First, you notice your child has a little sniffle, and then a cough, and then they start to look flushed, you go to feel their forehead, and what do you know? …they’re getting sick.
Another familiar scenario? Your kids are playing outside. All of a sudden, you hear a crash and a loud scream from your kid. You rush outside and you see blood on their knees and tears on their face. Your kid has a brand new “ouchie”.
Both of these scenarios happen to all families at one point or another. Illnesses and bumps and bruises are just part of growing up. Part of being a parent is being prepared for such moments. It’s not fun being the parent that rushes out to the pharmacy at 11:00 at night. Here are recommended items to have in your medicine cabinet in case your kid(s) get sick or injured.
Illness
Any prescription or allergy medications
Write down name and dosage for each medicine for each kid.
Thermometer
Depending on the age, your child may need a rectal or oral thermometer, but we’ve recently been using this thermometer which gives us a good estimate.
Children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Either of these can help lower a fever and relieve some pain and aches. Pay close attention to dosage for your child’s age and don’t forget the measuring cup or dropper. Don’t give aspirin to kids unless you have consent from your doctor.
Pedialyte
Pedialyte is used to replace fluids and minerals (such as sodium, potassium) lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. It helps prevent or treat dehydration. I have the powder packets so I don’t have to throw out the whole bottle later.
Antihistamines
Benadryl relieves allergy symptom flare ups from hay fever, rashes, itchy insect bites, and stuffy noses. Be careful as they can make your kids drowsy.
Allergy eye drops
For itchy or dry eyes
Children’s-strength cough syrup
Pay attention to dosage on the package
Children’s-strength decongestant
For really bad congestion for older children
Prevention/Relief
A box of tissues
Stuffy noses make for icky messes.
Clorox wipes
After my sick kid was done playing with a toy or playing at his desk, I’d wipe the toy and the desk area around him to prevent others from getting sick.
Diaper rash ointment or antifungals
For those still in diapers, of course.
Humidifier
For stuffy noses or allergy relief, we have this humidifier to help our kid breather better at night. Clean and maintain a humidifier properly so it doesn’t flare up any other allergies or sickness.
Insect repellent
No stronger than 30 percent DEET (or just get DEET Free) for kids and adults (and should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age)
Nasal aspirator
It looks disgusting but this little tool for Sweden works wonders on babies and small toddlers! Your gag reflex will get better, trust me.
Sunscreen/Lip balm
SPF 15 or higher; do not use on infants under 6 months old. I have one for the house and a travel size one for the diaper bag.
Hand sanitizer
You’ll want to help prevent the spread of the disease or any infection from treating a wound.
Injuries
Adhesive tape
For taping down pads or gauze
Antibacterial ointment, for minor cuts and burns
Neosporin is our go to fight off infection while cuts and scrapes heal.
Bandages
Make sure they’re sterilized and come in a variety of sizes. You might as well buy the bulk pack for this “invisible” ouchies (or is that just my kid?).
Calamine lotion
For minor skin irritations
Cold Pack
Get the one that feels cool when you break it or squeeze like this one.
Cotton balls and swabs
To help clean up cuts and scrapes
Disinfectant and alcohol wipes
Use it to clean up minor cuts and scrapes if they are dirty. Otherwise, soap and water will do.
Gauze pads in a variety of sizes
To help stop any bleeding
Hydrocortisone cream
Bugs love my kid, so if he happened to get stung, I would use these for insect bites and stings to help him scratch less.
Hydrogen peroxide
To clean up minor cuts and scrapes
Petroleum jelly
For minor burns and abrasions
Tweezers
Always sterilize before you use, but have on hand for removing splinters or ticks
