Nasal aspirator bulb syringe for drawing mucus out of a stuffed-up nose
Ear thermometer
Adhesive bandage strips
Gauze rolls (½ to 2 inches wide)
Gauze pads (some each of 2x2 and 4x4 inches)
Adhesive tape
Sterilized cotton balls
Cotton-tipped swabs
Mild liquid soap (antibacterial and deodorant soaps may be too strong for baby's sensitive skin)
Baby shampoo
Baby moisturizing cream to help soothe your baby's skin
A medicine dropper, oral syringe, or calibrated cup or spoon for administering medicines
A package of tongue depressors to check sore throats
A heating pad
A hot-water bottle and ice pack
A small flashlight to check ears, nose, throat, and eyes
A First-Aid manual. The American Red Cross's Standard First Aid Personal Safety Manual gives detailed advice for handling both minor and major emergencies.
If your child has a life-threatening allergy, keep an epinephrine kit with you at all times.
THINGS TO AVOID
You should never give your infant these medicines:
Aspirin
Anti-nausea medications
Adult medications
Any medication prescribed for someone else or for another reason
Anything expired
Chewables. For children under 3, they are a choking hazard
Extra acetaminophen. Cold and cough medicines often contain acetaminophen, so don't give baby painkillers on top of that. Ask your pharmacist or pediatrician if you're unsure.
NOTE:
Ibuprofen has only been shown to be safe for children 6 months and older.
Nevergive your infant "acetaminophen plus cough/cold medicines that already contain acetaminophen"—this could give your baby a dangerous overdose of acetaminophen. Always read the label of medicines and ask your doctor before giving your baby any medicine. (See article on "Giving Medicines Safely").
Whenever you consider giving your child a medication, it is always safest to ask your baby's doctor whether the medication is helpful or necessary, whether it is safe for your child's age, and the proper dose for your child's age and weight.
Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.