You’re sitting in the pediatrician’s office, facing the most important moment of your baby’s life: the big, awkward consultation about erections, pees, and how to handle the potty. One of the first things the doctor may ask you is how old your baby is. If you don’t know, you’re likely to say “about a year and a half,” but what does that really mean? How can you tell what is a suitable age for your baby to begin taking medication? How can you even know if your baby is old enough to begin taking medication at all? Let’s discuss the various factors that go into the decision to give or to withhold drug treatment from your child.
Physiological Changes And Risks
The first thing you need to consider is your baby’s physiological changes. During the first year of life, your baby’s body goes through many changes that affect how medication should be given. Some of these changes are very significant and may necessitate a change in how your baby takes their medication. Let’s look at each change in detail:
Height And Weight
Your baby’s weight and height are important factors in determining their medication dosages. As your baby gets bigger, they may need to increase their dosages or be switched to a different medication. Remember that your baby’s weight can fluctuate widely during this time, so they may need to be adjusted frequently. This is why it’s important to know their current weight before giving them any medication.
Energy Level
Your baby’s energy level is also an important factor in determining their medication dosage. While it’s important to ensure that your baby gets enough energy to function, it’s also important to avoid giving them too much energy, otherwise they may become hyper or aggressive. This is why it’s important to establish a regular sleeping schedule and monitor your baby’s energy levels regularly.
Developmental Changes
Your baby’s developmental stage is also an important factor in determining their medication dosage. During this time, your baby is growing and changing, both physically and mentally. Just like with their weight and height, their developmental stage can fluctuate significantly, so it’s important to be aware of this when giving them medication.
Ability To Process Medication
Your baby’s ability to process medication is also an important consideration when giving them medication. Much like adults, babies metabolize medication at a different rate, meaning that it may take a while for their bodies to excrete it completely. If your baby is unable to metabolize medication at a satisfactory rate, then they will need to be monitored closely and given small doses regularly. Smaller dosages will also mean fewer side effects for your baby.
Psychological Changes
Finally, it’s important to consider your baby’s psychological changes when determining whether or not they are old enough to take medication. Much like adults, young babies have a limited perception of reality and can be tricked by their parents or caretakers into thinking that something is real when it isn’t, leading to a risk of overdose if medication is given without medical supervision. While it is important to be mindful of your baby’s psychological changes and how they may affect their medication dosages, you should also remember that they are young and still developing, meaning that they are going to need more time to mature before they can safely be given medication. If you are concerned about a specific behavior that you think might be a psychological change, it is best to have a conversation with the pediatrician or a family therapist to ensure that you are aware of any risks associated with medication before taking any action.
As you can see, there are many factors that go into determining when your baby is mature enough to begin taking medications. To make the right decision for your baby, it’s important to weigh all the pros and the cons and decide what is best for your family.