Baby medicine

Occasionally, your baby may get ill and you may want to give them medication; it is important to know which medications are suitable for your baby, as some are only recommended for older children. The articles below will offer advice about buying and giving your child medication and provide information about when you should arrange to see your GP.

Which medicines are suitable for babies?

Babies under the age of 3 months should not be given pain relief medication unless it has been approved by your GP (sometimes doctors give babies a small dose of medicine following their vaccinations at the age of 2 months); if you are worried about your baby, talk to your health visitor or arrange to see your GP.

For babies over the age of 3 months, there are a number of paracetamol-based medications, which can help to ease pain; Calpol is the best known and most popular brand. You should check with your GP or pharmacist before you give your baby medicine; if they have a high temperature, Calpol will also help to bring this down.

When your baby gets a bit older, they may also be able to have ibuprofen-based medications; you should always follow the instructions carefully and talk to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure whether or not the medication is suitable for your baby.

What dosage is suitable for babies?

The usual dosage for paracetamol-based medicines, such as Calpol, for babies aged 3-12 months is 1-2 small spoons (2.5ml) up to four times a day; do not exceed the dosage stated on the back of the bottle or packet. If for some reason you have given your baby too much medication, arrange to see a doctor as quickly as possible. It is important to always check the instructions on the bottle before you give your baby medication.

Medicines should not be used on a long-term basis; if your child’s symptoms have not improved after 2 days of taking medication, you should take them to see their GP (if their condition appears to be getting worse, rather than better, you should arrange to see a doctor as quickly as possible).

If you have trouble giving your baby medication from a medicine spoon, you may find it easier to give them it using a syringe; this also ensures you get the dosage right as well.

What should I do if over the counter medication isn’t working?

If you have given your baby over the counter medication and it doesn’t seem to be working, arrange to see your GP; if, for example, they have still got a very high temperature despite having medication to bring it down, you should take them to see a GP. If you notice other symptoms, including a high pitched cry, a rash, flu-like symptoms and a change in your baby’s general behaviour (if they seem irritable or emotional, for example) you should seek medical help; it may be that your baby is developing a more serious illness, such as meningitis and it is always beneficial to have checked over; if you are really worried and you can’t get an appointment with your GP, don’t hesitate to take your baby to Accident and Emergency.

If your baby is vomiting a lot and is struggling to keep the medicine down, talk to your GP; they may try to give the baby medication using another method, such as giving it intravenously.

Are all over the counter medications suitable for babies?

Many types of medication are not suitable for babies; it is important that you read the labels carefully and ask your pharmacist or GP for advice. You should never give babies and children aspirin, as this may contribute to a rare illness known as Reyes syndrome (this is a very serious condition which affects the major organs, including the brain and the liver). You should never give babies medication you have been prescribed yourself; adult medications are not suitable for children.

Storing medicines safely

Medicines last for a long time but they do have a use by date; it is therefore important that you check the dates on medication; if the medication has gone out of date, you must buy a new bottle. Try to keep the advice guides and labels on your medicines so you know what the medication is and how to use it. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and make sure you do not leave tablets or creams lying around in places where babies can reach them.

Babies and antibiotics

Antibiotics are only prescribed when an illness or infection has been caused by bacteria; viral infections cannot be treated using antibiotics. If your baby is unwell and displaying symptoms of an infection, take them to see your GP. If your GP prescribes a course of antibiotics, you must follow the instructions very carefully; you must give the baby the complete course or the medication may not work and you must stick to the timings and dosage recommended by your doctor; the dosage will also be written on the label or the bottle.

What if my baby has eczema?

Eczema is very common amongst babies and young children; if your baby has eczema your GP may advise using a steroid cream on their skin. Babies are usually given mild steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone. It is important that you read and follow the instructions carefully before you apply the cream to your baby’s skin. Your doctor may also recommend using special products in the bath to help ease your baby’s skin irritation.

Do baby medications cause side-effects?

In some cases, babies may experience mild side-effects; possible side-effects may include changes in your child’s bowel habits (most commonly diarrhoea), nappy rash, oral thrush and vomiting. If you notice that your baby has a severe reaction to a particular type of medication, including if they come out in a rash, vomit repeatedly or start to experience breathing difficulties, you should seek medical help as quickly as possible as this may mean they have an allergy.

When should I call an ambulance?

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you should call an ambulance immediately:

  • If your child stops breathing
  • If your child loses consciousness
  • If your child is experiencing breathing difficulties
  • If your child has a fit for the first time (this is important even if they seem to recover fully after a minute or two)
  • If your child won’t wake up from sleep

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms you should take your child to the local A and E department:

  • If your child is having difficulty breathing
  • If your child has a deep cut, which is bleeding heavily
  • If your child has a very high temperature which cannot be controlled with over the counter pain relief
  • If your child has an injury and cannot use the affected limb; you may also notice swelling and bruising
  • If your child is complaining of severe abdominal pain

If your baby is still very small, they will not be able to tell you about the pains they are experiencing so look out for changes in their cry, monitor their temperature and observe the way they move; if you are worried about your baby, do not hesitate to seek medical help; it is always better to check something out.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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