In the first months and years of life, babies and toddlers often get sick or experience pain because their immune system is still developing and their small bodies are growing. Frequently, little ones show the first symptoms when the doctors surgery is closed - at night or on weekends. In acute situations, such as when your baby is having trouble breathing or you don't know how to help them, you should visit an emergency clinic. Minor discomforts like colic, runny nose, or cough can be initially treated with a home medicine cabinet until you can reach the doctors surgery again. Your own home medicine cabinet can never replace the diagnosis of your doctor, but it can provide relief for your child in those first few hours.
Regardless of age, bandage materials are essential for your home medicine cabinet. You should have the following items at home to be able to dress minor injuries for your child:
- Plasters of different sizes
- Sterile plasters in different sizes
- Gauze bandages, triangular bandages, and burn dressings
- Disinfectant
- Bandage scissors
- Disposable gloves
- Linen cloths for compresses
The most common illness in babies and toddlers is an infection. Not every infection needs to be treated with medication and you should clarify this with your doctor. As a precaution, however, you could have the following medications to hand:
- Calpol for fever and/or pain
- Decongestant nasal spray
- A nasal aspirator
- Cough syrup
- Zinc ointment for nappy rash
- Drawing salve for removing splinters
- Wound and healing ointment such as savlon
- Antihistamine gel for insect bites or sunburn
-
Soothing eye drops for irritated and sticky eyes
Other important essentials for your home medicine cabinet are:
- Digital thermometer
- Cold compresses
- Tweezers
- Tick remover
If your baby suffers from a chronic illness, such as asthma, you should always have an adequate supply of these medications at home.
Colic and constipation can also be effectively treated with tea. A simple fennel, caraway, or anise tea can quickly provide relief for your baby. Chamomile tea can have a soothing effect for stomach aches or during teething. If your little one is suffering from a cold, you can opt for sage tea. However, it is better to avoid peppermint tea, even though it is said to help with nausea. Since your baby's gastrointestinal tract is not fully developed, the effects of mint are too strong for your baby.
Never administer medications, sprays, or gels to your baby that are not explicitly suitable for their small body, and always pay attention to the age and dosage instructions on the packaging. Also, regularly check the expiry dates. Once they are reached, you should dispose of the ointments and medications immediately. Always store all medications in your home medicine cabinet in a way that your child cannot reach them. Ideally, secure the medicine cabinet with a lock or place it where your little one cannot reach it.
With a well-equipped home medicine cabinet, you can help your child with pain and discomfort without having to run to the chemist every time. This way, you can react quickly and address minor injuries. A few kisses and cuddles work wonders as well of course. However, for more serious injuries or acute complaints, you should always consult a doctor.
