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Paracetamol Dosage for Children - A Guide for Parents
It is common practice to take a dose of paracetamol as a quick relief method for fever, headache or other pain. Most parents carry on this practice for their children when they have a temperature or complain of minor pain. But, before you can administer paracetamol to children, it is best to understand the appropriate dosage for kids. It is also ideal to get approval from your child’s doctor before you give paracetamol to your child.
Is Paracetamol Safe for Children?
When used in the right dosage, paracetamol is considered safe for children. Many doctors also prefer prescribing the medicine as a treatment for fever or pain.
When and How Often Should You Give Paracetamol to Your Child?
You can give paracetamol to your child if he has fever, headaches, and aches in the body. Fever caused due to a shot may also be reduced with a dose of paracetamol.
The right dosage of medicine can be given to your child once in every four to six hours, up to four times within 24 hours. Under no circumstances should you exceed the recommended dosage. If your child does not respond to the medicine, consult a doctor for a further course of treatment.
How to Give Paracetamol to Your Child?
Paracetamol is available in the form of tablets, syrups or suppositories, which are each taken differently.
1. Syrups
Shake the bottle well and pour out the right dosage with the spoon, cup or syringe that comes with it. In case there isn’t a spoon, ask the pharmacist for a measuring spoon. Never use a normal spoon to measure out the syrup, as you will miss the right dosage.
2. Tablets
Paracetamol tablets should be swallowed whole with water, milk or juice. They shouldn’t be chewed.
3. Suppositories
Suppositories are small plugs of the medicine that are designed to be inserted into the anus. This is ideal for kids who vomit after taking a tablet or have difficulty swallowing. You will need to follow the instructions provided on how to insert them.
Paracetamol Dosage for Children
While the dosage of paracetamol can relieve fever and pain, the wrong dosage may potentially be fatal. Here are the age-wise dosage details for kids.
1. Paracetamol Syrup Dosages
The right dosage of the syrup is listed in the chart below. Paracetamol dosage for infants is best given in the form of syrup or suppositories in accordance with their age.
Age
Type of syrup
Dosage (maximum 4 doses in 24 hours)
3 to 6 months
Infant
2.5ml
6 to 24 months
Infant
5ml
2 to 4 years
Infant
7.5ml
4 to 6 years
Infant
10ml
6 to 8 years
Six-plus
5ml
8 to 10 years
Six-plus
7.5ml
10 to 12 years
Six-plus
10ml
A maximum of two doses of paracetamol for babies within two to three months may be given under consultation from a doctor.
2. Paracetamol Tablet Dosages
Kids over the age of six can be given paracetamol in the form of a tablet. The chart below lists the dosage of the paracetamol tablet that is right for kids as per their age.
Age
Dosage (maximum 4 doses in 24 hours)
6 to 8 years
250mg
8 to 10 years
375mg
10 to 12 years
500mg
12 to16 years
750mg
3. Before Every Dose
Before you give your child another dose, you should always check your child’s symptoms to see if he really needs it. Also, wait for at least four hours after the previous dose before giving another dose. Do not give more than four doses within a 24 hour period. Keep a track of the time you give the dose and the number of doses given.
How Long Does it Take for Paracetamol to Work?
The effect of paracetamol is different in different people. However, generally, it takes around one to three hours to work after the medicine is taken.
How to Store Paracetamol
It is important that you store drugs like paracetamol safely and with added caution.
Keep it out of the reach and sight of children
Lock it in a cupboard or a box
Do not keep it in the refrigerator, as it does not need to be chilled
Ask your pharmacist for a child-resistant cap for syrup bottles
These practices can prevent children from having access to paracetemol and accidentally consuming it.
Side Effects of Paracetamol
If given in the right doses, paracetamol rarely causes any side effects. In some cases, children can have an allergic reaction to the medicine, which may cause
Skin rashes with red blisters that are swollen and itchy. Skin peeling may also occur
Heaviness or discomfort in the chest and the throat
Trouble breathing and speaking
Wheezing
Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, throat, etc
There are other side effects of the drug, like
Increase in heart rate
Change in blood pressure
Liver and kidney damage due to overdose
Disclaimer: If your child has an allergic reaction, take him to your doctor or call the doctor as soon as possible.
Precautions to Prevent Accidental Overdose
You will need to take all the necessary precautions in order to ensure that your child does not overdose on paracetamol. Here are a few things that you can keep in mind in order to avoid any complications caused by an accidental overdose.
Never combine paracetamol with any other drugs like ibuprofen without consulting with a doctor.
Always check for the expiration date of the drug to avoid poisoning. Do not use the tablet if it has passed its expiration date.
Keep the medicines out of your child’s reach to avoid accidental consumption.
Carefully note down the time and the number of dosages given to your child to prevent repeating the dosage.
Paracetamol Vs Ibuprofen: Which is Better to Treat Fever?
Both drugs are equally effective in treating fever in children; however, paracetamol is largely preferred due to various reasons. Since paracetamol has been in use for longer than ibuprofen, there is substantial data to indicate its effectiveness.
Also, while paracetamol poses a risk of liver and kidney damage in case of an overdose, ibuprofen may cause gut and kidney problems in kids even when given at the right dosage. Especially children who are dehydrated or have other medical conditions are at a higher risk of kidney damage with ibuprofen.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If your child has had an overdose and shows symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, vomiting, extreme sleepiness, or has yellow skin or eyes, you will need to call the doctor immediately.
Paracetamol is a household drug and has rarely caused long-lasting side effects. However, as an accidental overdose may be fatal, especially to children, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before giving your child the medicine.
Disclaimer: Drugs like paracetamol should only be given to kids after a proper consultation with a doctor about the dosage to be administered.
Also Read: Paracetamol Intake During Pregnancy Read more
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10 Best Homemade Toys for Kids
Kids are always after the latest toys. From action figures to Barbie dolls, there is a huge variety of toys that are available. However, getting all the toys your kids want would be impossible and may even spoil your child. Why not find a way where you can balance this out by encouraging them to make their own toys? This will not only help in improving their brain development but would make them appreciate the toys the already have. Let them learn the new methods and skills with you using these toys. These toys can keep your kids energetic and also let the parents and family interact with the kids more often. There are several games that can be enjoyed with the homemade toys. Let's see which one is perfect for your little one.
10 Homemade DIY Toys for your Children
Toys are the perfect friends for kids. Mostly, they get creative about toys and consider the toys their best friend as well. But as far as the social skills are concerned, they cannot break the shell. With this issue, it is essential for you to find time for your kids. The speciality of 'Do It Yourself' toys are that they can be made very easily. Thus, your kids can engage in more activities that could improve their brain development and social skills. Hence during the making of each toy, one can easily acquire the skills and technique that may be useful to one in the future. You can literally select each of the material specifically for your kids as well as toddlers. Let's see how some of the traditional toys are made:
1. Water Balloon Launcher
Balloons are just the perfect choice for fun. The water balloon launcher uses a holder to release the balloon. This helps to add more fun as the balloon is not broken easily, and you can aim more smoothly. Every kid will love to make one of these for themselves. Even the adults can enjoy the water balloon toy which helps to create a family bond as well.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Balloon, elastic wire, balloon holder, handle strip
How to Make?
Take two elastic wire and tie it to a rigid structure.
Other ends of the wire are attached to the balloon holder
A handle is attached to the holder for the grip
Use the balloon in the holder for the action
Let the splashes of the water add more fun to your kid's fun time. Release the holder by aiming to release the fun.
2. Backyard Rocket Launcher
Kids love the way things fly. A water rocket is just one of the homemade toys which could keep your kids excited. This toy can be made in your backyard with the help of some small stuff. This toy also inspires your kids to learn more about the science behind. Hence, this toy inspires them to learn with the fun.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Soda bottle, a wooden base attached with weights, copper tube, bike pump, duct tape
How to Make?
Take the wooden base and fix it somewhere safe. The weight attachment is important to maintain the balance of the structure.
Fix the copper tube in the base in the vertical direction.
The copper tube connected to the bike pump at the base.
Fix an airtight lid in the soda bottle
Now fix the water filled bottle into the copper tube and pump some air in. This will result in the propulsion of the bottle. You can also add up a few frictions on the bottle to change the projectile.
3. Periscope
The wonders of mirrors are really fascinating. The periscope with the use of the mirror to give the image of some other angle will always keep your kids wonder. The little toy of wonder can be easily made with a rectangular box and the
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Foam board, two mirrors, and duct tape
How to Make?
Take the foam board and make a rectangular box
Put a rectangular hole at the top of one side and bottom of opposite side
Insert the mirror and fix it in this hole at an angle 45 degree in both the holes
Mirrors are to be arranged facing the hole and making 45 degree
The wonderful periscope is ready to use. One can colour the outer of the periscope as you wish. Periscope is a toy which uses the image reflection of mirrors perfectly keep the kids in awe.
4. Spinning Disk Toy
Round and round it goes. Kids are always full of energy and boost if you are guiding them the correct way. The spinning disc is one of the toys which can keep your kids in wonder. The small toy uses a string to spin the button which is attached.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
String of 2-foot length, buttons, scissors
How to Make?
Take the string and put the buttons inside
Tie the open ends to close the loop of the string
You can just use the strings to be in each hand and the button at the centre. Then extend your hands in and out. This will create a motion in the buttons which will amaze any kid.
5. Rolling Comeback Can
A little magic toy is always lovely. The rolling comeback can is a magical toy which when rolled will come back to us. This magical toy can easily excite your kids. The elastic mechanism used in the toy will amaze the kids and inspire them to learn more.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Barrel-shaped plastic container, two cubic wooden clocks, two 1.5 inch cup hooks, rubber band, drill, non-lead fishing sinker, key ring
How to Make?
Drill the container in the bottom and top
Fix the cup hook in the square blocks and keep them on top and bottom
A fishing sinker is kept inside the container
Attach the rubber inside the container connecting the square blocks
This is one of the classic homemade baby toys. Kids will wonder about the magic container and will have a great time with it. Roll on and watch the wonder in your kid's eyes when they roll back.
6. Homemade Coloured and Textured Block
Colour and so bright. That's how they like it. The textured block is coloured and then crafted to add the charm. These are handmade toys for toddlers with its safe size and can be used in many ways as well.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Large wooden blocks, textured scrapbook paper, wooden shapes and letters, scissors, paint, and brushes.
How to Make?
The wooden blocks are collected and coloured as per your liking
Textured scrapbook paper is applied in different shapes
Use brushes to paint the blocks with letters and shapes
Cut out different shapes and glue it as well
Let your toddlers have fun this coloured and textured blocks. The variety of shapes and design helps your kids to engage in a variety of games with the coloured blocks.
7. Homemade Sock Toys
Kids always like things to be cute and pretty. The Sock toys are made from a variety of materials. But it has a perfect charm that your kids adore. Let them make the sock toys to their liking using the variety of the ornamental stuff.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Fluffy sock, Googley eyes, ornamental kinds of stuff, glue
How to Make?
Take the fluffy sock and fill it with soft materials
Stitch the ends with a thread of the same colour
Add the detail like Googley eyes and ornamental attachments as you desire
Stitch or glue each gently such that the softness of the sock is not lost
The sock toys can help your kids learn more about the cute and pretty styles. The toy making includes a variety of materials and skills. This will help your kids learn about things easily.
8. Stones for Play
The stones are used for a variety of games for kids. Thus, colouring these makes it more interesting for them. The colouring is done in a specific order or design that kids will learn to make shapes out of these rocks. These are suggested for kids and not for toddlers as they can easily cause problems.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
6 Colours of acrylic paint, brush, 28 flat rocks
How to Make?
Collect all the stones of the non-traditional shapes
Mark the colour till half of each rock
Next colour is painted on the other side and is also used in the next rock
Thus, the colouring will involve specific pattern
These stones can be arranged in the linear order of colours or used in a variety of games. The making of coloured stone will help your kids to learn about the patterns followed. One can also enjoy the painting and collection of the stones in the making process
9. Homemade Toys for Car Loving Kids
Almost all kids love cars and vehicles. They always dream of driving luxurious cars. Here the roads and maps are made for the traffic of the cars in your own house. Kids will have more fun riding in their car in the city they built themselves.
What Tools and Materials You Will Need?
Old clothing, paint, scissors, markers
How to Make?
Take the markers and old clothing
Mark the clothing for the roads, streets, and all major places
Cut out the marked clothing
Paint the clothing to add a real like touch
Stick it all together to make the city
The city made in this way is truly on creative skills. Your kids will gain more of the analytical skill and creative skill from this toy making. The city will grow more with your creativity and will attract more quality time.
10. Toys from The Recycle Bin
Toys should always give your kids some quality time. The toys from the recycle bin include unused things made useful. The ocean made from the wastage plastic bottle and structure made from the cardboard are examples.
What Tools and Materials Will you Need?
Old cardboard, bottles, water, oil, blue coloured flavour
How to Make?
Take the large bottle and clean it
Take water, oil, and blue coloured flavour in the same bottle
Mix them well after closing the bottle
Watch the ocean like blue inside the bottle
Cardboards are torn at the edges
They are joined together to form a structure of your choice
Welcome your kids to the world you used to live in. These homemade toys are perfect for keeping kids away from the tech gadgets. Let them have fun with some homemade games and toys. Always take special care or accompany your kids while they are engaging in toy making activities as they involve scissors. Many of the mentioned toys make use of various mechanisms and technology. This will surely trigger the curiosity of your kids to learn more in the future.
Also Read: Toys for 6-9 Month Old Babies Read more
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Suggested for you
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Beginning Preschool: Four Important Tips to Get a Smooth Start
School is an important milestone for every child. If you are one of the lucky parents your child may go to school happily. But if your child is a typical preschooler, you may have a tough road to walk on. It will be easier if you prepare yourself and your child for the same beforehand.
Prepare Yourself
Parents know that they have to send their kid in big world alone one day but still fear of child's safety keeps on revolving in their minds. So better prepare yourself for this new beginning and find a school that meets your needs to the best. Your may experience anxiety and overwhelming emotions when you leave your crying kid at school but believe me this phase will pass as soon as both you and your kid adapts to new routine.
Prepare Your kid
It may be a stressful situation for a small child to leave their parents and home for spending time somewhere else. So start telling him about school and all the fun he will have at the school. How his life change for good? Keep on explaining kid about all the good things about school. They may not understand it completely but it can give them idea about a new phase of their life.
Work on Language of Kids
Preschool kids are very small having small skills of communication. Work on their language and teach them simple communication sentences so that they can tell their needs to you and staff at school. For example you can teach them to say 'I want ...' for asking for things.
No Comparison
Every child is different and so is their performance and behaviour at school. Don't compare your kid to others at school. Let him enjoy and adapt to new chapter of his life with ease. He will eventually running race of life in the years ahead. No comparison strategy will also give you peace of mind to concentrate on removing any difficulty faced by your child in school.
Most importantly be a pillar of strength for your child in the new journey of his life. Be there always for him so that he can count on you every time he needs you.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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My Secret Diary - My Lost Love That My Daughter Made Me Live Again
Recently my daughter purchased a diary from a nearby mela. It was a secret diary because it has a password to unlock it. She was writing something on the 1st of January this year. Once done, she showed it to me and I saw that she has written 'I love you Mama and Papa'. I kissed her and thought, her world starts with us and ends with us. She asked me if I also have a secret diary and some secret written in it. Her question triggered my thoughts. I remembered having a small pocket diary as a kid. I always wrote my new year resolutions in that and used to show it to my bestie. I still remember a few of my resolutions, 'I will not eat chocolates', 'I will not watch TV', 'I shall never fight with my friends', 'I shall always share my comics and toys'. Like every other child, I had cheat days and my resolution broke with a promise to myself that next year I shall surely adhere to them. Time passed and I entered adulthood. But my habit of maintaining a diary remained the same and never changed.
Every year I bought a new diary and my first day of the year started with my new resolutions - sometimes a 10 items to-do list, sometimes, 20, and sometimes, 1. I started to tick those that I adhered to the whole year. Some more time passed and the world shrunk to technology with smartphones. I was now a working professional but my habit of writing resolutions remained the same. Some colleagues laughed and called it kiddish, some followed me, but I remained hooked to my habit.
One beautiful evening I became a mother, and I got engrossed in the motherhood journey. I forgot everything, I forgot myself. I left my job, became an author, a blogger, but sadly I forgot my habit of writing a diary and making resolutions. And by letting go of this habit, I forgot about my self-introspection. I felt very sad when I looked back on my last 6 years. Where was I? What all did I lose? What all did I gain? Did I improve or was I just lost in the world of duties and responsibilities?
I quickly opened my drawers and cupboards to find a diary and was lucky to get one old but untouched diary. That afternoon I sat to write my secrets and at the end showed it to my daughter who was my budding bestie. She read it out loud...'the most beautiful thing that happened to me is my daughter and every year I shall try to keep the beauty as it is.'
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
23 mins ago
A. the belly size during pregnancy is not necessary every time to grow fast
it depends individually
so don't worry about that and just have proper consultation with your doctor for examination and sonography
Humara has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreHumara
Mom of a 2 m old girl
51 mins ago
A. dear mom u can take digene syrup or ulgel they as safe my doctor recommended me during pregnancy u can also take biorab dsr in the morning and syrup before meal at least 30 min i was faciny the same issue
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
2 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
23 mins ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
21 mins ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
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