Prescription medications Take
along a copy of the prescriptions and your doctor's phone number, just
in case (although some pharmacies accept only local prescriptions).
Include a medicine dropper or oral syringe, too.
Thermometer Most digital thermometers can be used in the mouth, in the armpit, or rectally.
Baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen Lowers fever and eases pain.
Liquid soap Get
the gel kind that doesn't require water. Useful for cleaning up scrapes
as well as messy diaper changes when your child has diarrhea.
Antibiotic ointment Helps heal cuts and scrapes and keeps them from becoming infected.
Sterile bandages You might also include sterile gauze pads to clean up scrapes and stop bleeding.
Tweezers Remove splinters or ticks.
Sunscreen and lip protection Use
on babies 6 months and older and in small amounts (on the face and back
of the hands) in babies under 6 months. Look for SPF 15 or higher with
UVA and UVB protection.
Insect repellent Use repellent with DEET (up to 30 percent) or picaridin on babies 2 months and older.
Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream Soothes insect bites, rashes, and sunburn.
Cold pack Reduces swelling from bumps, bites, and minor burns. Get the kind you just squeeze to start the cooling reaction.
First-aid pocket guide Try Janet Zand's Parent's Guide to Medical Emergencies.
Electrolyte replacement solution Helps prevent diarrhea-related dehydration. Some brands are made just for babies. Available in most pharmacies.
Whether it's finding a class in infant CPR or choosing a car seat,
there's a lot to think about even before your child is born. Where to
begin? Use this checklist to make sure you're prepared to welcome a
newborn into your home.
AROUND THE HOUSE
Carbon monoxide
Install
carbon monoxide (CO) detectors if you use gas or oil heat or have an
attached garage, and check the batteries twice a year.
Fire prevention
Install and maintain working smoke detectors; check monthly.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
Plan a fire escape route.
Keep nightlights away from curtains and bedding; use cool nighlights that don't get hot.
First aid
Assemble a first-aid kit for babies.
Post emergency numbers next to your telephone.
Poison control
Put childproof locks on all cabinets containing poisons, glass, and sharp objects.
Lead paint
If paint is flaking or peeling, have a professional remove or seal it.
Furniture
Cover sharp furniture edges with padding or bumpers.
Rugs
Put nonslip pads under area rugs that don't have nonslip backs.
Water safety
Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48 degrees Celsius).
Purchase an infant bathtub with contours or other features that make it slip-resistant.
