sees it lying around, he may be tempted to eat it.
NEVER store medicines within a child’s reach. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for childproof covers.
This information is for educational purposes only. For more specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, we strongly suggest that you consult your doctor. If possible, review this information with your doctor before use.
