When your baby is suffering the discomfort of a tummy ache, teething pain or a cold, are you prepared? The last thing you want to do is head out late at night for supplies when your baby isn’t feeling well. So, stock up on things you know your little one may need as she grows. You’ll want to keep the essentials on hand, so you’ll be ready for whatever ails your baby.
Lotions and Creams.
- Diaper rash cream. All babies get diaper rash. It’s inevitable. Zinc oxide cream is a definite must-have for clearing up diaper rashes.
- Hydrocortisone cream. This is great to have on hand for when Baby has dry, itchy skin, bug bites or eczema (a red, scaly rash). You can find this anti-inflammatory salve in pharmacies in 1/2- or 1-percent strengths, both mild enough for infants. Talk to your pediatrician before use, and don’t use for more than seven days on your baby, as it can cause changes to the skin (loss of pigment).
- Petroleum jelly. This inexpensive, tried-and-true moisturizing remedy works well on dry skin and eczema, as well as on diaper rash.
- Triple antibiotic ointment. Once Baby starts crawling or walking, this will come in handy for the minor cuts and scrapes he may get along the way.
- Baby lotion and baby oil. Lotion is great to relieve baby’s chafed or irritated skin, while baby oil is used for very dry, patchy areas that may develop on a baby’s skin and scalp.
- Teething medication. Although teething toys usually help your baby with teething pain, if your baby isn’t getting enough relief, a topical teething remedy may be what you need.
Pain Relief.
- Infant Acetaminophen (Tylenol). You’ll need the infant drops or liquid for fever or pain. However, never use acetaminophen for babies under 2 months old without specific instructions from the pediatrician. Also, ask your pediatrician for a dosing chart to keep on hand as well.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Ibuprofen infant drops work like acetaminophen in helping pain and fever. However, if your baby is younger than 4 months old, don’t give it to him without a pediatrician’s consent. While ibuprofen is a little stronger and can last a little longer, most pediatricians prefer acetaminophen for babies younger than 6 months old because it’s easier on the stomach.
- Decongestant. For babies older than 6 months, an over-the-counter decongestant or combination decongestant/antihistamine medicine is commonly recommended for a runny nose and congestion. If your little one is younger than 6 months, contact your pediatrician about use and dosage.
- Saline nasal drops. These drops are made from pure salt water and help loosen and clear Baby’s stuffy nose. They can be used alone or with a nasal aspirator.
- Simethicone drops. Gas drops may not always produce results, but they’re safe to try since they stay in the gastrointestinal tract and aren’t absorbed into the body.
- Electrolyte solution. Used to alleviate dehydration, this beverage is mostly for bottle-fed babies suffering from significant diarrhea or vomiting. Give this drink only under the direction of your pediatrician.
Feel-Better Tools.
- Medicine dropper or syringe. Because babies can overdose easily,
these are great tools to have to make sure you’re giving your child the correct amount of medicine. Syringes are best, as they don’t drip and are easy to direct into the mouth of a wiggly baby. Droppers are also available, but they tend to drip. If your baby is old enough to sit up on her own, a hollow-handled spoon that can be filled with medicine works best.
- Nasal aspirator/bulb syringe. Your baby can’t blow his own nose, so you will have to do it for him. Bulb syringes are great at suctioning out the excess mucus from little noses.
- Cotton swabs. Swabs are wonderful for cleaning the folds of baby’s outer ear. Just be sure never to insert them into Baby’s inner ear canal or you risk perforating the eardrum.
- Nail clippers. Newborn babies grow quickly, so they may need their nails trimmed every five to seven days. Be sure to use nail clippers designed for babies, and if your little one is resistant, try clipping her nails while she’s sleeping or feeding.
- Rectal thermometer. If your newborn feels warm, the best way to take her temperature is with a rectal thermometer. In fact, a rectal thermometer should be used until Baby is 6 months of age because the readings are more accurate than under-the-arm or ear thermometers, and accuracy is especially important in infancy.
- Cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer. These are a great, natural method for helping relieve a baby’s cold symptoms.
Once you have Baby’s medicine cabinet all set up, be sure to stay on top of expiration dates and update the medications at least once a year. This is the best way to avoid waking up in the middle of the night to a sick baby and realizing the medicine expired two years ago.
Medicine Do’s and Don’ts:
- Don’t call your child’s medicine “candy.”
- Keep medicine out of children’s reach.
- Ask your pediatrician whether medicine should be given before or after meals.
- Measure medicine carefully.
- Inform your doctor if your child is taking any other medicine.
Mom and author Gina Klein resides in Kansas City with her husband, two daughters and a houseful of pets.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.