By Health Promotion Board in collaboration with Dr. Angelia Chua, Consultant Family Physician, NHGP.

Meds for Your Little One

For Fever and Pain

Paracetamol is commonly used to treat pain and fever in children. The correct dose of paracetamol depends on your child’s weight. The usual dose of paracetamol is 10-15mg per kg (of your child’s weight), taken once every 4 to 6 hours, up to 4 times in 24 hours if needed.

For Insect Bites and Rashes

Have a bottle of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream handy to sooth your baby’s delicate skin when the bugs just prove too much.

For a Stuffy Nose

A few drops of saline (salt water) spray or nasal drops will loosen and clear your baby’s stuffy nose, helping him breathe easier and sleep better within minutes.

For Colic or Tummy Troubles

Anti-gas medication that contains simethicone will help to reduce the amount of gas in the baby’s stomach and help him feel better.

Related: 9 Common Issues Babies Face

Prepare a Medicine Box for Baby

Your baby’s crying and you’ve made the call to the doctor. The doctor instructs you on what medicine to give as well as the dosage, and you put down the phone.

The second you hang up, you realise it’s already past midnight and none of the nearby pharmacies are open! To avoid such a scenario, stock up on the medicine and remedies for the little one and put it in a handy box.


Other Medical Aids for the Box

  • A digital thermometer to help monitor a fever.
  • Cotton balls are useful for applying liquids and lotions on your baby’s soft skin without making a mess.
  • Plasters come in handy when treating minor cuts and scrapes.
  • A bulb syringe is an essential item Mum and Dad will need when administering nasal drops to help baby breathe better.

Related: First Aid for Every Home

Remember These Do’s and Don’ts


Do’s

  • Always check the medicine dosage and give the exact amount.
  • Keep the medicine locked away safely in a medicine cabinet.
  • Check the expiry date. Dispose of any expired medicine.
  • Some medicines need to be kept in the fridge, so read the instructions on how to best store the medicine.
  • What your baby needs most when feeling under the weather is plenty of fluids and rest. Remember to keep your baby hydrated and make sure that the little one gets all the rest he needs!

Don’ts

  • Do not give your baby medicine that was prescribed for other children.
  • Do not give your baby any medicine without consulting your doctor first. This includes the medication mentioned above.
  • Never give your child aspirin. It might lead to a serious condition known as Reye’s syndrome that causes swelling in the liver and brain, so aspirin is a big no-no for the baby.

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your baby a healthy start.

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