How to Give a Baby Medicine

The thought of trying to get a spoonful of medicine into a child's less-than-cooperative mouth could put off any parent. Try a variety of methods, and maybe you won't dread the task so much. Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, author of "Mommy Calls," advises that the most important thing to keep in mind when giving your baby medicine is to give it at the correct time of day and in the correct dosage.

Things You'll Need

  • Oral syringe

Instructions

    • 1

      Act positive about the experience. Your baby can sense if you are tense or nervous. Don't be hesitant or convey that you're unsure about giving him medicine, since he'll pick up on that and be less likely to cooperate with you.

    • 2

      Fill a syringe with the amount of medicine you need to give to your baby. Most pharmacies carry oral syringes especially for babies. Read the medicine's label carefully to ensure you give an accurate dosage for your baby's height and weight.

    • 3

      Hold your baby up at a 45-degree angle with his hands down so he can't hit your hand and send the syringe flying as you try to get the medicine down his throat.

    • 4

      Slip the syringe in your baby's mouth along his cheek and squirt the medicine into the back of his mouth . Avoid getting the medicine on his tongue if possible, especially if it is a flavor that isn't as palatable and might trigger his gag reflex. You might need to squirt small amounts at a time until it is all gone to prevent him from spitting some out.

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