Whether you prefer paper charts, physical pill boxes, or digital reminders, there are many different tools available to help you remember to give medicine on time. Having to remember to give multiple kids multiple medications every day can feel overwhelming. Let’s review some tools that can keep you organized so your kids don’t miss any doses.

1. Pill boxes

One way to organize medications for multiple children are pill boxes. These are compartmentalized containers that store daily doses of each medication for each child. Examples include a 7 day pill box or monthly pill box. You can choose a different color for each child to help you remember which pill box belongs to each child.

Make sure to label each pill box clearly with the child’s name. You’ll also want to include the name of the medication, strength, and time the dose should be taken. Some pill boxes offer morning, afternoon, and night compartments for you to place the medication into. If you are worried about your children having access to the pill boxes, look for a locking pill box.

2. Medication logs

Even with all of the different digital apps and tools we have at our fingertips, you may still prefer the good old pen and paper methods. A chart can help you track doses and refill dates for each child. 

You can also use a checklist for each child, listing out their medications and the time they are supposed to take them. This can help you keep track of which medication each child receives and when.

There are many medication log templates available online, some for free that you can download. You can print or make your own weekly charts or checklists, or use a simple notebook to keep track of everyone’s doses each day. Keep them on the fridge or in a place where you will see them each day.

3. Digital apps

Even with all of the different digital apps and tools we have at our fingertips, you may still prefer the good old pen and paper methods. A chart can help you track doses and refill dates for each child. 

You can also use a checklist for each child, listing out their medications and the time they are supposed to take them. This can help you keep track of which medication each child receives and when.

There are many medication log templates available online, some for free that you can download. You can print or make your own weekly charts or checklists, or use a simple notebook to keep track of everyone’s doses each day. Keep them on the fridge or in a place where you will see them each day.

4. Set an alarm

Life gets busy. So setting an alarm to go off when it is time to give your children their medications can be helpful. If possible, try to have them take their dose at the same time – such as in the morning before school, or at night before bedtime. 

Some medications must be taken at certain times to be effective or avoid side effects, so work with your child’s pharmacist or pediatrician to find a time where you can get most of your children’s medications scheduled at the same time.

5. Maintain a regular routine

Taking medications around the time you normally do something every day can help you remember to give your children their doses on time. For example, trying giving their morning doses right after bruising teeth. Or, give them with breakfast. By doing this repeatedly, you will get into the habit of giving the medications around the same time(s) every day.

6. Use colors

Since most prescription bottles look the same, it can be frustrating having to dig through many bottles to find the one you’re looking for. Here’s where color coding can help! Assign each child a color, and then put stickers or labels in that color on the medications. When you go to grab one of your children’s medications, this can help you find it faster.

7. Medication refill reminders

Most pharmacies have a refill reminder program where they can text or call you to remind you to pick up your refills. You can usually ask them to do this when you pick up your medications, or set it up online. If your pharmacy doesn’t offer this service, you can set an alarm on your phone a few days before you run out of medication. A calendar can also be helpful for when you need to refill your child’s medication.

Using one or more of the tools above can help you organize your children’s medications and help you remember to give them their doses on time. If you’re still struggling, contact your child’s pharmacist or pediatrician for further guidance.