How to Teach Your Child to Swallow a Pill

 Teaching a child to swallow a pill is something many parents dread. And it can be challenging. Most children (and even adults) struggle to swallow tablets and capsules. If you think about it, this makes sense. After all, avoiding swallowing anything too large is a natural reflex – and one valued by every parent of young kids!

But sometimes, especially when your child is receiving treatment for cancer or another severe illness, pill swallowing can’t be avoided. Some medications need to be in pill form to be effective. Others are simply not available as liquids or chewable. In these cases, your child will have to learn.

Your child’s doctor, nurses and even child life specialist can help teach your kid to take their medicine. They often have a lot of experience and many useful tips. But like many things in life, teaching a child to swallow a pill ultimately falls on the parents. Children look to their caregiver first for guidance and reassurance. And often, they are taking their medication at home.

But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Read on for a step-by-step guide to teaching children to swallow pills, followed by a few more helpful tips.

When Can Kids Learn to Swallow Pills?

Many children wait until they are older, around age 10, to learn to swallow pills. However, kids as young as 4 years old who can follow directions can begin to practice. Everyone is different, so use your best judgement. You know your child best.

Teaching Kids to Swallow Pills in 5 Easy Steps

Learning to swallow a pill is a skill like any other, that can be taught step-by-step. But it does takes practice. Below is a simple guide to teaching pill swallowing to kids. Try to limit practice sessions to no more than 20 minutes of time and adapt these steps as you see fit.

Finally, try to stay encouraging and have patience. Most children fight swallowing pills at first but eventually get the hang of it.

1. Speak to your child’s doctor or pharmacist to identify the size of the pill they will need to take.
2. Gather foods in a variety of sizes all the way up to the size of your child’s medication. Candy is a popular option, but you can use anything that is the right size and/or shape. Below is a sample list of foods that your child can practice swallowing:
   • Peas, corn, edamame or the inside of green beans
   • Blueberries, raisins or dried cranberries
   • Sunflower seeds
   • Soft bread or balls of soft cheese
   • Small cereal, such as Cheerios, Kixx, Trixx and Pops, is an option but know they will dissolve if your child does not swallow them fast enough.
   • Sprinkles, Nerds, Tic Tacs, Mini and Regular M&Ms, Skittles, Reece’s Pieces, chocolate chips, Mike and Ike’s, or Good and Plenty
3. Wait for a time when your child is calm and comfortable. Learning to swallow a pill will be near impossible if they are anxious or panic. If your child is resistant to practicing, try making it a competition or game. You can also try a reward chart for completing a practice session.
4. Start with the smallest piece. Have your child sit or stand up straight with their head facing forward and place the “pill” on the back of their tongue. Then instruct them to take a sip of water or juice and swallow. Your child should continue taking sips to keep the “pill” moving until it is completely washed down.
   • If this is not successful, try larger gulps. Sometimes having a full mouthful can help hide the feeling of the “pill”. Or your child can try priming their mouth with a small sip of liquid, keeping it in their mouth before adding the “pill”, and washing it down with another small sip. Don’t forget to remind them to relax their throat.
5. Once your child can swallow the smallest sized food confidently, go up a size. Continue this process until they can easily take the desired size medication.
   • If your child becomes frustrated, tired or simply full, stop and try again the next day. But first be sure to end with a success, even if this means going down a size. This will help them stay positive and maintain momentum. And don’t forget to congratulate them, no matter their progress.  Just trying is a win!

Tips to Help Kids Swallow Pills

It’s normal for kids to not be successful swallowing pills the first time. If your child is struggling, experiment with different methods. Below are a few ideas to help.

• Try different head positions. Some kids like to look straight ahead. Other’s find it easier to swallow looking up or down. You can also try different positions while they’re drinking. However, be sure not to have their head too far in one direction as this can make it hard to swallow.
• Try a straw or a sippy cup. The act of sucking stimulates the swallowing action.
• Squeezable plastic water bottles are another option. The stream of water can help wash the pill down.
• Try a chaser bite of something they love, like ice cream.
• Experiment with placing the pill on different locations on their tongue.
• Sometimes it’s easier for children to take pills with soft foods. Some kids prefer sticking the whole pill in yogurt, pudding, smashed banana, applesauce or Jello. Or coat the pill in chocolate sauce or Magic Shell. However, be sure to check first with your physician or pharmacist to make sure the medication can be safely taken with food.
• Experiment with different types of liquids and temperatures. Carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, thicker liquids such as milk, smoothies or milkshakes, and warm, room temperature or cold drinks are all options.

If despite their and your best efforts, your child is still having trouble swallowing a pill, speak to their doctor about additional help or a referral to a professional such as an occupational therapist. There may also be different medications they can take until they are successful.

No matter what, don’t give up. Stay positive and know you have an entire medical team to help you provide your child with support.