Helping your child to swallow tablets – new resources from Kidzmed
Being able to swallow tablets is an important life skill that children need to learn. The Kidzmed programme has developed a guide to help children and young people learn to swallow tablets using six simple steps.
There are many benefits to children learning to swallow tablets at a young age. Tablets contain less sugar, and children who can take them often face fewer difficulties with medication adherence. Tablets also have practical benefits: they typically have a longer shelf life, they donot require refrigeration, they are easier to store and transport, and are more widely available in local pharmacies. In addition, they are usually more cost-effective than liquid formulations.
The Kidzmed programme has been developed to help children and young people learn how to swallow tablets, using a simple six-step technique. The six steps are shown as cartoons with instructions, available to view below or download here.
There is also a video which shows you some techniques you can use to teach your child how to swallow tablets, available here:
Medicines for Children also has an information leaflet with lots of tips and different techniques to try with your child, available from www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/advice-guides/general-advice-for-medicines/helping-your-child-to-swallow-tablets/
The Kidzmed programme was developed to teach children and young people how to swallow tablets. It was first set up at the Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle, and has since spread widely with many partners.
More information on Kidzmed and the full set of resources, including a leaflet to help parents/carers with useful tips, can be viewed here: