Tips on getting a toddler to take his inhaler

[spotofcheerfulness]

DS (18 months) has been given an inhaler for what they suspect is asthma, and we've been told to give it to him every day. He absolutely refused the mask, and we've now got one of those large plastic cones to try, but every time we try to give him it he goes wild, and gets really upset.
We've tried giving it to teddy, mummy and daddy, etc, which he thinks is a great game, but no go with him.
At the hospital the asthma nurse said "you've got to pin him down and force it on him" but that seems so horrible, the time we tried he seemed totally traumatised.
I realise I might be being a bit wet, and I know it's for his own good, but does anyone have any suggestions that don't involve pinning his hands down and head still and forcing it on him?

My dd1 started on Ventolin and Becotide at 19 months. Her spacer has a teddy on it and it shows teddy taking the medicine. Not sure if it helped. I think there were times we had to force her but it is only for a few seconds.

It might seem difficult at the time but a full blown asthma attack is a lot worse.

Let him hold it himeself to get used to the idea. Give him fair warning it is coming. It might be a bit of a shock if the mask appears over his face out of nowhere.

We always count with dd1 (she is 4 now) and included her in the counting.

You can do it when they are sleeping too.

Come over to the DC with asthma thread. I'm sure others will have advice too.

How many times a day does he need to take it?

If it is just once or twice, have you tried just placing the mask bit over his nose & mouth when he is asleep?

Thanks! The counting sounds like a good plan and I will come and check out the thread. He's a v light sleeper so not sure if that would just wake him up but def worth a try.

Bribery can work for little ones - a chocolate button after each puff!

Don't pin him down - a crying screaming child shallow breathes and the medication won't be as effective.

Make it part of your morning and evening routine so he knows it's coming and non-negotiable. Let him put the mask on his face if he will - and sing a silly song whilst you're doing it.

It's an aerochamber that we have.

This one www.asthmasociety.ie/inhaler/inhaler-aerochamber-video.html

Not very easy to see but it is the yellow one with the teddy.

We make inhaler time 'special time'. It's not so much a part of the bath / teeth clean / get things done routine, but more when ds and I are having a little cuddle on the big bed and maybe a joke and a giggle or a story, we'll do it then with lots of smiling and well done and Mummy having a go too etc. He sort of thinks it is a treat... I suppose it has positive connotations for him. He is 27 month old.