19 Items To Keep In Baby’s Medicine Cabinet (Pain Relief & More)
As a parent, you have to be prepared for anything and everything.
Before my delivery day arrived, I decided to revamp my medicine cabinet in order to make it more baby-friendly.
I had no idea what my son would need to stay healthy, happy, and safe.
After polling friends and fam (and also scoping out registry check lists), I compiled a whopping total of 19 items that are musts for baby’s medicine cabinet.
Check them out!
Pain Relief
#1. Tylenol
Liquid Tylenol helps reduce fevers and aid in any pain your baby may experience when teething or as a result of strep throat.
Just be sure to know their weight so you can give them the proper dosage. Babies as light as four to six pounds can use the pain reliever.
#2. Ibuprofen
Also a pain reliever, Ibuprofen comes with a syringe for infant use and a cup for when your baby gets older.
As your child grows you can swap liquid to chewable form, before moving on to a swallowable tablet.
Ibuprofen is only for babies aged six months and up.
#3. Benadryl
This is an antihistamine, so it’s good to have it around if your baby is experiencing signs of an allergy or irritation.
Always be sure to use children’s benadryl and give it to babies six months or older, in liquid form.
In addition to allergic reactions, it can also help with cold symptoms.
#4. Gripe Water
This natural water is ideal to help babies who suffer from colic, hiccups, teething, gas, and general fussiness.
It can be used as needed and there’s no refrigeration necessary after opening it.
#5. Saline Drops
Saline drops help keep your baby’s nose moist.
It cleans out allergens and helps clear passageways when your baby has a stuffy or runny nose.
#6. Decongestant
This is safe for babies three months and older to use.
It helps relieve pressure that is associated with colds and sinus issues, and allows your baby to eat and sleep easier.
Creams, Lotions & Oils
#7. Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash cream is a must!
It should be used as a preventative with each diaper change and it can target tough rashes that can develop.
It forms a barrier on the skin and heels sores.
#8. Dry Skin Ointment
This ointment can be used if your baby suffers from eczema, or has occasional dry skin.
It assists with chapping, cracking, and can even help with scratches and cuts.
#9. Dry Skin Cream
Meant to be used daily, a dry skin cream should be applied each morning as you get your baby dressed, and each night after your baby’s bath.
It helps keep your little one’s skin nice and soft, and it remedies patches of dry skin that start to form.
#10. Baby Oil
Meant to be used on wet skin, baby oil locks in much more moisture than any lotion or cream when applied to dry skin.
Use it daily or on occasion after your baby’s bath when their skin is moist.
Gadgets & Gear
#11. Nasal Aspirator
Your baby’s little nostrils will either be stuffed up with hard boogies, or will run like a faucet when sick.
A nasal aspirator fits gently up your baby’s fragile nostrils and sucks the snot or booger right out, without you having to use your fingers.
#12. Rectal Thermometer
A rectal thermometer is the most accurate type of thermometer when obtaining your baby’s temperature.
It’s designed to be soft and flexible, and it comes with a case, ensuring you keep it separate from other items.
#13. Baby Nail Clippers
Baby nail clippers are designed to cut and treat little nails.
Some have a light on the end of them, allowing you to see better and to not cut into their skin.
#14. Baby Humidifier
A baby humidifier puts moisture back into a room, and is great to run if your baby is sick and is having difficulty breathing.
Once they hit the six month mark, you can sprinkle in drops of eucalyptus oil, or menthol, which will really open them up.
#15. Medicine Dropper
A medicine dropper comes in handy for a wide variety of reasons.
It can be used orally, it can deposit drops in your baby’s eyes and ears, and it can target treatment of smaller areas.
Soothing
#16. Teethers
Teethers are great to have on hand, in bulk!
Once the teething stage starts, your baby can get pretty cranky.
So, it’s wise to always have something they can gnaw on during diaper changes and overnight.
#17. Teething Gel
Gels help numb your baby’s sore gums so they can get some relief as they sleep overnight (or even any time).
You can choose a gel that you can apply with your finger, or a gel that comes pre-filled in a q-tip for a more sanitary version.
#18. Pacifiers
A pacifier is also one of those soothing items you can never have enough of.
Be sure the paci is designed for an infant at first (yes, they come in different sizes) and you choose one that is BPA-free.
#19. Cold Press
A cold press can be useful in cooling off a baby who suffers from a fever or an injury.
It’s soft, cool, and brings them instant comfort.
You can even apply it on gums or cheeks during teething times.
Safety Tips When Giving Your Baby Meds
While it’s great to stock up on supplies, you should ultimately conference with your child’s pediatrician to determine what they’d like them to have (and not have), and when.
Some doctors feel very strongly about zero Benadryl before the age of two. Others prefer to take a totally holistic approach. Some doctors are pretty easy going and open to administering meds.
The key is to find a doctor who compliments your temperament and beliefs.
Once you do that, you can adhere to some common safety tips in regards to baby medications:
Wrapping Up
Being a parent is a rewarding, but difficult job.
So much goes into making sure your child is safe and well-cared for.
One way you can get a head start is to stock your medicine cabinet prior to your child’s arrival.
It will help you keep your cool when your child gets sick for the first time, or is in need of basic wellness or medical care.
These 19 items will do the trick and will keep your baby looking great and feeling great as well!
