Tips for children swallowing pills

"I read some of your tips for toddlers, but I was wondering - do you have any tips for getting preschoolers to swallow pills?  There are some medications that don't come in liquid form."
Sure...try these...

1.  Let your child practice swallowing pills by using the tiny M&M's.  If it gets stuck, it will melt within seconds.  I've also tried this with small pieces of ice.  It's best to practice this "before" you child gets sick.

2.  You can help pills slide down a little easier if you use a baby spoonful of applesauce, whipped cream, ice cream or yogurt.  I've also wrapped the pill with something fun to eat like a soft piece of donut, toast coated with jelly, or a pinch of peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

3.  As long as your preschooler isn't one to suck on things first, you can try coating the pill with a little butter or oil or pudding in order to make them more slippery.  My mom is 83 and she still takes her nightly pills with a small bite of banana.  She says it helps it slide down easier.

4.  As long as it's okay to crush the pill (ask your pharmacist), you can mix it with food or drink.  Just be sure crushing it doesn't release a bad taste that will destroy the taste of the food.

5.  For chewable tablets, have your child chew a piece of bread before brushing his teeth.  This will remove all the medicine that may be stuck on his teeth. 

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you have any more suggestions.

Seeking His Wisdom,

Debbie