The Family Medicine Chest Checklist

by Christine Beaudry

 
Acetaminophen (Tylenol® ) Acetaminophen is used to relieve minor pains and fevers, and comes in numerous strengths and forms, such as infant drops, liquids, chewables, tablets, etc. Acetaminophen is commonly found in cough, cold, and allergy medications, so always check product labels before giving acetaminophen with another medication to avoid doubling a dosage.  
 
 
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) Ibuprofen eases aches and pain, and can also decrease fevers, inflammation, and swelling. Like acetaminophen, children’s ibuprofen comes in numerous forms and strengths, so read the labels carefully.  
 
 
Cold medicines, cough syrups, decongestants, and allergy medications These are available over-the-counter, but they still have potential side effects. Consult your child’s physician for which medicines to use and under what circumstances. Read labels carefully when giving these with other drugs to avoid doubling up on a medicine such as acetaminophen.  
 
 
Antiseptics and antibiotic ointments These help stop infection in cuts and scrapes.  
 
 
Bandages Bandages in various sizes are staples for any family’s medicine cabinet.  
 
 
Gauze and adhesive tape These are important for covering larger wounds.  
 
 
A hot water bottle/heat pack and an ice pack/cold pack Help reduce swelling, cool feverish children, and ease tummy aches.  
 
 
A medicine dropper, oral syringe, or calibrated spoon or cup These are used to dispense medications. A kitchen teaspoon is not always accurate, so stick with something created specifically for use in medicating.  
 
 
Rubbing alcohol Rubbing alcohol is used to sanitize thermometers, tweezers, and scissors.  
 
 
Petroleum jelly This  is great for lubricating a thermometer, healing chapped skin or lips, or putting a thin layer on a child’s nose that is sore from too much blowing (be sure not to get the jelly inside the child’s nose).  
 
 
Saline-based nasal drops These  keep the nasal tissues moist and ease congestion by softening mucous so it can drain or be suctioned easily with a bulb syringe.  
 
 
A thermometer A thermometer is essential for checking a child’s temperature. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a digital or chemical-dot thermometer and taking the child’s temperature under the arm or oral temperature for children able to hold the thermometer under the tongue with closed lips and not bite the thermometer. The AAP urges parents to avoid the old-fashioned mercury thermometers—they are dangerous and can cause toxicity if broken.  
 
 
Tweezers Tweezers are useful for removing splinters or ticks.  
 

Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Follow Us
from beyond babyzone:
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
Your crash-course in all things baby.
watch more videos
BabyZone Community
Look Who's Talking New
in BabyZone Community
X

more in BabyZone

10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
read more >