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Giving medication to a baby is different then medicating an adult. Some drugs have a reverse reaction on a baby than it does on an adult. For example, barbiturates make adults lethargic, yet they can make children hyperactive. More important, babies' bodies are not as forgiving as adults are, if a mistake is made.

The rules are simple.

• If you ever have any questions, consult with your pediatrician.

• Never give a child, under the age of two, over the counter medicines unless your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so.

• Never give a child aspirin or any products containing aspirin or salicylates, unless directed to do so by a physician. Studies have indicated a link between the use of aspirin by children with the development of Reye's Syndrome, a potentially deadly disease.

• When you get the medication from the pharmacist, check the label and make sure that it is the same medication that your doctor prescribed and that the instructions on the label match what you were told in the doctors office.

• Read all the literature that accompanies the medication. Know exactly how much of the medicine should be given, and how often to administer it – follow the directions exactly.

• Measure dosages very carefully. Too little and it may not have the intended effect. Too much and it may have fatal consequences.

• Watch for side effects or any adverse reactions. If you notice any signs out of the ordinary, even if you think it might not be anything serious, wade in on the side of caution and call your pediatrician.

How much medicine your doctor prescribes for an infant is determined by its weight. If your doctor has ok'd the use of an over the counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, be sure to ask what dosage you should give. Many over the counter medicines only give dosages based upon age. In an infant, this could easily result in an overdose.

When giving the medicine, try to get as much of it into the infant as possible. If the infant spits up a large amount of the medication, don't automatically give another dose. Instead, call your pediatrician and ask if you should redose.

• Never put any medication in your baby's bottle. You want to be sure that the baby gets the entire dosage prescribed, and this may not happen if the medicine is mixed into their bottle. In addition, medication needs to be given at a specific interval to be effective. When placing medicines in the bottle, you cannot be assured that the baby will drink it all immediately.
• Use exact measurements. If the dosage calls for a tablespoons worth, use a measured tablespoon (like you would use when cooking), not a kitchen tablespoon.
• It cannot be stated too often: Read the instructions carefully. Make sure that you give the medicine on the recommended schedule and make sure that you know exactly what the dosage is, and give only that amount.

Medicines should be given by using a dosing instrument with exact markings. If the product you are using comes with a measuring device, be sure to use it as it has been designed for use with that product.

Oral syringes and droppers are well suited to giving liquid medications to infants.

• Oral Syringes these are good for use with infants. Squirt the medicine toward the back of the mouth, between the tongue and cheek. Don't squirt it directly toward the throat as if may cause the infant to gag. When you fill the syringe, read the measurements at eye level.

• Warning These syringes have a small cap at the bottom. Be sure to remove it before giving the medicine, as it can come off and choke the baby.

• Droppers – another good way of giving liquid medicine to an infant. Measure the dosage at eye level and administer the dose quickly, as they tend to leak.