Helping Children Swallow Pills

Swallowing pills can be hard for children, but it is an important skill.  If your child is age 5 or older, here are some tips and ideas you can try to help your child learn to swallow pills:

Start small:  Have your child practice swallowing with very small pieces of candy, like cake decorations.  Start with the smallest piece and gradually work up to the next size, then the next.  Then try a real pill.

Be sure to talk to your child about the differences between candy and medicine.

Mix with soft food:  Mix the pill with foods like applesauce, yogurt, pudding, and ice cream.  This may help your child not feel the pill go down.

Straw and sip:  Place the pill on your child’s tongue and have him or her drink from a straw.  The stream of water will help push down the pill.

Do not open, crush, chew or cut a pill unless your health care provider tells you to do so.  Be matter of fact and firm about taking medicine, and remember to keep a calm and positive attitude.

Adapted from McNeil Pediatrics and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners