SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)
2 FULL YEARS of Parents® Magazine plus a FREE GIFT! Order NOW to take advantage of this great offer! Get 2 full years (24 issues) for just $7.99! Plus you get our new Ultimate Birthday Party Planner ABSOLUTELY FREE! HURRY this offer won't last! (U.S. orders only)

Email:

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Parents® Magazine is currently published 12 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

6 Medication Safety Steps

from American Baby

When you're giving medication to your baby, make sure to follow all of your doctor's directions as well as these additional safety tips:

  1. Take the whole course of an antibiotic as prescribed, even if your child seems cured after a few days.
  2. Don't reuse a prescription left over from a previous illness, even if you suspect it's another bout of the same sickness.
  3. Measure medicine carefully -- even the difference of a mere milliliter can overdose a baby -- and use an appropriate dosing device rather than a kitchen spoon.
  4. Don't call medicine "candy."
  5. Don't forcibly squirt medicine down the back of your child's throat. A portion can get into the lungs, causing her to gag.
  6. Call your doctor if the medicine doesn't seem to be working, your child's condition worsens, or you notice unexpected side effects.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Parents.com Parents.com

© Copyright 2013, Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.