Medicine
MEDICINE CHEST
By Mary Ellen Branna
For a new parent, the first time your baby gets sick can be a very scary experience.
That said, it's helpful to have a list of items on-hand so that you're prepared to
handle any health-related situation that you may come in contact with. However, be certain to call your
pediatrician before giving medications to a newborn and for medical issues that you are unsure of.
Have a list of phone numbers (including your pediatrician and local
emergency contacts) posted around your home, as well as stored in your
cell phone for easy access.
General Health
cotton balls (to clean ears)
sterile gauze pads and bandage rolls (1-inch and 2-inch varieties)
adhesive tape
sharp scissors with rounded ends
ice pack
hot-water bottles
tweezers and a small packet of needles (for removing splinters)
Allergy and Congestion
nasal aspirator
saline nose drops
cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier (to help clear stuffy noses)
Thermometers
thermometer--rectal (with short round bulb)
thermometer--digital rectal (easy to use on squirming bottoms)
thermometer--tympanic (for use in the ear; faster but more expensive)
thermometer--auxillary (underarm; faster but more expensive)
rubbing alcohol (to clean thermometers)
Creams and Ointments
petroleum jelly
bacitracin ointment
diaper rash ointment
OTC Meds
acetaminophen
ibuprofen (for use in infants 6 months and older)
decongestant drops
syrup of ipecac
glycerin suppositories
diarrhea medicine
Tips for keeping your baby at the right temperature.
We've got some creative ways for you to deliver the good news.
We present guidelines for choosing a safe sunblock product and using it wisely on your baby.
The content on these pages is provided as general information only and should not be substituted for the advice of your physician.
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