How do you get a toddler to take medicine willingly??

Question

My son refuses to take Motrin when he is ill. He will cry and wave his arms all around. When we get the Motrin in his mouth, he spits it right out. I am looking for some ideas.

Answer 1

I had the same problem with mine so I tasted the liquid motrin and found that it burns the throat going down, so I went out and got the chew ables. He takes them better. He will take Tylenol willing.

Answer 2

This might not help much but its all I can do with my stubborn toddler. I put the dropper between her cheek and teeth as far back as I can, squeeze the medicine in and then hold her mouth shut for a few seconds until she swallows. It doesn't always work and is sometimes messy but that is toddlerhood! And remember that a low fever is not always bad. It is the body trying to kill off the germs with a little heat. So if the fever isn't very high and isn't bothering the baby too much, I don't worry about giving her Motrin.

Answer 3

I was just talking this though with our toddler's nursery manager who has a child of a similar age to ours. It is strange that the more ill the child is the more reluctant he/she seems to be to take the meds. I tried all the usual games and coaxing this week as my little girl has been ill. In the end I wait until she throws her head back and push the spoon in. Obviously I am careful not to hurt her but I know she needs her meds and the pain is a lot worse than any upset. I see it a little like pulling off that bandaid really quickly. Get dad to hold him firmly but not too tight and pop the spoon in his mouth, the child should throw their head back instinctivley if they are upset at being restrained.
Honestly, I am not cruel.

Answer 4

Take it with him, show by example. Also, Walgreens will add flavor to medicine for kids for two extra bucks, it's worth it. Sit down with him around the time for medicine, in a comfortable place for him ( play room, at dinner table, in front of the t.v.), show him that it's okay by taking some first, and then try with him. It may not work the first time, but it will ware on him.

Answer 5

Punish him if he spits it out. Take away toys or give him time out. Whatever he hates. And keep giving him the medicine. I haven't resorted to spanking my son over medicine, but I'd denied him certain priviledges if he didn't do what I say. That seems to work 99% of the time.

I wouldn't use the bribe tactic because then they'll demand a toy every time you want them to do something they don't wanna do. It would get mighty expensive! They need to learn to listen to you even if they get nothing out of it. You are the parent. You are in control, not them. Don't let others tell you differently.

Answer 6

Have you tried the grape flavored Motrin? It is the best one and smells good too. Try holding his nose so he can't taste it..or give him an ice pop or juice to have right after!

Answer 7

You can get flavours added at most pharmacies now.

But the best way is to offer something he likes as bribery. Whenever we have to give my stepdaughter medicine, we line up the medicine spoon, a cup of water and a sugary treat all in a row. It works wonders :)

Answer 8

try using a syringe at the back of the mouth down the side of his cheek that way he can't spit it it goes right down the throat . I have had to hold my daughters arms down in the past she takes meds every day for ep so i know this works

Answer 9

YOu literally have to hold them down, use the dropper, stick it gently in his mouth in the back right or left corner (where the wisdom teeth are) and squeeze. If he spits it out, give it to him again.

Answer 10

A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down.