Being a parent is a HUGE responsibility. I’m not so sure everyone takes this responsibility as seriously as they should. I had a call last night from a Mom of a 3 month old that had given too much Benadryl to the child. I was rather concerned for this child and instructed the mother to call Poison Control. I have since learned that the child is doing just fine, but slept really well last night.

For a poison control emergency in the United States, Call 1.800.222.1222

Infants should not be given any medications under 6 months of age without the advice from their pediatric provider.  There are very few medications that I recommend for infants. One exception would be Tylenol, and then proper dosing needs to be decided based on the weight of the child. Motrin is not advised for children under 6 months of age. Links to the Tylenol and Motrin home page are in the sidebar under Links To Additional Info. 

Medication can be dangerous when not used as advised, this includes over the counter medication. I think it is sad that so many parents are unable to accurately dose their children’s medication. Many medication recalls are related to dosing errors, not problems with the medication. I think it is an unfortunate result of what I call “dumbing down” our schools; resulting in the inability of adults to read and/or convert measurements. 

Please, on behalf of your children, take your parenting responsibilities very seriously, the well-being of your child is in your hands.

What a journey we are on friends, the most important journey of our life is called Parenthood!