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Original poster

What can I do if my DD won't take vitamins?

4 replies

ShineSmile · 28/05/2014 21:20

My DD (12 month old) is deficient in iron and vitamin D, and has been prescribed calcium supplement too as she is on a dairy free diet.

She is completely refusing to take any of the above. She is a very very fussy water with poor appetite (has been discussed with dietician). I have tried adding it to chocolate pudding (she likes chocolate), tried distracting her with her favourite video and asked her dad to give it to her. I can't add it to her normal food as she hardly eats anything, and what she does eat is normally bland and she is fussy about. So nothing seems to be working Hmm

What are my options now?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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Original poster
ShineSmile · 28/05/2014 21:21

Btw trying to give her foods rich in iron, vitamin D and calcium won't be sufficient as her appetite is so poor. She is BF so I can't add it to her milk.

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blueberryboybait · 28/05/2014 21:23

Are they liquid? If so give them as you would any other medication. She needs them, they are not optional therefore they are medication!

strawberrybubblegum · 29/05/2014 08:37

Agree with blueberry. She needs it, so it's medicine.

It's not much fun, but wrap her tightly in a big towel to pin her arms in, hold her in your arms, and use a calpol syringe (or ask the pharmacist for one). It's easier to have one person holding and another person administering the medicine. If you squirt to one side, into the cheek, then they don't tend to spit out. Do a bit at a time (about 2-3 goes for a 5ml dose), waiting for her to swallow between goes, but keeping the syringe in if you can (otherwise you'll have to get it back in through her clamped mouth). She'll scream blue murder, but if you keep her lying back a bit, she will swallow the medicine. Be very matter-of-fact about it with her. I used to just repeat 'I know you don't like it, but it's medicine and you have to have it' - probably more to help me than DD! And then give her a cuddle and tell her how brave she was when it's done.

They do get used to it. We've had a few courses of antibiotics where it was 4 times a day, and she did start accepting it a bit more after a while.

Original poster
ShineSmile · 29/05/2014 17:06

Thanks for your tips, I will try that.

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