Aa
first aid for infants
what kind of medicines do i need to have at home for an infant? I know baby tylenol but for the most part am clueless. i know there are drops for gas and i something to drink after ingesting something poisonous. Can you ladies clue me in on what I should have at home?
They recommend cool mist humidifiers for babies.
I have also heard no vapor rub for babies. Dh is a pharmacist and never let me use it.
We also use generic Tylenol, and also generic gas drops.
My ped recommends standard digital thermometer. It can be used rectally or under the arm. Taken correctly, under arm readings can be very accurate in most kids (you just add 1 degree to the reading). When my girls were sick I would take it both ways and compare when they first got sick. If the readings are accurate under arm, I stick to that method now that they're older. Most babies are not bothered by a rectal reading.
Other things- saline drops for when they're stuffy. And save your money on nasal aspirators. I bought every brand and none worked as good as the ones the hospitals use. I got wise with my second and snagged one from her bassinet everyday. Can never have too many of those.
I have also heard no vapor rub for babies. Dh is a pharmacist and never let me use it.
We also use generic Tylenol, and also generic gas drops.
My ped recommends standard digital thermometer. It can be used rectally or under the arm. Taken correctly, under arm readings can be very accurate in most kids (you just add 1 degree to the reading). When my girls were sick I would take it both ways and compare when they first got sick. If the readings are accurate under arm, I stick to that method now that they're older. Most babies are not bothered by a rectal reading.
Other things- saline drops for when they're stuffy. And save your money on nasal aspirators. I bought every brand and none worked as good as the ones the hospitals use. I got wise with my second and snagged one from her bassinet everyday. Can never have too many of those.
i did opt for the rectal therm because it seems to be the most accurate for infants and i got the warm mist humidifier. do you think warm or cool is better? Ill make sure if I get the vapor rub its for infants!
I, too have read that ipecac is NOT the best thing to use for accidental poisoning. Int that situation it's best to call poison control and have the container for the ingtested item handy if possible.
As for vapor rub I've read/heard a lot of stories/studies about it being bad for infants. *I* personally have never used it on an infant. Maybe you could research a little more on it and make your personal decision.
Something else I would recommend having is a humidifier.
I've really liked my ear thermometer. But again it's all a matter of personal choice. I DO recommend having a rectal thermometer for small infants. Sometimes the hospital/doctors prefer to have a rectal reading. The kind I have is digital with a flexible tip so it's not quite as uncomfortable. The vaseline joy mentioned is good for using a rectal thermometer.
As for vapor rub I've read/heard a lot of stories/studies about it being bad for infants. *I* personally have never used it on an infant. Maybe you could research a little more on it and make your personal decision.
Something else I would recommend having is a humidifier.
I've really liked my ear thermometer. But again it's all a matter of personal choice. I DO recommend having a rectal thermometer for small infants. Sometimes the hospital/doctors prefer to have a rectal reading. The kind I have is digital with a flexible tip so it's not quite as uncomfortable. The vaseline joy mentioned is good for using a rectal thermometer.
I dont believe you can give vapor rub before 6 months. Babiesrus sells a baby rub for infants.
i cant remember where exactly I read to have ipecac on hand, but it also did state to call poison control first, and if recommended you would have it on hand if needed. thank you for the list i'll make sure i have those :)
Where did you read to have Ipecac? If your child ever ingests something poisonous Ipecac is not recommended as the poison will come back up through the throat (it causes them to vomit). It can basically cause more harm than good. Always call Poison Control or 911 before giving Ipecac to anyone. Also I don't think an infant would ever need it so it might not be anything you need right away.
As far as what to have on hand I always have a thermometer, Mylicon, Infant Tylenol (off-brand), Hydrocortisone, Vaseline, Vapor Rub (believe me, sooooooo handy to have available when your little one gets the sniffles in the middle of the night). I really want a Temporal Thermometer but haven't invested in one. We just have the basic digital ones.
As far as what to have on hand I always have a thermometer, Mylicon, Infant Tylenol (off-brand), Hydrocortisone, Vaseline, Vapor Rub (believe me, sooooooo handy to have available when your little one gets the sniffles in the middle of the night). I really want a Temporal Thermometer but haven't invested in one. We just have the basic digital ones.
I always buy the equate (walmart) brand of childrens tylenol and gas drops. Aside from that you probably won't need anything until after 3 months atleast.
Stick to a generic brand Tylenol like target or CVS due o the recall. But always check with your pediatrician for dosage before giving anything to a baby.
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