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.

1. Digital thermometer (for use rectally or in the armpit).
2. 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}
3. Rubbing alcohol and cotton balls to clean thermometers, tweezers and scissors.
4. Petroleum jelly (for rectal thermometers).
5. Saline drops to loosen mucus from a stuffy nose.
6. 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)
7. A battery or manually-operated nasal aspirator. Some parents find this easier and more effective than a syringe.
8. Electrolyte solution for hydration after vomiting.
9. A small flashlight for checking your baby's nose, ears and mouth
10. First-aid manual such as the American Red Cross's First Aid & Emergency Preparedness Quick Reference Guide. Also consider taking an Infant CPR class.
11. Anti-gas drops, or other gas or colic remedy.
12. 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.
13. Baby shampoo or baby wash.
14. Baby moisturizing cream. Watch your baby for signs of skin reaction to creams with perfumes or other ingredients.
15. Diaper rash cream.
16. Teething toys. Avoid using topical gels on sensitive baby gums and digestion.
17. 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!