Shopping for the Baby Medicine Cabinet
Shopping List for Baby’s Medicine Cabinet
Diapers, check. Bottles, check. Teddy Bear, check. But what about medicine?
Bringing baby home is exciting - ok maybe a little scary too! Your baby shouldn't need very much medication right away after coming home from the hospital. However, it is good to be prepared in case your baby develops a fever or has a problem with a gassy tummy.
17 Medical and First-Aid Supplies for Infants
If you are unable to get all of this gathered before your baby arrives, it will be fine to pick items up at a later time.
- Digital thermometer (for use rectally or in the armpit).
- Infant acetaminophen liquid pain reliever. Be sure to choose the strength for infants - there is also a strength for children older than 2. Check with your health care provider before you start giving it to your baby}
- Rubbing alcohol and cotton balls to clean thermometers, tweezers and scissors.
- Petroleum jelly (for rectal thermometers).
- Saline drops to loosen mucus from a stuffy nose.
- An ear syringe for drawing mucus out of a stuffy. (Ear syringes work better than a bulb syringe on an infant because the tip is smaller)
- A battery or manually-operated nasal aspirator. Some parents find this easier and more effective than a syringe.
- Electrolyte solution for hydration after vomiting.
- A small flashlight for checking your baby's nose, ears and mouth
- First-aid manual such as the American Red Cross's First Aid & Emergency Preparedness Quick Reference Guide. Also consider taking an Infant CPR class.
- Anti-gas drops, or other gas or colic remedy.
- Small nail file for filing your baby's nails. Don’t use a clipper – it is easy to cut baby’s sensitive (and squirmy) skin.
- Baby shampoo or baby wash.
- Baby moisturizing cream. Watch your baby for signs of skin reaction to creams with perfumes or other ingredients.
- Diaper rash cream.
- Teething toys. Avoid using topical gels on sensitive baby gums and digestion.
- A soft-bristled baby brush to use when washing your baby's hair to prevent cradle cap.
You will soon learn to decipher different sounding cries from your baby - and knowing when he or she is just not acting normally. If you have a concern, call your pediatrician's office. We know new parents are learning. There is never a "silly" question.
Congratulations on your new baby! It is a joy for me to care for your children – and watch as they grow!