Swallowing medication information sheet

 

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Introduction

Some children find learning to swallow medicine or tablets difficult. This is normal but can be challenging when medication is needed for illness or to treat a long-term condition.  

Learning to swallow medicine or tablets takes time and practice. It鈥檚 important that your child feels safe and supported while learning at their own pace, as this can help them feel confident and in control. 

What age to start

On average, children ages 4 and up, or those who easily follow directions, can start learning how to take medication.

Different ways to deliver medication

Some medications can be mixed, crushed, or dissolved with food and drink. Doing this can help change the texture and taste of the medication and may make it easier for your child to swallow. 

Common food and drinks for mixing medication include: 

  • flavoured water or juice 
  • yoghurt 
  • fruit puree 
  • ice cream. 

Some foods and drinks can affect how your child's medicine works. It's a good idea to ask the doctor or pharmacist if it's safe to mix the medicine with any food or drink.

Some medications might be less effective when mixed, crushed, or dissolved with food or drink, so your child will need to learn how to swallow tablets. 

Strategies for swallowing tablets

It鈥檚 important to help your child feel calm, relaxed, and positive while they learn how to swallow tablets. Always follow your child鈥檚 lead when learning a new skill, and take breaks if they become stressed, anxious, or upset. Give them encouragement for trying, and make sure you celebrate when they progress to a new stage of learning.  

Before your child practices swallowing tablets, talk through what will happen and what the medication is for. Explain that you are helping them learn to swallow their medication, but they should only ever take medication when it is given by a trusted adult. Always supervise your child when they are swallowing the medicine and ensure the pack is immediately returned to safe storage, out of reach and sight of children.  

Stage 1: Gulping

Talk to your child about swallowing and gulping. When they drink liquid like water, milk or juice, the gulping action helps things to move down their throat. 

Practice gulping by taking a drink and trying to gulp three times in a row. Start with one gulp and build up from there. If this is difficult, your child can use a bottle or straw. 

Stage 2: Head Position

Have your child practice moving their head in different positions when they gulp or swallow. They can try moving their head back and forward, or side to side. Let them try different head positions and ask them which one felt the most comfortable. 

Stage 3: Lollies

Using a lolly to practice swallowing medication can be useful as the taste and texture are usually familiar and pleasant. Ask your child what kind of lolly they鈥檇 like to use for practice or which one they鈥檇 like to choose from the packet. This will give them some control. 

Always explain to your child that medication is not a lolly, and it should only be swallowed when given by an adult.  

Start with something small, like a cake sprinkle, and ask your child to follow these steps: 

  1. sit up straight  
  2. pick up the sprinkle 
  3. place it in the middle of your tongue 
  4. pick up your glass of water/juice/milk 
  5. take three gulps (and move your head if comfortable). 

Remind your child not to hold the liquid in their mouth or forget to take all the gulps. 

The lolly will most likely be swallowed in the first gulp. 

When your child feels confident swallowing the sprinkle, you can move up to bigger lollies like mini M&Ms or smarties, until they feel confident to try their medication. 

It is okay if your child needs to go back and practice on a smaller lolly after trying a bigger one. Give them encouragement and praise to build their confidence and remember to take breaks. 

Supporting your child

Every child is different. Some will learn quickly, and others may take more time. It's important for parents and caregivers to maintain a positive and stress-free environment when helping a child learn a new skill like swallowing medication. It helps build confidence and reduce anxiety around their health. 

Video: Giving medicine to kids tips

Disclaimer

This information sheet is a guide only, intended for use by parents and carers only. Medication should only be given to children by a responsible adult when required and as directed by the doctor or pharmacist.  

Medication should be stored safely and out of reach and sight of children.  

If your child has been poisoned by any substance, including medication, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.