Start here · Babies
Using medicines safely
At home
Medicine mistakes are a common cause of poisoning in babies. The right dose depends on weight and on the product's strength.
What to do
- Use only infant or children's products, with the syringe or cup that comes in the box.
- Give the dose on the package for your baby's weight. If your baby's weight or age isn't listed, ask the pediatrician or pharmacist.
- Check the strength (mg per mL) and the active ingredient, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Write down every medicine: name, amount and time. That way no one gives a double dose.
- Store medicines up high, locked, with the child-resistant cap closed.
What not to do
- Never aspirin or products with salicylate (like Pepto-Bismol): risk of Reye syndrome.
- No ibuprofen before 6 months.
- No acetaminophen before 12 weeks without talking to the pediatrician.
- No honey before 12 months, not even in food: risk of botulism.
- Don't use kitchen spoons or split adult medicines.
- Don't combine two products with the same ingredient (for example, two with acetaminophen).
- Don't give codeine or tramadol.
- Don't use azarcón, greta or other powders for 'empacho': they contain lead. No camphor either.
