Meadowbrook Press

Excerpt

Down the Hatch: Giving Medicine

Giving a toddler medicine isn't the easiest task, especially if she's picky about flavors, doesn't like to try new things, or is in a stubborn mood. Here are some tips for administering medicine to your toddler.

Be direct.Tell your toddler you’re going to give her her medicine (never call it “candy”). Talk to her about why the medicine is needed and how you hope it will help her.

Give her a preview.First pretend to give medicine to a doll to show your toddler how it will be done. On finishing, you might say, “That was a good job taking your medicine, Dolly!”

Get comfortable.Hold your toddler in your lap or in another comfortable position so she’s relaxed and so you have better control over her than if she were standing. Do not have her lie on her back, which might cause choking.

Choose an appropriate flavor.If available, choose a favorite or fun flavor for your toddler’s medicine, such as cherry, grape, or bubble gum. If appropriate, request the flavor when your doctor writes the prescription.

Use a syringe.For easier administration, use a plastic syringe rather than a spoon. Measure the correct dose, insert the tip of the syringe between her lower side teeth and cheek, then squirt.

Offer a Popsicle.To numb your child’s taste buds, let her suck on a Popsicle first. Then give her the medicine.

Try other forms.If your toddler won’t take liquid medicine, try chewable pills or easy-to-swallow capsules, if available. As a last resort, if your toddler just won’t open her mouth, talk to your doctor about suppositories and shots.

Quick Tip: Disguise the Dose
Not only did my little girl refuse to take her medicine, she was also a picky eater. So it wasn’t easy to sneak her medicine into her food. I finally tried mixing it with 1-2 teaspoons of orange juice--and that did the trick. The flavor of the orange juice overpowered the taste of the medicine. I also served the juice in a small paper cup so it was fun and easy to drink. If your child doesn’t like orange juice, try apple or cranberry juice. Just be sure all of it is finished.
--Barbara S.