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)

cotton-tipped swabs (to clean umbilical-cord area, not ears)

bandages, in assorted shapes and sizes

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

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• Birth
• DIY
• Fitness
• For Mom-to-Be
• Get Prepared
• Medicine
• Pre-Pregnancy
• Ovulation Calendar
• OB/GYN: Roy Pitkin, M.D.

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