Medicine and Dosing for Your Baby

Sometimes it can be confusing to look at a medication and know how much you should be giving your baby since the instructions have an age range and a weight range. Should you go by the age or the weight? How do you know which is better?

According to Pediatrics Now, "[Ranges by weight and age are] okay in a pinch but are not very accurate because they cover a wide range of weights and are not precise for your child.

"The best way to dose your child with medication is by weight, which is what we do when we give you advice for all medications.

"Infant’s weights change frequently until they become toddlers. It is a good idea to know your infant’s weight every month or so. Once your infant becomes a toddler, the weight will only change every few months. You can figure out your infant’s weight on any home scale by weighing yourself holding your infant and subtracting your weight. Home scales are very inaccurate for very teeny weights, such as 20ish pounds and less.

"Finally, be sure you really need to give medication before you give it. Your pediatrician can guide you best on that front if you are [at] all uncertain."

According to a BabyCenter poll of 1620 parents, 59% gave their infant pain medication when it was not necessary (most, 32%, in anticipation of getting shots).

When another poll asked if parents had given their children a sedative (like Benadryl) when flying, 19,666 parents answered with 24% saying yes and an additional 20% saying they didn't but had considered it. (We had gotten some for a flight a few months ago but never used it)