This is where we will share our children's health opinion pieces, advice, tips and tricks, resources and so much more. Check back here frequently for the latest baby and child health news and insight from us!
Giving medicine to your baby or toddler can be a scary task – not just because you need to ensure you are doing it correctly, but because it can feel more like wrestling an angry crocodile!
We have put together everything you need to know about giving medicine to your child – and how to make it as stress-free as possible.
If you are concerned that your child has been given too much medicine, act immediately by calling the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Kids can often worry about taking medicine, as they are concerned about the taste, texture or choking. It is important to be honest with them about the fact that they need to take the medicine, and why.
Giving them a choice of where they would like to sit to take it, or incentives such as a toy or stickers which can help them take the medicine calmly. Let them practice giving “medicine” to their favorite toy or teddy – play can help alleviate fears.
Children feed off of your emotions, so stay calm and positive. One strategy that can help, is to have your child sit in your lap, give them a firm cuddle, reassure them that it’s okay, and distract them with a book or a show they enjoy. Try to make it as if it is a part of the normal routine for the day so that they are more comfortable with it.
For babies, wrapping them is a good option to make sure they feel secure and so that you can administer medicine correctly.
With toddlers, use a syringe and pop it to the side of the back of their mouth, and squirt little bots of medicine at a time. This can help to stop them from spitting it back out.
Avoid mixing with food or drink, particularly large amounts or in a bottle. If they only consume some of what you give them, you won’t know what portion of the dose they have received. Some medicines can’t be mixed with certain foods, so check with your pharmacist first.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/how-to-give-medicines-to-children#related-video-playlist
In this video paediatric nurse and founder of CPR Kids Sarah Hunstead steps you through the prevention, recognition and response to choking in babies and children. Essential knowledge for every family that you don’t want to miss.
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