Medicating Baby (Use proper
measuring devices when giving your baby medicine every
time.)
Be extra careful when dispensing medication to baby.
Medicine must be the correct type and in the right
dose. These guidelines may be useful when medicating
your baby.
• When you give baby liquid medication, use
a measuring spoon, a plastic medicine spoon or an
oral syringe. Do not use tableware - they are not
accurate. Giving your baby 20% more or less than
she needs is not safe.
• Never guess at the amount of medicine to
give. Give baby the correct amount in terms of age
and weight as indicated on bottle.
• Store baby's medicine separately, and out
of a child reach.
• Be sure you have the correct medication;
double-check the label.
• If baby is prescribed more than one medicine,
be sure they can be taken together. Check with your
pediatrician or pharmacist on this.
• Do not keep old medications; get rid of
them.
• Use clean droppers and spoons. Wash them
in warm soapy water after use and store in an airtight
container or sealed plastic bag.
• Do not give medication to any other child
other than the one it was prescribed to.
Vitamin D advice
Years ago, parents were advised to place their babies
in the sun so that baby gets her vitamin D from
the ultraviolet rays. Today, the reverse is being
advised. Parents are being cautioned to protect
babies against the harmful rays. Vitamin D can be
gotten from breast milk and formula. Sun blocks
and sunscreen lotions should only be used after
baby turns six months old so the best protection
is no exposure to the sun.
Baby's Dislikes
Here is a list of things most babies do not like.
• Bitter or very sour tastes are unpleasant
to your baby. She will scrunch her face and turn
away to avoid another chance at it.
• Irregular movements or sounds can cause
baby distress. A baby prefers regularity in sound
and motion. A deviation from the usual can be upsetting
for baby.
• Sudden changes around her can be unsettling
to baby. Communicate to her what you are about to
do before you do it.
• Do not over stimulate baby if you can avoid
it. She reacts to stress in the way you do.
• Abrupt volume changes can disturb your baby.
She likes gradual change. Avoid sudden changes from
soft to very loud sounds.
