Child care: medication, safety and everyday health
Taking care of kids means making lots of small decisions that add up. Here are clear, practical tips you can use right now: how to give medicines safely, spot warning signs, and handle common problems like fevers, asthma, and allergies.
Giving medicines the right way
Always use the measuring tool that comes with the medicine. Kitchen teaspoons are inconsistent—use the syringe, dropper, or cup that matches the dose. Double-check the dose on the label every time, especially when kids grow or you switch products (infant vs. children’s strength).
Read labels: active ingredient, strength, age limits, and warnings. If two meds contain the same ingredient (for example, two products with acetaminophen), don’t give both. If you’re unsure about a dose, call your pediatrician or the local poison control center before giving anything.
Store medicines up and out of reach, ideally in a locked cabinet. Keep them in their original containers so the label and expiration date stay with the medicine. Dispose of expired or unused drugs safely—many pharmacies offer take-back or drop-off days.
Handling common issues and when to get help
Fever: For most kids, a fever alone isn’t an emergency. Look at behavior—are they playful and drinking fluids or floppy and uninterested in fluids? For babies under 3 months with a rectal temp of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call your doctor right away. For older kids, treat discomfort with proper dosing of acetaminophen or ibuprofen and encourage fluids and rest.
Asthma and breathing trouble: Keep rescue inhalers ready and know how to use the spacer properly. If you see persistent rapid breathing, blue lips or face, severe chest retractions, or if the inhaler doesn’t help, get urgent medical help. If your child has prescribed alternatives to albuterol, follow the plan your provider gave and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Allergies: Antihistamines can help mild reactions like sneezing or itchy eyes. For any signs of severe allergy—swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, hives with vomiting—use emergency care and follow anaphylaxis protocols your clinician recommended.
When in doubt, call. Your pediatrician can often triage by phone and tell you whether a home treatment is okay or if you need to go in. Keep a small file with medication names, doses, allergies, and your child’s weight—this makes phone triage and emergency visits faster and safer.
Small habits protect kids: teach handwashing, keep vaccines up to date, and be honest with kids about why medicine tastes funny—practice with a clean syringe and water can help. These steps save stress and help you feel confident when decisions matter.
