n this section we are referring to oral medication. Please see coping with invasive procedures for injections, etc.
Most children and young people manage to take all their oral medication by mouth, though it is common for this to be a struggle initially in the younger age group. We work with the child or young person and family to assist them to manage this aspect of care. Pharmacy input, information sheets, play specialists and psychology staff can all have an input to make this easier for the patient, when necessary.
Sometimes a Naso-Gastric (NG) tube is passed on a child or young person. This can alleviate the stress and fight of giving them oral medications whilst ensuring they receive the full dose of medication.
Fun ideas for helping children swallow pills
Alien slimy swallow
Aliens like slimy, oozy, squishy things to swallow. It helps make their throats even more slippery. Practice the alien slimy swallow by taking your tablet with a teaspoon of slippery food, such as yoghurt, chocolate mousse or caramel pudding. Always check medication can be taken with food before doing so.
Lazy toad swallow
Toads catch the insects they eat with the tip of their tongue and then schlurp! gulp them down. Try the Lazy toad swallow by placing your tablet on the very tip of your tongue. Take a sip of drink, tilt your head back as far as you can and then swallow hard.
Slippery fish swallow
Pretend you love to drink water like a fish. Place the tablet inside your mouth and drink as much water as you can holding the water in your cheeks. Now do a slippery fish swallow and swallow until all the water in your mouth is gone along with the tablet.
Pampered puppy swallow
Pretend you are a puppy being tickled under the chin when you swallow. Place your tablet on your tongue and fill your mouth with your favourite drink. Now close your mouth and do the pampered puppy swallow by tipping your head back and tickling yourself under your chin and on your throat as you swallow.
Further reading
Last reviewed January 2026