Baby health tip: keep a medication log

The The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) suggests keeping a medication log when and if your little one needs to be on medication. Why? Keeping a medication log when you give your child medicine helps you to remember when you last gave your child a dose and helps you avoid an accidental overdose. Also, the AAFP notes that a medication log can provide valuable information to your child's pediatrician in the event of a problem, including a negative drug reaction. The AAFP says you should keep the following in your medication log...

• "Your child's name full name.
• Name and phone number of the child's parent or guardian.
• Contact information for the child's pediatrician.
• Contact information for the nearest poison control center and hospital.
• The kind of medication you gave your child, as listed on the container.
• The time and dose of any medication given to the child each day. This includes any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
• Any unusual signs or symptoms in the child after the medication is given."

When Cedar was little I always kept a medication log - mainly because my parent braincells were always tired and forgetful when Cedar was tiny. If your little one is in daycare, use a handy caregiver guide to keep track of medications.