If your baby aged 6 months or over has been prescribed a medicine, follow the instructions for giving it exactly.

If your doctor has prescribed a medicine for your growing baby, make sure you know:

• What it is.
• How often it should be given.
• When to stop giving it (your baby should always finish a course of antibiotics).
• Any possible side effects to watch for; for instance, some medicines cause very runny nappies for a day or two.

If your baby has a mild pain or is feverish, paracetamol in syrup or liquid form is a suitable medicine for babies. 
Do not give your baby:

• Any adult medicines
• Any medicines containing aspirin as this can cause a rare but serious condition (Reye’s syndrome) which affects the brain and liver.

Always read the instructions on babies’ medicines carefully. It’s important that the product is suitable for both your baby’s age and weight. If you are in any doubt, check with your pharmacist or healthcare professional.

Important

Products containing ibuprofen or paracetamol, like all medicines, should not be used long term without a proper diagnosis. If baby’s symptoms do not settle within 24 hours, consult your GP.

Before you give your baby any over-the-counter medication:

• check that it is recommended for babies and your baby’s age
• check the dose

Antibiotics 


These only work when your baby has an infection caused by bacteria. They will have no effect on infections caused by viruses and your doctor will not prescribe them. Antibiotics are always prescribed for a fixed number of days and you must give them for that period. Don’t stop giving them because your baby seems better or you risk the infection recurring even more seriously.

Antibiotics also need to be given at strict time intervals so that their level is maintained in your baby’s blood stream. ‘Every 6 hours’ for example, means just that.

Over-the counter medicines


Always ask your pharmacist whether the medicine you are thinking of buying is suitable for your baby’s age. Ask for sugarfree medicines to protect your baby’s teeth. Never give aspirin to a child under 16 years.

Steroid treatments 


Steroid creams are often prescribed for eczema. These are very effective in damping down the inflammation, which occurs when someone has an allergic reaction. Steroids come in different strengths; hydrocortisone is the mildest. They can make the skin thin and papery if used over a long period of time. Apply the cream as thinly as possible to your baby’s skin.