Father giving liquid medicine with syringe, mother watching
Illnesses/First Aid

How to Give Medicine to a Baby

June 30, 2026

Key takeaways: Use an oral syringe marked in milliliters (mL), never a kitchen spoon. Squirt small amounts into the cheek pocket, not the back of the throat. Check the concentration and dose every time, and keep a log if more than one person gives medicine. Call your doctor or pharmacist before repeating a dose your baby spat out.

Giving medicine to a baby can be tricky. These tips make it safer and easier.

Use the Right Tool

  • Oral syringes are the most accurate for babies.
  • Measure in milliliters (mL). The AAP recommends metric units for liquid medicine to reduce errors.
  • Never use kitchen spoons, which vary in size.
  • Use the tool that comes with the medicine when possible.

Check Before Every Dose

  • Right medicine, right baby.
  • Right dose based on weight, as your doctor or pharmacist advised.
  • Right concentration: products differ. Check the label.
  • Right time: note when the last dose was given.

From the author

From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers common first-year illnesses and the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor, explained the way I’d explain them at the bedside.

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How to Give It

  1. Hold your baby upright, as for feeding.
  2. Place the syringe tip inside the cheek, toward the back of the mouth, along the gums.
  3. Squirt a small amount at a time, letting your baby swallow between squirts.
  4. Don’t squirt toward the back of the throat, which can cause choking.

Tricks That Help

  • Offer a feed right after (unless told otherwise).
  • Chill the medicine if the label allows, which may dull the taste.
  • Some pharmacies add flavoring.
  • Don’t mix medicine into a full bottle, since your baby might not finish it.

If Your Baby Spits It Out or Vomits

Don’t automatically give another dose. Call your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Prevent Mistakes

  • Keep a written log of doses and times.
  • One person in charge of medicines when possible.
  • Store medicines up and away, in their original containers.
  • Never call medicine “candy.”

The Bottom Line

Use an oral syringe in mL, check doses carefully, and keep a log. Ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure.

Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.

Related Articles

Sources

  1. Paul IM, Neville K, Galinkin JL, et al; Committee on Drugs. Metric units and the preferred dosing of orally administered liquid medications. Pediatrics. 2015;135(4):784-787.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. How to give your child medicine. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Giving medicine to children. https://www.fda.gov

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

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