Essential baby medicines every parent should have

Having some baby medicine at home is helpful if your baby gets sick. As parents, we want to be prepared, especially since babies often get sick at night or when the doctor's office is closed.

But, before you give your baby any medicine, always ask your baby's doctor first. They know what's safe for your baby's age and weight because what works for one baby might not work for another.

To help you care for your little one, we will explain the key medicines on hand, how to use them correctly, and when to seek professional medical advice.

Fever Reducers

When your baby has a fever, it can be scary. Fever reducers help bring down the temperature and make the baby more comfortable. Keep these on hand for those middle-of-the-night fevers.

Infant acetaminophen, like Tylenol, is most often used to bring down a baby's fever. Always look at the box to see how much to give your baby based on their weight, not just their age. Giving too much can hurt them, and giving too little will not help them feel better.

Don't give fever medicine to babies younger than 3 months without talking to your doctor first. If your older baby has a really high fever (over 102 degrees) or it lasts more than a day, call the doctor. And always use the little cup or dropper that comes with the medicine to give them the right amount.

Oral Rehydration Solutions

When babies get sick with vomiting or diarrhoea, they can quickly lose body fluids. Special drinks, like Pedialyte, replenish the water your baby loses when they're sick, so they don't get dehydrated. They have the perfect mix of water, salt, and sugar for babies. They're not like sports drinks or juice, which can actually make diarrhoea worse.

Keep an eye out for these signs that your baby might need more drinks: fewer wet diapers than usual, crying without tears, a dry mouth, or extra sleep. Start by giving them just a little bit of liquid, like a teaspoon, every few minutes.

Nasal Saline Drops

When your baby has a stuffy nose, they can't blow it like ours. Saline drops or spray in their nose can help loosen the snot so they can breathe better. Saline drops are just salt and water, so they're safe for all babies. You can buy them at the store or make them by mixing a little salt with warm water.

To use them, put a couple of drops of nose drops in each nostril and wait about a minute. Then, use that little rubber bulb thing to suck out the mucus. Do this before you feed them because it's hard for babies to eat when they have stuffy noses.

Gas Relief Drops

Babies often get colic, which can make them cry. Gas drops can help get rid of gas bubbles in their tummy. These drops, like Mylicon or Little Remedies, usually have simethicone. It helps the gas bubbles stick together to come out more easily. They're usually safe for new babies, but it's always best to ask your doctor first.

Look at the box of gas drops for your baby to see how much to give them. You can put the drops right in their mouth or mix them with some breast milk, formula, or water. You can also help with gas by rubbing their tummy, moving their legs like they're riding a bike, or holding them straight up after they eat.

Diaper Rash Creams

Pretty much all babies get diaper rash. These red, irritated patches on your baby's bottom can make them uncomfortable and fussy. Diaper creams create a barrier between your baby's skin and wetness. 

Creams with zinc oxide (like Desitin) are good for getting rid of existing rashes, while Petroleum jelly or creams with lanolin help stop rashes from happening. If your baby has a diaper rash, use a layer of cream on it. But make sure their bottom is clean and dry before you put the cream on. If the rash doesn't get better after 3 days and has bumps with liquid in them, call your doctor.

Topical Treatments

Small cuts and bug bites are part of growing up. But if you have the right creams and ointments, you can take care for these minor skin problems at home. If your child gets a little cut or scratch, put antibiotic cream (like Neosporin) on it to stop it from getting infected. Just wash the cut with water, dry it gently, and put on a thin layer of cream. 

For itchy bug bites, use a special hydrocortisone cream to make them less itchy. Only use it for short periods (1-2 days) and avoid broken skin, the face, and diaper area unless your doctor says it's okay.

Medicine Administration Tools

We know it's hard to give babies medicine. But the right tools help you give them safety and stop them from spilling or choking. 

Those little plastic syringes or droppers are way better than spoons for giving liquid medicine to your baby. They have markings that show you exactly how much medicine to give. Most liquid medicines come with their special measuring tool – always use that one, not a spoon.

To see if your baby has a fever, you need a good digital thermometer. If your baby is less than 3 months old, the best way to check is with a rectal thermometer. For older babies, underarm or forehead types work well, too.

When to Call the Doctor?

Most minor illnesses can be handled at home, but sometimes, you need a doctor's help right away. Call your doctor immediately if your baby:

• Is less than 3 months old and has any fever at all.
• Has a fever that lasts for more than 2 or 3 days.
• Is very sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Isn't eating or drinking much.
• Has fewer wet diapers than usual
• Is having trouble breathing or their lips look blue.

You may also like to read: Earwax blockage - How to take care of it?

Final Thoughts

If you keep simple medicines at home, you won't have to rush to the store late at night when your baby is sick. Always listen to your doctor about what medicines are safe for your baby and how to use them. Keep all medications locked away safely and check expiration dates regularly.

Remember that these home remedies help with minor issues but don't replace medical care when it is truly needed.