Using
Medication Properly with Kids
If
your baby is sick and needs medication, it's critical that you only
administer the exact dosage prescribed by the physician. Even though a
grownup or an older kids might do ok with a slight variation, you
don't want to take this chance with a baby.
With
a small baby, it's essential that you pay attention to the dosage,
since even a minor variation in the dosage can have a considerable
impact on the outcome. Even little changes in your baby's weight will
have a big affect on the amount of medication your medical professional
will prescribe.
Be
certain to administer the medication using the measuring cup or spoon
that usually accompanies it. If you didn't receive one along with your
medication, be certain to buy one that provides precise measurements.
Don't
measure out the medication in a kitchen teaspoon; these are not an
accurate measurement and can range considerably in size. This can
greatly increase the risk of administering more medication than is
necessary or safe for your baby. Even worse, you might be administering
a dosage that will cause more harm than good to your baby.
As
well, don't make a decision by yourself regarding the proper medication
dosage for your baby. You might be putting your baby's health at risk
and not even know it. Be sure to check with your doctor if in doubt.
Many
parents are turning to natural remedies for their kids, but it's
important to keep in mind that these can affect a baby quite
differently. And the fact that they are natural doesn't make them 100%
safe for your child. Some natural products can even be toxic to a small
baby and can do a lot of harm.
The
bad news is that there are many places selling these natural remedies
that aren't able to provide knowledgeable advice. Too frequently, they
can unwittingly cause harm to the person using the product. Don't
neglect to check with your baby's doctor or a reliable health care
provider if you're thinking about using natural remedies.
In
the early stages of your baby's development it is best to rely on
trusted medical practitioners. Sickness in a small baby can advance
very quickly to a critical level. Don't take the chance of
administering medications that might harm your baby's health.
