Giving medicine to infants and young children can be hard. Here are some suggestions and safety tips that may make giving medicine easier. 

  • Read the label each time before you give the medicine.
  • If the medicine is a liquid, use a pediatric measuring device or syringe (Picture 1). You can get these at the pharmacy. Never measure liquid medicines in kitchen spoons.
  • Give the exact amount of medicine ordered.
  • Ask your child’s doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist if the medicine can be mixed with foods and drinks. Some foods or drinks make the medicine not work well.
  • Stay with your child until they swallow all of the medicine.
  • This medicine is only for your child. Do not give it to anyone else.
  • Never call medicine “candy.” Call it medicine.

A Positive Approach

The way you give medicine to your child is very important. A direct approach is usually best. This means you expect your child to take the medicine just as you expect them to put on their coat before going out in cold weather. 

How to Give to Infants (Newborn to One Year Old)

Here are the ways to give medicine to an infant. Choose the one that you think will work with your baby. If one method does not work, try another one.

  • Draw up the correct amount of medicine into an oral syringe (a syringe without a needle). Let your infant suck the medicine out of the syringe. Do not squirt medicine directly at the back of the baby’s throat. This may cause them to choke.
  • Give small amounts of medicine at a time to avoid choking (Picture 2).
  • Let your baby swallow all the medicine before you give more.
  • Give the medicine right before a feeding unless your doctor tells you not to. Your baby is hungry and more likely to swallow the medicine. You know that your baby may be hungry by watching for their sucking reflex.
  • Avoid mixing medicine with foods your child must have. They may begin to dislike the foods they need.
  • Some medicines may be crushed and mixed in soft food. Check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist first. To crush a pill, place it between two spoons and press the spoons together. Mix the medicine with a small amount (1 to 2 teaspoons) of applesauce or pears and give it with a spoon.
  • Some medicines can be put in a small amount of juice or sugar water. Do not put medicine in a full bottle or cup in case the infant does not drink very much.

How to Give to a Child 1 Year and Older

Your attitude toward giving medicine is especially important with young children. These are some ways to give medicine. Try one that you think will work with your child. If one method does not work, try another one.

Measuring Spoons Conversion Table 

Measuring Spoon Metric (1 mL = 1 cc) 1/4 teaspoon = 1.25 mL 1/2 teaspoon = 2.5 mL 3/4 teaspoon = 3.75 mL 1 teaspoon = 5 mL 1 ½ teaspoons = 7.5 mL 2 teaspoons = 10 mL 1 tablespoon = 15 mL 1 ounce = 30 mL 

Medicine: How to Give by Mouth (PDF), Somali (PDF), Spanish (PDF)

HH-V-28 8/84, Revised 6/22 | Copyright 1984, Nationwide Children’s Hospital