It's not easy to give your baby medicine. Feeling a bit overwhelmed is common due to the small dosages, squirmy movements, and pressure to get it right. The good news is that you can succeed! Our mission at Littloo is to simplify the process and provide you with the assurance you need to manage it expertly.
A baby medicine dropper is an extremely useful device. It makes giving medication to small mouths much simpler and guarantees precise measurements. Together, let's go over the procedures to ensure that you and your child have a stress-free experience.
Why Choose a Medicine Dropper?
A medicine dropper is made especially for precise, tiny dosages, which is perfect for newborns. A dropper helps you measure medication precisely, so your baby gets exactly what is prescribed, unlike teaspoons or other household tools. Whether it's vitamins, liquid medication, or supplements, it's a necessary parenting tool that makes an otherwise difficult task easier.
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Everything goes more smoothly when you are prepared. Prior to beginning, collect the following:
The medication: Check the label's dosage information.
The person who drops: Use a clean, baby-safe dropper or the one that came with the medication.
A tissue or cloth: It's best to prepare for spills because babies can be messy.
Read the directions on the medication bottle for a moment. Certain medications must be shaken, and you may need to be aware of the storage conditions for others.
Step 2: Wash Your Hands
Being clean is essential. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling a dropper or medication to ensure they are clean. Due to the babies' constant susceptibility to germs, this is a requirement rather than a choice.
Read More: Choosing the right organic baby skin care products for Newborn babies?
Step 3: Measure the Medicine Accurately
In this case, accuracy is crucial. To accomplish that:
Place the dropper into the bottle and squeeze the bulb gently to let a drop of liquid fall.
You would hold the dropper up to eye level, which helps to confirm the dose that should be applied.
Get rid of air bubbles inside the dropper by tapping lightly.
Pro Tip: Avoid using spoons from home as they are not accurate and can result in the wrong dosage.
Step 4: Position Your Baby Comfortably
It can make all the difference to position your baby correctly.
You can sit your infant down or hold them up in your lap.
Do not exert any pressure on them; gently support their head with your hand.
Keep Calm: Your baby will pick up on your mood, so it will be helpful to speak in a calm voice and act at ease.
Step 5: Feed the Medicine Slowly
This is the moment of greatness:
To prevent the gag reflex, aim the dropper toward the cheek and dip it into the side of your baby's mouth.
Slowly release the medication, drop by drop. Allow time for your baby to comfortably swallow.
You may distract your baby with a soft toy, funny face, or soothing voice if they won't open their mouth and drop the medicine.
Important: It may be very painful and even harmful to squirt medication directly into the back of someone's throat.
Step 6: Clean Up and Reassure Your Baby
It is now time to tidy up after taking the medication:
Any drips must be wiped off from your baby's face with a cloth or tissue.
Let the dropper air dry after cleaning it in warm, soapy water and making sure to rinse well.
Then hug your baby or talk to it in a soothing voice. This is not stressful, but rather positive reinforcement can make this a comforting routine.
Tips for a Smoother Process
These useful suggestions are based on the same parents' experiences.
Be patient: It is acceptable if the first time does not turn out exactly as planned. Take it slowly and try again later.
Concede the Taste: Consult your pediatrician about combining the medication with a small amount of formula or breast milk if your infant detests the taste.
Establish a Routine: Giving your infant's medication at the same time every day can promote consistency and relaxation for both of you.
Request Assistance: Do not be afraid to ask your pediatrician or pharmacist any questions.
Read More: How to Choose The Right Pediatrician For Your Baby
What to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes, as even the most experienced parents make them:
When guessing the dosage: always use the dropper that comes with the medication or one that has been calibrated.
Ignoring the Instructions: Always read the label and follow the dosage and storage guidelines.
A Hurry-Up Method: It is far preferable to proceed slowly and steadily rather than hurriedly, which may result in spills or even resistance.
Why Safety Matters
Finishing your job of giving a baby medicine is less important than ensuring that he or she is in safety while receiving medication for comfort. Proper usage of the medicine dropper can help your baby get the right care without feeling stressed.
Final Thoughts
It will take some practice before you can begin administering medication with ease, but it's okay because you will soon become proficient. And remember, all parents experience this phase, and there is nothing wrong with learning during the process. By following Littloo's simple instructions, you can quickly become an expert at using a baby medicine dropper.
You are doing a great job despite the hardships of parenthood. Keep calm, believe in yourself, and remember that you are not alone on this journey.