Nice-to-Have Items for Baby's Medicine Kit

Every home should have a kit for baby's medical maladies. The medical kit will be your first line of defense in treating baby, or at the very least, in keeping baby comfortable.

Baby had pneumonia recently so we got to test drive some stuff that can comfort baby through his bout with common symptoms like colds and fever.

Below are some of the stuff  we found handy if,  God forbid, that poor baby gets sick again :

What to expect : the First Year (or any book about dealing with sick babies) 

Of course, i won't discount the fact that your pedia's opinion and diagnosis is the foolproof way of treating your baby's condition.  But having such a book on hand will definitely keep a mommy calm. What to Expect books are such mom friendly resources.  It has sections on disease symptoms and possible treatment for common infant diseases.  Any first time mom will find the information useful, hence keeping her sane on crisis events like these. Plus, there may be some questions that bother a mom which seem to foolish to ask the pedia. WTE books might answer some of these questions!

[caption id="attachment_1400" align="aligncenter" width="300"] It pays to be informed. Books like these provide some guidance during days when baby's sick.[/caption]

Ear thermometer

It's much more convenient to use, especially when your baby is  fussy or agitated. A sick child is uncomfortable and unruly so getting his body temperature through the armpit can be such hassle. It's even harder if you'll be getting the temp rectally, which is said the be the most accurate! Read BabyCenter's notes on how to take baby's temperature here.

We got this Safety 1st thermometer from SM Baby Company. It was on sale for Php 1,800.

[caption id="attachment_1401" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Get an ear temperature when your baby has started getting more mobile - when he's learned to roll over or sit on his own. You'll be able to get his temp in just one snap.[/caption]

With an ear thermometer, you can take his temp in seconds! Some models will also indicate if your baby has fever.  It was very handy, even  throughout the period of baby's confinement in the hospital. Nurses were able to record P's temp faster.

Ask your pedia about baby's baseline temperature and the temperature she considers low grade or high grade fever.

Snot remover 

A snot remover will help clear baby's stuffy nose. Babies usually have stuffy and runny nose when they have flu or colds. Unlike adults they don't know how to clear their noses from mucus and snots. The snot remover can pickup dry or wet blockage in your little one's nose.

[caption id="attachment_1402" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This is an ear pick for adults but we use this to remove P's snot. We can only remove his snot when he's sleeping. BTW, this has built in lights![/caption]

You may also use ear buds wet with salinase to clear baby's nose and keep baby his nose hydrated. What to Expect.com suggests dabbing a thin layer of petroleum jelly under baby's nose to avoid reddening or chapping of that area. Chapping usually happens when the nasal mucus dries up.

Cool Fever

I think the cool fever strip helps a lot to relieve baby's discomfort when he has fever, especially when he's sleeping. The cool strip helps absorb heat when placed on baby's forehead.

[caption id="attachment_1403" align="aligncenter" width="225"] The strip stays in place so it's safe to stick it for use overnight[/caption]

Nebulizer

Nebulizers are usually used to treat lung diseases like asthma.  The nebulizer is used to convert  the liquid medicines into mist which is then inhaled by the patient.  When your child has colds, nebulizing with saline solution can help loosen his airway. It will be a lot easier to remove sticky mucus and snot in his nose after nebulizing.

We purchased an Omron Nebulizer for Php 3.580. It's a bit loud when you use it, so be ready to distract your child.  He may freak out during neb time especially on his first few sessions.

At home, we nebulize a few milliliters of salinase (saline solution). Depending on how much salinase you put in, the procedure can last for 10 to 20 minutes.  While confined in the hospital, baby had to take in  Salbutamol (for his cough) through the nebulizer every six hours.  Just a note: always consult a doctor before using,  Our pedia warned to avoid using nebulizer at home too much, or baby's lungs could be filled with water.  So limit using the nebulizer. Only use it to ease baby's severe cough and colds.

[caption id="attachment_1404" align="aligncenter" width="300"] At home, we use the nebulizer for baby only when absolutely necessary.[/caption]

So there, just some items to keep a mom from freaking out on sick baby days. On sick days,  it's best to coordinate and consult with your doctor for the correct treatment.

Also worth reading:

• Lessons learned after my baby got sick


• Tips on using the nebulizer on your child

***