So you’re new parents or about to be! Congratulations! But are you prepared for all the little bangs and bumps your new loved one will be accruing as he grows, becomes curious of his surrounding, and eventually arrives into the inevitable accident? To help prepare you, I’ve prepared a list of 15 essential items that you should be sure to stock up your first aid kit with!
Child Safe Cough Remedies – There are two kinds, one for a dry cough, and one for a mucous cough. Get both and feel free to ask your pharmacist for child safe brands that they recommend.
Eye Wash – Have a bottle of eye wash handy to help flush your youngster’s eyes from irritable materials.
Decongestant Cream – A menthol chest rub will help keep a child’s airways open if they are suffering from a really bad cold or flu that prohibits breathing.
Dehydration Remedy – This is a must have to help keep your child from dehydrating when they are having a bout of diarrhea and/or vomiting. Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist for child safe solutions.
Calamine Lotion – Best to keep a supply on hand if there is Poison Oak or Ivy in your neighborhood.
Homeopathic Teething Tablets – These will come in very useful during teething time! They are safe and effective at relieving teething discomfort in children. Usually available as a chewable tablet that also dissolves in liquid.
Antibacterial Cream – Apply on cuts so that they do not become infected.
Gauze Squares & Surgical Tape – You should always keep these stocked in the first aid kit in case of more serious cuts and burns.
Adhesive Bandages – You’ll likely always need a box of these! They’ll promote faster healing of minor cuts and scrapes.
Thermometer – Get two! You’ll need a separate one for both your child’s mouth and butt. Purchase safe, mercury free, digital styles.
Insect Spray – With the West Nile virus be sure to keep insect spray in stock. If you plan to be outdoors with your child around dusk when mosquitoes are prevalent, make sure to apply some of this beforehand.
Tweezers – Always good to have a pair on hand to remove hard to safely remove splinters and glass.
Sun Burn Lotion – This will help ease the pain if your child obtains discomfort from sunburn. Something with a good amount of natural Aloe Vera is usually very affective.
Ice & Heat Packs – Use an ice pack on bumps and heat packs on sore muscles. Just be sure to keep an ice pack or two in the freezer so they’ll be ready to use when you need them.
Skin Cream – A good diaper rash ointment should be stocked. When needed, apply a liberal amount to the back of the diaper instead of directly to the rash. This will be much less painful for your child.
That’s a good list to keep you prepared for a wide variety of ailments and “boo-boos” that your little one is sure to come across. Just remember that if any discomfort for your child continues for an unusual amount of time, or becomes more severe… It’s better to be safe and sorry! Call your pediatrician or the triage at your local Children’s Hospital ASAP!
