5 Medicines You Should Not Be Giving Your Baby
- Aspirin
Never give your baby aspirin or any medication containing aspirin unless instructed by your baby’s doctor. There’s a strong link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome – a rare but potentially fatal neurological disorder. Learn to read labels carefully, don’t assume that children’s medicine found in pharmacies are aspirin-free. The ingredient is also sometimes referred to as “salicylate” or “acetylsalicylic acid” on the packaging. If you baby is experiencing fever or discomfort, always ask your baby’s doctor for aspirin-free alternatives.
- Over-The-Counter Cough and Cough Medicine
Every year, thousands of children end up in emergency rooms after consuming too much cough and cold medicine. These over-the-counter medications treat the symptoms of respiratory distress in adults and don’t actually help soothe symptoms in babies. In addition, children can suffer serious side effects such as rapid heart rate, convulsions, and even death, when given more than the recommended dosage.
- Adult Medication
Giving your baby a smaller dose of medicine meant for an adult does not make it safe. Most adult medications contain concentrated ingredients, additives and preservatives that may be harmful by themselves or interact with substances your baby is already taking. Whenever possible, rely on natural remedies or medications designed specially for babies. Always double check with the pharmacist or your baby’s doctor if your baby is being prescribed adult medication.
- Chewables
Chewable tablets or any medication in tablet form pose as a choking hazard for babies. If your baby is already on solid food and you want to use a table, check with your baby’s doctor if it’s possible to crush it and mix it with a spoonful of soft food.
- Over-Dosage of Pain Reliever
Discovering the right dosage and formulation of pain reliever for a child less than 2 years of age can be a challenge, so it’s always a good idea to check with your baby’s doctor first. Some medicines contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help break the fever or ease pain, so be mindful not to give your baby an additional dosage if he or she has already consuming such medications. Trust us, your baby does not need that extra boost.
