What Every Parent Should Know about Children's Medication Essential Tips for Parents Kids get sick, there's no getting around it. So make sure you're prepared for it when they do-and that you know how to give them medicine correctly. How to be prepared: Keep a list on your fridge or by the phone of key phone numbers such as your pediatrician, poison control center, and local pharmacy. Keep an up-to-date record of your child's weight. Many children's medicines are dosed by weight or age. The dose will change as your child grows. List any medications that your child is taking currently and any allergies he may have. Equip your medicine cabinet with: A thermometer (oral for mouth, rectal for rectum or underarm, or tympanic for the ear). Children's Tylenol to lower fevers and make your child more comfortable. How to Give Medication Correctly Know your child's weight so that you can give the correct dose. Read the package instructions carefully. Not all medicines should be given at the same hourly intervals or in the same amount. Follow the package instructions and give the full amount of medicine that is labeled for your child. Always use the dropper, dosage cup, or other measuring device that comes with the medicine. Other items like kitchen teaspoons may not be accurate. Never use spoons, droppers, or cups that come with other medicines. Make sure you're giving the right formula for your child's weight and age. Infants' and children's medicines are specially formulated, so you need to change formulas as they grow older. Don't give infants' medicine to an older child, or children's medicine to an infant. Don't give medicine to a baby who is lying down; this could cause choking. Download our Medication Record form to keep track of the time and amount of each dose you give your child-this information will help your pediatrician or nurse if you need to call them. If you have any questions about which form or dosage is most appropriate for your child, don't hesitate to talk to your pediatrician.