Making the Medicine Go Down

Toddlers are known for being finicky little people. Your average toddler can spot a vegetable from a mile away and turn his nose up at just about any food, no matter how lovingly prepared. So how in the world can you get a toddler to willingly take something as yucky-tasting as medicine? By being very resourceful, of course. Here, the parents of Parent Soup share their tips on getting little ones to take their medicine.

"I use a medicine syringe and just shoot it between his clenched lips!"

"Maybe you don't need to give him an oral medicine. Some of the same relief can be achieved using a hot, steamy bathroom and a Vapo-Rub-type medicine. I try not to give oral medicine to my son, so we'll sit in the bathroom on the floor and read a book while the shower is on hot. (Obviously, never leave any child by themselves during this treatment. Since there's no danger of overdosing, you can do this treatment several times a day as needed."

"If my son needs an antibiotic, he does better if I let him hold the little medicine cup."

"My daughter hated the taste of some of the medicines she had to take. So we started a little treat basket. She could pick one thing after taking her medicine to get the flavor out of her mouth. The treats were small - a chocolate kiss, a peppermint patty, a lollipop, or a piece of fruit."

"I pour the dosage into a little cup and put a straw in it and let my son drink it that way. Usually he'll drink anything if there's a straw in it."

"My daughter takes a nightly medication that tastes terrible. We use chocolate syrup to help it go down smoothly."

Like this? Want more?
Sign up for Baby & Toddler
Comments See all
Chime in now!
    Advertisement
    Connect with Us
    Follow Our Pins

    We love style on a budget, DIY projects you can do with your kids (or yourself), parties, FOOD, home decor (that functions and looks good), hairstyles and so much more! Curated by iVillage Staffers...

    Follow Our Tweets

    The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

    On Instagram

    Real time pics from iVillage staffers. Follow us for behind-the-scenes at the office, NYC sightings, celebrities, food, fashion, nails, and more!

    Advertisement