A new baby in the house means it's time to check your medicine cabinet. Chances are, you'll have everything but the one item you need on a cold and rainy night when your baby is crying inconsolably. So plan ahead, with this first aid kit checklist and make sure these items are close at hand.
Equipment
- Thermometer-the high-tech digitals are wonderful, but be sure to have an old-fashioned rectal one too, as a backup.
- Tweezers (for splinter removal)
- Nasal aspirator
- Medicine dropper
- Baby nail scissors or clippers
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Self-adhesive bandages
- Gauze pads and bandage tape
Medicines and Preparations
- Infant acetaminophen and infant ibuprofen drops-generally you'll need ibuprofen for high fevers, acetaminophen for low fevers and other aches, such as teething or post-vaccine discomfort. (Remember to check expiration dates periodically.)
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning thermometers and tweezers
- Diaper rash ointment
- Antibiotic cream for cuts and scrapes
- Hydrocortisone cream for insect bites or skin rashes
- Activated charcoal and syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in case of poisoning (always check with your doctor or local poison control center before administering either one)
- Topical teething gel
- Petroleum jelly
- Saline nose drops
- Oral rehydrating solution for diarrhea
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