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13th February 2024
04:19pm GMT
How can you actually get them to take it without tears, chasing them or just a whole lot of stress? This is something every parent knows is not an easy task - but a necessary one.
So how can you get your toddler to take it without any drama? Or at least with a reduced struggle. Here are five tips you can try, just make sure to run it past your doctor first.
One idea is to try hiding it in foods you know your child can't resist.
Stir it into yoghurt, custard, jelly, or whatever you know they'll eat. Just remember that when you do this you'll have to make sure they ingest the whole amount to get the correct dose.
It's also good to confirm with your doctor that the food you choose won't interact with the medication prescribed for your kid.
If it makes it any easier, divide the dose into smaller amounts over the course of several minutes, that way it might not feel as overwhelming for your little one.
However, this technique might not be for every kid as they might feel it's just prolonging the whole ordeal, it really depends.
This may be considered blackmail but when it's for the greater good there's no harm in trying it.
It doesn't have to be something big, maybe a favourite food, a sticker or even just the chance to watch an episode of their favourite show.
Just make sure you deliver on your promise or else it might be harder to get the next dose in.
Even if it's just holding the spoon with you as they place it in their mouth or letting them push the plunger of the syringe.
These little steps can give them a sense of control and let them know that even though they don't like it they can do it - a life lesson with a side of medicine equals big parent win.
Though this one takes a bit of practice, if you can get the medicine to the right part of the mouth you may be able to avoid the tastebuds as much as possible.
Most of them are towards the front and centre of the tongue so try placing the medicine near the back of her tongue.
Or try dropping it between the rear gum and the inside of her cheek, where it will easily glide down the throat with minimal contact with taste buds.
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