5 Stress-Free Ways to Help Your Child’s Medicine Go Down Easier

Giving medicine to your child can be a challenging task. Many children resist taking medicine because of the unpleasant taste, texture, or smell. Some may even spit it out or refuse to swallow it. This can be frustrating and stressful for both you and your child, especially when the medicine is essential for their health and well-being.

Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to make medicine administration easier and more pleasant for both of you. In this article, we will share five tips to help your child’s medicine go down easier, along with some helpful reminders about giving medicine safely and correctly. Plus, we will introduce you to a bonus tip that will make your life easier when it comes to managing your child’s medication.

1. Improve the Flavor

One of the main reasons why children dislike taking medicine is the taste. Many medicines have a bitter, sour, or metallic flavor that can be hard to tolerate. Some medicines also have a sticky or gritty texture that can make them even more unappealing.

To improve the flavor of your child’s medicine, you can look for flavored medications or chewable options. Many over-the-counter medicines come in different flavors, such as cherry, grape, or bubblegum, that can mask the unpleasant taste. Chewable tablets or gummies can also be easier to take than liquid or pill forms.

If your child needs a prescription medication that does not have a pleasant flavor, you can ask your pharmacist if they can add a flavoring agent to it. Some pharmacies offer a service called FLAVORx, which allows you to choose from over 40 flavors to customize your child’s medication. However, this service may not be available for all medications, and it may come with an extra cost. Always consult your pharmacist before adding any flavoring to your child’s medicine1.

2. Trick Their Taste Buds

Another way to make your child’s medicine more palatable is to mix it with a strong, sweet flavor that can overpower the medicine’s taste. However, you need to be careful about what you mix the medicine with, as some foods or drinks can interact with the medicine and affect its effectiveness or safety. Always check the label of the medicine or ask your pharmacist for any food or drink restrictions before mixing.

Some examples of foods or drinks that you can use to mix your child’s medicine with are:

• Pancake syrup
• Ice cream
• Chocolate milk
• Apple sauce
• Yogurt
• Juice

Avoid using honey for children under one year old, as it can cause a serious illness called infant botulism. Also, avoid using carbonated drinks, as they can make the medicine foam up and spill.

To trick your child’s taste buds, you can follow these steps:

• Measure the exact dose of the medicine using a syringe, dropper, or spoon.
• Mix the medicine with a small amount of the chosen food or drink in a separate container.
• Give the mixture to your child and have them swallow it quickly.
• Follow up with more of the same food or drink to wash away any aftertaste.

3. Focus on Remaining Calm

Your attitude and behavior can have a big impact on how your child reacts to taking medicine. If you are calm and positive, your child will feel more comfortable and cooperative. If you are anxious and negative, your child will sense your stress and become more resistant and fearful.

To focus on remaining calm, you can try these tips:

• Explain the benefits of the medicine to your child in a simple and honest way. For example, you can say, “This medicine will help you feel better and get rid of your cough.”
• Avoid using threats or bribes to persuade your child to take the medicine. Instead, use praise and encouragement to motivate them. For example, you can say, “You are doing a great job taking your medicine. I’m so proud of you.”
• Avoid forcing your child to take the medicine or holding their nose or mouth shut. This can make them more scared and defiant, and may even cause choking or vomiting. Instead, respect your child’s feelings and try to understand their fears. For example, you can say, “I know you don’t like the taste of this medicine, but it will help you feel better soon. Can you try to take it for me?”

4. Try a Different Delivery

Some children may have difficulty swallowing pills or liquids, which can make taking medicine even harder. If your child struggles with swallowing, you can try a different delivery method that suits them better. Here are some suggestions:

• For pills, you can try using chewable forms, capsules, or straws with thick fluids. Chewable forms can be easier to break down and swallow than hard tablets. Capsules can be opened and sprinkled on food or drink, as long as the medicine is not affected by heat or acidity. Straws with thick fluids, such as milkshakes or smoothies, can help your child swallow pills without tasting them.
• For liquids, you can try using syringes or droppers instead of spoons or cups. Syringes or droppers can help you measure the exact dose of the medicine and deliver it to the back of your child’s mouth, where there are fewer taste buds. This can reduce the chances of spitting or gagging4.

5. Reward and Celebrate

After giving your child medicine, you can reward and celebrate their cooperation and achievement. This can help your child associate taking medicine with positive feelings and outcomes, and make them more willing to do it again in the future. Here are some ways to reward and celebrate your child:

• Give your child a hug, a high-five, or a sticker for taking their medicine.
• Let your child choose a fun activity to do after taking their medicine, such as reading a book, playing a game, or watching a show.
• Remind your child of how the medicine will help them feel better and enjoy their day.
• Thank your child for being brave and strong, and tell them how much you love them.

Helpful Reminders about Giving Medicine

Before you give your child any medicine, make sure you follow these safety tips:

• Check the dosage and age appropriateness of the medicine. Always read the label carefully and follow the instructions. Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine, or ask your pharmacist for one. Never use household spoons or cups, as they may not be accurate. If you are unsure about the dosage or frequency, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Check the expiration date and storage conditions of the medicine. Do not use any medicine that is past its expiration date, as it may not be effective or safe. Store the medicine in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from children’s reach. Do not store the medicine in the bathroom, as the heat and humidity can affect its quality.
• Check for any side effects or interactions of the medicine. Be aware of any possible side effects or allergic reactions that the medicine may cause, and monitor your child for any signs of discomfort or distress. If your child has any medical conditions or allergies, or is taking any other medications or supplements, make sure the medicine is safe for them to use. If you notice any adverse effects or interactions, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
• Check the type and purpose of the medicine. Do not give your child any medicine that is not intended for them, or for a different condition than they have. For example, do not give your child cough suppressant, as it may not be effective or safe for children under six years old. Do not give your child honey, as it may cause infant botulism in children under one year old. Do not give your child infant drops, as they may contain a higher concentration of medicine than children’s liquid.
• Dispose of any unused or unwanted medicine properly. Do not flush or throw away any medicine in the trash, as it may harm the environment or other people. Instead, take the medicine to a drug take-back program or a pharmacy that accepts unused medications. If you cannot find a take-back program or a pharmacy near you, you can mix the medicine with an unpalatable substance, such as coffee grounds or kitty litter, and place it in a sealed container before throwing it in the trash.
• Do not refer to medicine as candy or anything else that might tempt your child to take it on their own. This can confuse your child and make them think that medicine is something they can have anytime they want. Instead, explain to your child that medicine is something that helps them get better, but only when they need it and when you give it to them.

Bonus Tip: Parentz App is Your Medication Guru

No more scrambling for dosage instructions or expiry dates! Parentz App stores all that information securely, offering quick access anytime, anywhere. Plus, it connects you directly with your child’s healthcare provider for questions or concerns. Parentz App is a smart app that helps you monitor your child’s development, track their milestones, and support their learning. It also helps you manage your child’s medication, by providing you with features such as:

• Medication reminders: Set up alerts for when to give your child their medicine, and never miss a dose again.
• Medication history: Keep track of what medicine your child has taken, when, and how much, and share it with your doctor or pharmacist if needed.
• Medication information: Access detailed information on your child’s medicine, such as dosage, side effects, interactions, and storage.
• Medication support: Get tips and advice on how to give your child their medicine from reliable sources, such as your doctor, pharmacist, or Parentz App

Conclusion

Giving medicine to your child can be a stressful and challenging task, but it does not have to be. In this article, we have shared five tips to help you make medicine administration easier and more pleasant for both you and your child. These tips are:

• Improve the flavor of the medicine by looking for flavored or chewable options, or asking your pharmacist for a flavoring service.
• Trick your child’s taste buds by mixing the medicine with a strong, sweet flavor, such as syrup, ice cream, or juice, but check for any food or drink restrictions first.
• Focus on remaining calm and positive by explaining the benefits of the medicine, avoiding threats or bribes, and respecting your child’s feelings.
• Try a different delivery method by using chewable forms, capsules, or straws for pills, or syringes or droppers for liquids, depending on your child’s swallowing abilities.
• Reward and celebrate your child’s cooperation and achievement by giving them praise, encouragement, or a fun activity, and reminding them of how the medicine will help them feel better.

By following these tips, you can make medicine administration a less stressful and more enjoyable experience for both you and your child. You can also ensure that your child receives the proper dose and frequency of the medicine, and that they do not develop any negative associations or fears with taking medicine.