Family Medicine Cabinet
A round-up of suggested items to have on hand to keep you and your children healthy
Digital thermometer. Especially important if you have a baby; for infants, a rectal reading is the most accurate.
Petroleum jelly.
Antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes. Toss the tube and buy a new one if it touches an infected cut.
Scissors. One sharp pair plus a pair of safety manicure scissors.
Tweezers for removing ticks and splinters.
Alcohol wipes. These are safer than rubbing alcohol, which is poisonous if swallowed. Use them to clean thermometers, tweezers and scissors, and the skin around wounds. (Stick to soap and water on open cuts; alcohol hurts.)
Anti-itch topical cortisone cream or topical calamine lotion for insect bites and rashes. Never apply to a baby—who might lick it off—and don’t get it near the eyes (best to avoid the face altogether).
Child-safe insect repellent and sunscreen lotion.
Acetaminophen. For babies under 35 pounds, make sure it’s infant-strength. Stick with the recommended dose—overdoses can cause liver damage.
Ibuprofen for children over 6 months only; adult-strength is OK for kids 12 and over.
Medicine dropper, oral syringe, or calibrated cup or spoon for administering medicines.
Saline nose drops (nonmedicated) to help clear a baby’s nose.
Nasal aspirator (or bulb syringe), in case nose drops don’t work.
Seasonal allergy medication, if needed.
Oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte.
Teething gel. Stick to the recommended dosage.
Simethicone drops for gas.
Sterile cotton balls, cotton swabs.
Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes or gauze rolls, pads and adhesive tape. Small bandages can be a choking hazard, so watch your child closely.
Baby shampoo, moisturizing cream and mild liquid soap for a baby’s sensitive skin.
Cough and cold medicine.
FYI: The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that over-the-counter cough and cold medications not be given to infants and children younger than 2 years because of the risk of life-threatening side effects. According to the AAP, several studies show that cold and cough products don’t work in kids younger than 6 years and can have potentially serious side effects.
Sources: www.parenting.com, www.healthychildren.org, www.babycenter.com, Tylenol and Motrin Customer Service
What to Reconsider
Syrup of ipecac. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends it for poisonings.
Mercury thermometer. If it breaks, it’s a health and environmental hazard. Give it to your doctor to discard.
