Know Your Child's Medicine

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

02 Jun 2009 08:41 AM

No parent likes to give medicine to their baby. It is often an awkward and messy process, especially when you have a baby who is young enough to still have a gag reflex. But there usually comes a time when some medication is needed, whether through prescription or over the counter. Here is what you need to know about giving medicine correctly and ensuring the safety of your baby.

I remember back when my middle child needed some fever reducer for strep throat (which I believe that she actually caught on her well visit appointment). I called the pediatrician office and asked for the correct dosage by weight for her, Infant Tylenol. The nurse called back and gave me the wrong dosage. Had I administered that dosage, by daughter could have slipped into a coma or even died. She had given me the correct dosage for Children's Tylenol rather than Infants Tylenol. The latter medication is much more concentrated.

The point that I want to make is in order to give medicine correctly, you really need to be informed as a parent. Learn what medicines do and how they work. Educated yourself on the ins and outs of certain medications. For example, antibiotics are usually given with food in the tummy and should be completed even if your child is feeling better.

You should also be informed of the medication's side effects and what to look for in the case of an allergic reaction. Will your child break out in hives or vomit if she is allergic? How severe can an allergic reaction become? What indications are there that the dosage or type of medicine should be changed? Also make sure you find out if there are certain medications that shouldn't be taken in combination with others. For example, some asthma medications for babies should not be taken at the same time as other medicines.

Remember that you are your baby's first advocate. Inform yourself about your child's medication today.

You can read more blog posts by Mary Ann Romans here! or subscribe to this blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

What Causes Food Allergies?

Herbal Supplements and Your Young Child

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger