Giving medicine to a toddler
Giving medicine to a toddler will require both your calm and your creativity to ensure your child doesn't refuse.
© DK
Medicines for older children usually come in a liquid form, which is simply taken off a spoon. Ear or nose drops would be given in the same way as for a younger baby. If your child is making a great deal of difficulty about having drops it's important to stay as calm as possible so he doesn't panic. Get your partner to help you by holding the child firmly while you administer the drops.
As your child gets older, try not to make a fuss, or be very insistent that he takes the medicine as this will make your child respond negatively. It usually helps if you show your child that you are willing to take some yourself. If your child really doesn't like the taste of medicine, then try diluting it with his favourite drink.
Tips for giving medicine
- Suggest your child holds his nose while taking the medicine, so lessening the effect of the taste. Don't forcibly hold his nose, however, as he may inhale some of the medicine.
- Show your child that you have his favourite drink ready to wash the taste of the medicine away.
- Help your child to clean his teeth thoroughly after taking any liquid medicine to prevent syrup sticking to his teeth.
Administering drops to baby or toddler
Eye drops
Lay your baby on his back and tilt his head in the direction of the affected eye. Put the dropper into the medicine, and draw up the right amount. Gently pull his lower eyelid down with your finger and raise his upper lid. Let the drops fall into the corner of his eye. Get someone to help if necessary.
Nose drops
Lay your baby on his back with his head tilted backwards. Put the dropper into the medicine, and draw up the right amount. Hold the dropper just above your baby's nostrils and let the required number of drops fall into each nostril. Keep your baby still while the drops run into the nose.
Ear drops
Lay your baby on his side. Put the dropper into the medicine, and draw up the right amount. Hold the dropper over your baby's ear opening and let the required number of eardrops fall into the centre of his ear. Keep him still for a few moments while the drops spread into the ear canal.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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