Using the wrong measuring device can lead to incorrect medication dosing for children. Researchers at New York University found parents were more likely to make dosing errors when using teaspoons or tablespoons to measure medications. Researchers suggest adopting a milliliter-only standard for measuring kids’ liquid medications could reduce errors. For the most accurate liquid medicine measurements, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices recommends parents use a dosing cup, dosing spoon, medicine dropper or oral dosing syringe. The use of baking spoons, hypodermic syringes, kitchen spoons and measuring cups isn’t exact enough.
Keep track of kids’ medicine schedules by drawing a chart right on the back of the bottle. “X” out a box every time you give a dose.
