As a rule, it is prohibited to take medicine on Shabbat if one is not defined as sick (see above, p. 442, with regard to one suffering from minor aches), but with regard to young children the Sages were lenient and did not apply this prohibition. Thus, medicine may be given to a young child, even if he has a minor pain or other medical condition, as though he was actually sick.

The following include some common treatments for babies that are permitted on Shabbat:

It is permitted to apply oil to a baby’s skin, including to treat skin irritations such as diaper rash, or for dry skin on the scalp. The oil should be as thin a liquid as possible, and it must be applied by hand, not with cotton wool. With regard to ointment or cream, some permit one only to dab it on the baby’s body but not to rub it in, while others even permit spreading it, if it becomes fully absorbed into the skin. It is permitted to sprinkle powder, such as talc, onto a baby’s skin, despite the fact that the express purpose of the powder is medicinal.

A baby or a young child may be given any medicine he needs, including pills and syrups as well as drops for the nose, eyes, or ears. If necessary, it is permitted to crush a pill for a baby or child (although a regular pill crusher should not be used) and dissolve it in water.

If a child requires a humidifier, one should consult a rabbi.

If a baby or a child is suffering from rectal worms, it is permitted to remove them on Shabbat. One may also administer oral medication to treat this condition.