Tips for Effectively Administering Medicine to Your Toddler
Author: Salma Jafri
That image of Mary Poppins singing "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine goes down" is forever etched in the minds of parents who grew up in the 70's and 80's. But does it really work is what we're asking ourselves now, right? I can tell you it absolutely does! In fact offering your toddler any treat is a great way to get medicines down.
Fun and games with medicine is all good, but what can you do when a toddler may be too sick or disinterested for you to play games? What can you do to ensure the medicine gets swallowed? Here are some tips:
- Use a syringe if a spoon doesn't work or use a spoon for a syringe-averse kid.
- Aim the medicine for the back of the mouth, where it's less likely to taste bad and less likely to spill out.
- Always ensure the child is upright when taking medicines.
- If possible, mix the medicine with meals or a strong liquid such as juice. Do this only under doctor advisement.
- Walk your child through the steps of administering the medicine so he/she is prepared.
- Let your child know that the medicine will help him/her feel better by making the sniffles (or the coughing, itchiness, or achiness etc.) go away.
- When all else fails, use force. You will need someone to hold the child's flailing arms and legs, while you hold the child's nose (so that he/she is forced to breathe and cry through the mouth) so that you can administer the medicine. The use of this kind of force is justified when it's a question of health, preventing complications, and saving lives.
