Questions from Parents about Medicines

My baby hasn’t been feeling
well. It doesn’t seem to be serious.
Can I give him nonprescription
medicine or home remedies?

Talk to your doctor before you give
your baby any medicine. Some
won’t help. Others may be harmful.

Some labels are hard to understand. Once the doctor has approved a
nonprescription medicine, ask the pharmacist at the grocery store or drug
store for help. You can ask questions at any time. You can ask for help even
after you buy the medicine.

Here are some tips to follow when you give any medicine to your baby:

• Never give aspirin to a baby or a child with a fever. Giving aspirin can
  cause a severe problem called Reye’s Syndrome.
• Always give medications according to your doctor’s directions.
• Read the label completely and carefully.
• Do exactly what the label says to do unless your doctor directs you
  otherwise.
• Always give your baby the correct dose of medicine.
• Never give medicine for a longer time than the label says.
• Never give medicine more frequently than the label says.
• Always keep medicine out of the reach of children.
• Keep medicine lids closed tightly.
• If you are giving a prescription medicine, always give it as often and for
  as m any days as the doctor says, even after your baby seems well.

Many infant medications come with a measuring device to make sure that
you give your child EXACTLY the right dose of medication. You can also
buy special measuring devices in the drug store or supermarket to ensure
that you know exactly how much medication to give your baby.

When to call the doctor:

• Your baby has a fever.
• Your baby has diarrhea.
• Your baby is vomiting repeatedly. If your baby vomits once and then
  seems healthy, he should be OK. If he vomits more than once, call
  your doctor. A lot of babies spit up, especially after feeding or with a
  burp. Spitting up usually involves bringing up only small amounts of
  liquid or food.
• Your baby is pulling at his ear and screaming. Maybe he has discolored
  fluid coming out of his ear.
• Your baby refuses to eat.
• All of a sudden, your baby has trouble sleeping.
• Your baby seems to be drowsy or less active.
  It is very important that your baby not become dehydrated. Babies are small
  and can dehydrate quickly due to a fever, diarrhea, vomiting or refusing to
  drink liquids. It is especially angerous if your small baby has two or more
  of these symptoms at one time.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your Five – Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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