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The first time your baby gets sick is awful! They are so tiny and helpless and can’t take most medications. These are some tried and true essentials to have in your arsenal so you are prepared for that first cold. There is nothing worse than your baby waking up in the middle of the night with a fever and not having anything to help him on hand. I often give these items as baby shower gifts so new moms will be ready.
1. Infant Tylenol
Acetaminophenis safe for babies of all ages so I recommend always having some in the house. Ask your doctor for the dosing information at baby’s first check up a few days after birth. I keep it on my refrigerator and also a picture on my phone if I ever need it when we are out.
2. Thermometer
We have several thermometers. We have a temporal thermometer but I don’t feel it is very accurate so I recommend a basic digital thermometer. Our pediatrician recommends taking the temperature under the arm and adding 1 degree rather than taking it rectally.
3. Baby Comfy Nose (or Nose Frida)
You NEED this! A bulb syringe is basically worthless against a bad cold. I prefer the Baby Comfy Noseover the Nose Frida because you don’t have to buy filters. You just use a tissue you have on hand.
4. Little Remedies Saline Drops
This is also an essential! Babies and toddlers can’t take decongestants so saline drops are a safe way to help them to drain. I put a few drops in then use the Baby Comfy Nose to suck everything out. It really helps loosen up the gunk.
5. Zarbees Cough Syrup
This isn’t really a medicine but it is nice to help ease little throats sore from a bad cough. It won’t actually make the cough go away but it is soothing. It can be used on babies 2 months and up.
6. Humidifier
A humidifier will help little ones so much when they are congested and miserable. Again, you will inevitably need it at 3am so have it on hand BEFORE little one gets sick. This is a great Baby registry item.
8. Rolled Blanket Under Top of Mattress
Nothing to buy here! Just roll a receiving or swaddling blanket like a log and place it under the head of the mattress so baby can lay at a slight angle. This will help her congestion to drain.
9. Vicks Baby Rub
I like to put the Vickson baby’s feet then cover with socks or footed pjs for a bad cold. Never use adult Vicks on a baby!
10. Infant Motrin
Babies shouldn’t have Motrinbefore 6 months but I do feel it lowers the temperature better than acetaminophen. You can also alternate the two- check with your pediatrician for recommendations on dosage and time.
Oh my gosh YES to the nose frieda!! It was such a necessity when my babies were itty bitty.
Totally! I remember how gross I thought it was then after that first cold I was sold!