Hi Everyone,
I have a 17-month-old who has an ear infection. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic, and my son is supposed to take 2 one teaspoon doses twice a day. He hates it! When he had his first dose this morning, he gagged and threw it all up. When we tried to give him his dose later in the morning he cried and cried and let most of it dribble out of his mouth. It took over 20 minutes to give him one dose, and I don't think he got a full one even after that long. Does anyone have advice on getting a toddler to accept his medicine? I have the Mary Poppins song stuck in my head, but somehow I don't think that applies.
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for your advice. It was very helpful. I found that a combination of things worked. I told him ahead of time that he had to have it. Then we got his Ugly Doll and he got to use the extra syringe to give his ugly doll medicine. Then he gave his daddy and me medicine. Finally, I'd lay him down in my arms and hold his hands and my husband would give him the medicine a little at a time. The roll playing ahead of time made it so he didn't struggle as much and he often even opened his mouth for us, though sometimes I had to squeeze his cheeks to get his mouth open.
We just finished the bottle and thank goodness that's over this time! I think in the future the bribes might work well, but he just wasn't quite there yet this time.
I had the same problem with my 18 month old recently. The only way I could get any antibiotic down her was by holding her down and squirting a little at a time in the back of her mouth via syringe.
I called the nurse at the pediatrician to ask if there was a better (and less traumatic) way of administering the medicine. She said I could try mixing the medicine with jelly or chocolate syrup.
I feel you on this one! We have to do the old sneak attack most times! What I found that also works is telling my baby in advance. Showing her and telling her what I am going to do kind of eases the blow! We let her hold the seringe (sp?) and pretend to take it from her. It is a lot of work! I am curious at what other people respond!
F.
Try blowing in his face after you put it in his mouth. This forces him to swallow. This advice was given to me by my son's doctor. We had the same problem. This solved it.
If all else fails....bribe...my son loves candy. So when he just won't do it I will bribe him with a piece of candy. Works like a charm.
GOOD LUCK!
did you get a flavored one? i gave my little guy banana flavored (sounds gross to me), but he licked his lips to take it. i've also put a cracker or a treat on the end of the spoon looking medicine dispenser :) tilt it up and he will eat the treat and get some meds in too....good luck..hope you were able to understand this! :)
add the antibiotic to his milk or juice.i have this problem with my 19 months boy.i add to his milk.good luck.......
