Nothing weighs on us mothers more than having a sick baby. You'll want to do just about anything to comfort them and get them back to their normal crazy selves. Wanting to hold them and cuddle them until all of the watery eyes, red noses, and uncomfortable coughs just go away! But there are some essential medicine cabinet items that may aid in doing so.
Baby Tylenol
The first time I gave any of my kids any medicine was pediatrician recommended - Tylenol. It was mostly to help with any fevers or discomfort from the shots given at check-up appointments. It also comes in handy when trying to regulate their temperatures during teething issues, where also present fevers and discomfort. So it's something that I always keep stocked in our house, bring on every vacation, and carry in the diaper bag on a day-to-day basis.
Baby Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Something that I found worked better for my son is the baby Motrin (bubble gum flavor, of course). It's usually recommended for babies six months or more. But is more effective than Tylenol in that it provides relief for an extended amount of time.
Boogie Wipes
A must in my book! These are wipes infused with saline that are the best investments when it comes to congestion. Literally after using just one wipe, in a matter of seconds you can see it's magic work. You'll see the boogers flow and breathing become a lot easier. My kids also have very sensitive skin, so having the wipes help with keeping it nice and soft than with a normal tissue.
Humidifier
After my son came down with croup for the third time, I started to use a humidifier in his room. It has helped with the dry coughs in the winter and the congestion during allergy season to clear his airways and help him sleep better. But it does require a lot of maintenance - making sure to clean it out weekly to prevent any mold and mildew.
Nose Suction
Sucking out all of the snot is the biggest ingredient to stopping the sickness! When you're a parent, you find yourself getting a weird satisfaction in finally clearing out all of those big pesky boogers so that your child can breathe! I still only use the bulb, but I know a lot of people who love the Nose Frida.
Vicks
I never knew the true power of Vicks until I had my own kids. Anytime that the kids even slightly seem to be coming down with a cough or runny nose, I take a little rub of Vicks to their chest, back, bottom of their feet, and just a tiny bit under their nose. And just like that, they are good to go shortly after!
Thermometer
My absolute favorites are the forehead and ear thermometers. I know that the rectal is the best to give you an accurate reading, but I can never bring myself to do so. But both have worked perfectly fine for me anyways. The ear is a little more accurate than the forehead, but the forehead is more practical for the kids on the move or when not trying to wake a sleeping baby.
First Aid Kit
A must once your baby starts actually moving around. Because let's be honest, we can't always protect them from all of the scrapes and bruises that life throws their way. Especially with walking. I always make sure to have some healing ointment and band-aids on hand. But always make sure to watch younger kids with them due to the choking hazard. I always just apply it until the bleeding stops and then remove it directly afterwards.
Vitamin D
Now this is for all my breastfeeding babies out there! Breastmilk is absolutely amazing, and can do a lot in healing and providing nutrition for our babies. But the only thing it does not have is Vitamin D. I love to get the one that you only have to administer with just a drop. Very practical when having a baby.
Diaper Rash Cream
My kids don't get rashes very often, but when they have, I've found Destin to be pretty effective. I always make sure to have it with me, because you're going to want to put some on as soon as a slight show of one appears. I've also heard good things about Triple Paste.
Cetaphil
I love the lotion Cetaphil for my kids, especially for keeping the eczema away. It helps with keeping their skin smooth and less irritated. It's also done wonders for when my daughter had cradle cap!
Baby Nail Clipper
Babies nails grow at a rapid pace, needing cuts every single week! And it so much easier to do the task with specialized baby ones. And of course, it's easiest to do so when they are napping and in multiple sittings. Because let's be honest, it requires a lot of focus and anxiety.
Gripe Water
I haven't had to use it just yet, but I've heard that it works wonders! It can help with excessive hiccups, colic, and stomach aches. Pretty much any of the baby belly issues going on!
Q-Tips and Cotton Balls
I cannot tell you how many times I've used these items during sick times. I know sounds weird, but very true. Especially during my son's blocked tear ducts and sinus/ear infection days. Because they helped carefully wipe away the mucus, and properly use the warm compresses.
Baby Sunscreen
I always pick up some baby sunscreen, not kid - but baby! The ingredients are safer on babies sensitive skin.
More Tips for When the Baby is Sick:
- Always make sure the remove band aids after shots - they are a choking hazard!
- If the baby is having a hard time feeding off the bottle due to congestion, try to add more solid foods to their diet for those few days.
- Place a pillow underneath one end of the mattress to prop the baby's head up to help the baby's nose become less congested during sleeping.
- ALWAYS keep any medicine out of reach, ask the pediatrician before using a certain medicine, and tell them when they are at any appointment.
- Consult with a doctor if medicine is not working, the baby's condition worsen significantly, or they have unexpected reactions to anything.
- And ALWAYS give lots of fluid, snuggles, and love to your little one!
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