Baby Medicine

How to Give Medicine

When giving medicine, be sure to:

• Check with your doctor before giving any medicine.
• Use the right amount, or dose, at the right time. For the right dose, ask your doctor.
• Check the date on the bottle or package. Do not use medicines after the expiration date.
• Always give all the medicine the doctor says, even if your child seems better.
• Never call medicine “candy.”
• Be patient. Many children do not like medicine. 
• Never leave medicine where your child can reach it. Keep caps tightly closed.
• Never give your child anyone else’s medicine.

By Mouth (Orally)

• Read the label carefully to find out how much and when to give the medicine.
• Measure the exact amount you need. Use a medicine spoon or medicine dropper, available at drugstores. 
• If your child spits up the medicine, ask your doctor what to do.
• If your child has trouble taking pills, crush them into little pieces, and mix them with applesauce or ice cream.

Ear Drops

• Lay your child on his side, and gently pull his ear toward the back of his head.
• Give the exact number of drops prescribed.
• Try to keep child in the same position for one minute to allow drops to flow into ear.

Eye Drops or Ointment

• Lay your child on his back, put your finger below his eyes, and gently pull down the lower eyelid.
• Put the drops or ointment in the lower lid, or into the eye without touching the eye or eyelid with the dropper or tube.

Nose Drops

• Lay your child on his back.
• Put in the right number of drops.
• For nose sprays, your child can sit up or stand.

Suppositories

Suppositories are medicines that are put in your child’s rectum. Do not give your child a suppository without specific instructions from your doctor.