Looking to make sure you’re prepared for whatever life with a newborn brings? Most likely, this will be an illness at some point – so I think these are 3 things everyone should have with a new baby. The big hope is that you won’t need to use them for a while, but you never know and I think it’s smart to be prepared!
Before we get started, obviously check with your provider before giving your baby ANY medication, and children under 2 months should be taken to a provider if they have a fever (not just be given Tylenol). However, according to their instructions, you may need to use it.
But first, how do I know all this? Hi — I’m Hilary. Most people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse®, but before I started at L&D, I worked on phone triage and as a night emergency clinic nurse for a busy pediatrician clinic. I’ve seen many times when parents could use this medicine and didn’t have it on hand (or times when they had TOO MUCH ON HAND) so I’d love to start you off on the right foot. 🙂
I have a first aid list that I also have that you may find useful:
Tylenol / Acetaminophen
Tylenol it is given to reduce pain, reduce fever and inflammation.
You’re probably a competent adult reading this, so I won’t go into it any further — but remember:
- Babies under 2 months who have a fever should be seen (I always recommend a thermometer llike thisnone of the forehead or ear weirdness for newborns)
- Infant Tylenol and Children’s Tylenol are now essentially the same drug. Talk to your provider about what’s best for you and make sure you have one dosing syringe so you give the right amount.
You might be wondering about Ibuprofennot recommended for babies less than a few months old (usually six months). I think it’s smart to have some on hand once they reach that age.
Benedryl (liquid)
Again, unlikely you’ll need it right away, but I think so liquid Benedryl great to have on hand if baby suddenly becomes allergic to something.
As always, you’ll want to contact your provider or poison control if baby swallows something they shouldn’t before the dose, but it’s great to have on hand.
Honestly, liquid Benedryl is great keep on hand because if even an adult suffers a major allergy attack they may not be able to take pills.
Diaper cream
Okay, it’s not really a “medicine,” but it’s something you’ll want to keep around.
Note: Many newborn bums do NOT like wipes. I often did mine for a few weeks (using paper towels and water) until the leather hardened a bit and then switched to regular wipes. You can also try something like this water wipes.
I see some parents use this at every diaper change, but I only use it if I see rashes.
I love having a Desitin Cream based on zinc oxide keep on hand to protect the healing skin and something similar to A&D salve to help the skin heal as well (we love this thing).
I saw a pediatrician on tiktok reminding us that you don’t want to completely wipe the Desitin with every diaper change, just remove the poopy stuff and then leave the rest — which I thought was a good tactic.
Okay, those are the main ones you should have on hand. Here are a few others I recommend with kids:
- Vick’s / Menthol chest rub — we use it on the chest (and sometimes legs) with coughs in children over 4 months old — before that they should see a provider before using it.
- Ibuprofen for children over 6 months.
- Simethicone drops (often called Mylicon). – if baby seems gassy sometimes these can be helpful (again, ask your pediatrician before giving them to baby).
- Vaseline – It seemed to get a bad rap for a while, but it can help common skin irritation just as well as the expensive stuff. i like it too Aquaphor (I’ve heard it’s mostly petroleum jelly with a little lanolin).
Things I do NOT recommend keeping on hand for children:
- Medicines for coughs or colds, pediatricians do not recommend them for children (studies show that they are not useful and can be harmful).
- Stomach medicine such as pepto bismal – not useful in children.
- Teething rub — most pediatricians don’t recommend it because it can block the gag reflex and kids can choke (unfortunately — teething is no fun, Tylenol and ibuprofen if they’re big enough are your best options — along with a cold teething) .
And, the nurse in me can’t help but say it’s here some medicines EVERY family should have:
- Aspirin — if you think someone is having a stroke or heart attack, 911 may tell you to ask them to chew some tablets, you should have some handy (could also be helpful for a neighbor or visitor).
- Tylenol & Ibuprofen. Mom will probably want them after the baby is born.
- Benedryl – if you don’t take it often, the liquid is fine, but it can be very helpful for a sudden allergy for anyone in the house.
And, make sure these medications are up in a place where baby (who will surprise you how quickly they become a climbing toddler) can’t reach. It’s also very important to impress upon children of all ages that medication is not something you take lightly (or like candy – looking at you sticky vitamins) without talking to the parent or provider.
I also have a whole post about organizing your medicine cabinet (and you might be surprised that your bathroom might not be the best place to keep your medicine).
If you haven’t had your baby yet — get your MIND (and your medicine cabinet) ready here.
