Importance of Baby Medicine Cabinet

Knowing about the essentials of a well-stocked medicine cabinet and having them is very necessary when you have a baby in the house. Thus when the newborn is crying with discomfort, you should not be mopping around the house looking for medicines and the first-aid kit.

All infants go through a phase of scrapes and bruises, not to forget the clogged noses and periods of high fever. A well-stocked medicine cabinet, where everything is readily available, is a boon to a mother during such emergencies. It should include all the essentials to help the little one feel better when he is hurt or sick.

Placement of the Medicine Cabinet

The obvious choice when it comes to the placement of the cabinet is the bathroom. However, storing prescription medicines and ointments near a place which is close to sources of heat and moisture can lead to chemical changes within the medicines and render them toxic. The best place to store the essential medicines and keep the first-aid is a small and high shelf in a room closet.

Essentials of a Medicine Cabinet for an Infant

• Digital thermometer
• Non-aspirin liquid pain relievers like paracetamol, for babies
• Topical calamine lotion for insect bites
• Petroleum jelly for dry skin
• Anti-bacterial ointments for cuts or scrapes
• Adhesive bandages in various sizes and shapes
• Gauze rolls and pads to make bandages and apply pressure to stop bleeding
• A pair of scissors
• Cotton balls to apply ointments and liquids
• Mild liquid soaps and antiseptics like Dettol or Savlon, to clean the cuts before bandaging
• An oral syringe to administer medicines which don’t come with a dropper
• Hot water bag for minor aches and pains
• A small flashlight to check the baby’s nose, eyes and ears
• Small toys to distract the little one when he is in pain and needs a dressing
• Diaper rash cream which is to be applied every time while putting on a new diaper to avoid rashes and infections
• Saline nose drops to clear the baby’s nose
• Baby safe insect repellant
• Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen for cold and mild fever, however consult your doctor before giving any of these medicines
• ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) for diarrhea
• A doctor recommended glycerin suppository in case the baby is severely constipated and some aloe vera lotion to be applied near the anus so that the stool passes easily.
• An electrolyte solution to avoid dehydration if the baby is vomiting profusely.

When To Throw Out Medicines

• Any drug or medicine which has crossed the expiry date should be removed
• Medicines or ointments that have changed color or acquired an unusual odour
• Sunscreens and baby lotions and creams should not be kept for more than three years.
• Bandages which have faded in color may not be useful too

Baby Medication Guidelines

• Don’t give the baby any over-the-counter adult drugs. Consult the doctor about safe medication and its dosage.
• Ask the caregiver if the medicines are to be given after or before meals.
• Keep the medicines away from the reach of the baby.
• It is recommended to measure the dosage efficiently as even a few drops extra can lead to an overdose.
• Don’t ever give the baby an aspirin, as it can cause Reye’s syndrome that can harm the brain and other integral body organs of the infant.
• Make sure to visit a doctor if you notice any abnormality or a worsening health condition.

A regular check should be done on the drugs, medicines and ointments to now if they are safe for use for the babies or not. And having the right kind of well-stocked medicine cabinet can be of immense use to the mother as well as the baby.