Editor’s note: always ask your doctor before giving your baby medicine.

Every parent will know that there’s nothing worse than seeing your little one suffer from some type of illness. Whether it’s a cough, cold, or stomach bug, all we want is for them to feel better and see that gorgeous little smile appear on their little face once again.

However, as horrible as it is to see your baby unwell, luckily, there are many drugs which are available to us in this day and age to remedy the situation, some of the most common being antibiotics.

People have different viewpoints when it comes to antibiotics. Although they have obvious benefits which many people are in favour of, they have their downsides, too.

And when it comes to babies, people most certainly have their opinions!

What are the reasons for giving your child antibiotics when they’re unwell?

Antibiotics are a fantastic tool for fighting illness and saving lives. There’s no doubt that antibiotics have saved an unaccountable amount of lives across the globe since their discovery. They are one of the best ways to help your child become better quickly from a vast range of infections.

Without antibiotics, infections will get worse and worse. When it comes to some infections, they simply won’t go away without antibiotics, they will just get worse. In a developing infant, this is an especially dangerous situation that should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, many believe that the benefits of antibiotics strongly outweigh the dangers.

Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of antibiotics, let’s understand the reasons why many parents are against giving antibiotics to their babies.

Why are some parents against giving their children antibiotics when they’re unwell?

Antibiotics kill bacteria but can’t treat viruses – this is an issue when it comes to children under three months. When a baby is under three months and is unwell, it can be difficult for doctors to distinguish between whether they have a bacterial infection or a virus. Therefore, many doctors will end up prescribing them antibiotics just in case. This means that the baby taking the antibiotics might unnecessarily be taking a very large and powerful dose of medicine for no reason.

Antibiotics can produce severe side effects in some children. For example, nausea, diarrhoea, allergic reactions, rashes and stomach pain.

Research has linked antibiotics to all kinds of health problems. Although antibiotics are fantastic at killing bacteria, they can also lead to health problems in children. For example, childhood obesity, immunological diseases, bowel disorders, and a long-lasting shift in microbiota composition and metabolism that affects a child’s ability to fight off disease.

Overprescription of antibiotics can increase the risk of resistance to diseases. As antibiotics are so easily overprescribed, there is always a risk that a child who takes too much of one type of antibiotic will become resistant to it through repeated exposure. This means that they are more unlikely to be able to fight off infections.

So, how can I use this information to make an informed decision?

When it comes to finding a solution to your child’s illness, antibiotics will always be a fantastic option that many people are lucky to have access to. Sometimes, your infant will categorically need them to get better. However, it’s also good to keep in mind that antibiotics come with their downsides, and overusing them can have a negative impact and make them less effective. Ultimately, it’s best to use them only when you and your child’s paediatrician truly believe they are needed. If you are still feeling unsure, take some time to educate yourself further on the topic of antibiotics.

Are antibiotics safe for my baby?

Read about antibiotics before taking Unii’s Baby Health Journey.