Many expectant mothers begin to prepare a dowry for the baby from the middle of pregnancy. You have to buy so much! You will need a stroller, a crib for a newborn, a changing table, and nice clothes.
In the midst of all the fuss, in no case should we forget that the child needs to prepare a separate first-aid kit, most of which is occupied not by emergency medicines, but by the funds needed daily. There are new questions. What antiseptics are needed, and what is the best cure for colic in newborns? What do you need to have at home to treat the umbilical wound? How to help a child with painful teething?
Some useful tips
Medicines for newborns do not need to be bought in advance and "for all occasions." If necessary, you should immediately contact a pediatrician, because self-medication in the case of infants is completely unacceptable. This will save the family budget, and the health of the child, and your peace of mind.
Most of the medicines are contraindicated for such small children, and you yourself may not even realize that the baby is hypersensitive to any component. The doctor will always recommend the safest drugs. In the event of an allergic reaction, the specialist will replace the medicine with a similar one and find the exact causes of the allergy.
When buying any drug at a pharmacy, check the expiration date. Some components of the first-aid kit will be in demand every day, and other medicines for newborns, for example, antipyretic, are rarely used. It is important that when they are needed, the implementation period has not expired.
Improper storage conditions can shorten the life of the medicine. Most drugs can be stored at room temperature, but some should be refrigerated. Most antiseptics should be stored in a place protected from direct sunlight.
For the same reason, you need to think about a place to store a first-aid kit for a newborn. It is best to have a separate box where you can conveniently put all the medicines. The storage location of the first-aid kit should be easily accessible to parents, but completely inaccessible to children.
Basic first-aid kit for a newborn
The composition of the first-aid kit for a newborn baby does not include many drugs. Spouses who are preparing to become parents will need to acquire very little. It is enough to buy hygiene products, antiseptics, which will be needed to treat the umbilical wound in the first days of life and to disinfect the skin of the child with scratches or wounds, medical supplies for medical procedures and some drugs for emergency care for a sick child.
Often, lists of necessities are given out at the maternity hospital or at courses for future parents, but in general they are not much different.
Baby Care
The baby needs care from the first days of life. A young mother will need materials and tools for treating the umbilical wound and the delicate skin of the newborn. The composition of the children's first-aid kit for daily care must include cotton buds (with and without a limiter). Limit sticks prevent accidental penetration to greater depths. They are used for ear care, umbilical wound treatment, nose care.
Wet sanitary napkins designed specifically for children (labeled 0+) are especially relevant in the summer. Children's skin is very sensitive, so you need to choose wipes without alcohol and fragrances. You can prefer products with plant extracts: chamomile, lavender, calendula.
Baby shampoo is not needed in the first two months of life, but then this tool is very useful for parents. In addition to direct use, namely the removal of crusts and sebum, shampoo stimulates hair growth and strengthens hair follicles. A cosmetic product for the baby you need to choose very carefully. It is better if the inscription “without tears” is present on the bottle. It is strictly forbidden to use baby shampoos, which include diethanol, sodium lauryl sulfate, dioxane or formaldehyde.
Powder is also needed, but now more actively used are powders that were not used in previous times, which roll into lumps when absorbing moisture, and products based on liquid talc. Such powders retain their original consistency and form an ultra-thin layer that gently protects the baby's skin. Many future and held mothers recommend using diaper cream instead of powder. Perhaps this is your option.
You will need soap for bathing and washing the baby. It should not contain allergens and fragrances. Only plant extracts as a base and glycerin are allowed, as well as lanolin for softening. For babies up to a year, it is preferable to use liquid soap rather than solid.
You should think about buying baby oil in advance . In order not to be mistaken, you can give preference to well-known brands. Oil is a universal product, so you should not save. Often it is used for massage or after bathing by the mothers themselves. A prerequisite is the absence of a pungent odor. For convenience, it is better to choose a completely sealed bottle equipped with a dispenser.
Moisturizing creams for babies need to be selected according to the same principles as the other first cosmetics. The presence of jojoba oil or almond is desirable. Need to buy baby milk. The ratings are headed by products from Germany, but in some cases these high-quality products can cause allergies in especially sensitive children. As a result, it turns out that the cheapest milk from a domestic producer is suitable for the baby.
Diaper rash creams are necessary, because the baby's skin is very delicate. Powder is not always convenient to use, but a special cream on a plant basis will do just fine.
A hair brush is not needed for combing, but to gently remove crusts and massage. Pile should be moderately soft and thick enough. Manicure scissors also need special ones with rounded ends and thin blades, although for some mother it is more convenient to use ordinary ones.
Ointment for diapers is not the most common, but useful cosmetic product. It is necessary to apply in case of redness or abrasions in the groin area.
Antiseptics for a children's first-aid kit
What medicines can be given to newborns? Antiseptics are not drugs in the literal meaning of the word, but they will certainly be needed on the first day after discharge from the hospital. The first-aid kit should include hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green or Chlorophyllipt alcohol solution.
Potassium permanganate is needed to treat the umbilical wound. It is better to get it dry and make the solution yourself at home. In 100 ml of warm water you need to dissolve 5 g and strain through cheesecloth in three layers. You can store the product for ten days.
In the first month, it is better to bathe the baby in water with the addition of a potassium permanganate solution. You also need to buy a solution of iodine and medical alcohol for disinfection. A bactericidal patch will not be superfluous.
Essential Medical Supplies
For a newborn, a list of medicines, cosmetics and other necessary supplies can be obtained at the hospital or at courses for future parents. There are also ready-made kits that include everything you need to care for your baby.
Need a thermometer. It is safer to use an electronic with a bending tip, but the mercury gives a more correct reading. The next item is the douche No. 1 (25 ml), which is needed for enemas.
A gas tube, a heating pad for relieving abdominal pain may be useful - modern mothers are increasingly choosing the one that is filled with silicone balls, a bandage (sterile and for dressings), sterile wipes for treating the umbilical wound in the first days after birth, a spoon with a dispenser or a syringe for the introduction of drugs.
Be sure to include in the first-aid kit a pipette in the case. It will take two things - for instilling drugs in the nose and ears. It is better to choose a pipette with a rounded end.
Medicines for a first-aid kit
In the first-aid kit, which the parents are preparing for the future baby, there should be medicines. For a newborn, a small set of drugs that are convenient to store at home in small dosages is enough to have on hand. You will need:
- Vitamin D solution for the prevention of rickets in young children - “Vigantol” or “Aquadetrim”;
- antipyretic with paracetamol in suppositories or in the form of a syrup - "Ibuprofen", "Efferalgan" or "Panadol";
- antihistamine - "Fenistil", "Telfast", "Claritin", "Suprastin", "Tavegil";
- Activated carbon;
- remedy for diarrhea - Linex or Smecta;
- remedy for constipation;
- drops from a cold - "Aquamaris" or "Nazivin";
- eye drops;
- "Furacilin" in tablets - is needed in the form of a solution for conjunctivitis or for washing the genitals of girls.
- gel for relieving pain during teething - “Kalgel”, “Kamistad”, “Dentol”;
- Interferon, or nasal spray, Nasoferon, to strengthen immunity in the form of drops, during the flu epidemic or after vaccination to reduce the risk of complications.
In the children's first-aid kit for infants, you can immediately add herbal fees. When bathing a baby, it is useful to add infusion of a string or chamomile to the water. These decoctions have a beneficial effect on the skin of a newborn and effectively relieve irritation.
They have a beneficial effect on the child’s nervous system, valerian, lavender and juniper. You can use these herbs if the baby does not sleep well or shudders in a dream. You need to start with 5-7 minutes in one swim, over time you can bring the duration to 15 minutes. No need to bathe the baby with herbs every day, about three times a week is enough.
From colic, a decoction of fennel or dill seed will help. You may need other herbs that can be purchased as needed.
All medicines should be used only in emergency cases and strictly according to the instructions. The dose should be chosen minimal and carefully monitor the reaction of the baby. Further treatment should be prescribed by a pediatrician.
Medicines for colic for the baby
It is better to choose a cure for colic in newborns in advance, because this is a common problem that makes both the child and parents anxious. Colic goes away by itself by about four to six months of life, that is, as soon as the baby's body is fully adapted to new conditions.
This disorder does not occur due to parental errors. This problem occurs in 40% of newborns. The causes of colic are still not exactly known, but you can eliminate the symptoms and help the baby.
Means for helping newborns are divided into folk and pharmacy. The best medicine for colic in newborns, which is suitable specifically for your child, may turn out to be Plantex powder, and ordinary dill water. Everything is very individual. Before the first use, it is necessary to study the instructions, and then check the medications for allergic reactions.
Medication for the tummy for newborns may not be needed if preventative measures are taken. You can buy Plantex tea for babies in the pharmacy. Children up to a year can brew 1-2 sachets per day, from the age of one to four years - 2-3 sachets.
Dill water or fennel solution helps a lot. Drink it warm 3-4 times a day for a teaspoon. Before use, the solution must be shaken. About this tool you can find a lot of positive reviews.
The cure for colic in newborns is Baby Calm. More precisely, this is a dietary supplement. Give the child ten drops before each feeding.
What medicines for newborns can I still try? Espumisan L helps both adults and children. Breasts can be given 25 drops of the drug. The medicine for colic in newborns is added to the bottle with baby food, while breastfeeding can be given with a small spoon before or after feeding.
Many young mothers leave positive reviews about another pharmacy drug. According to many parents, the best medicine for colic in newborns is Bobotik, but the solution can only be used starting from the 28th day of a child’s life. It is enough to give eight drops.
There are folk recipes. A decoction of carrot seed, immortelle and chamomile in a 1: 1 ratio will help get rid of discomfort in the stomach, but you can also use mixtures of herbs - chamomile, sage and centaury, or hay, cold and buckthorn. The best cure for colic in newborns, caring parents will find only by trial and error. It is necessary to gradually try different ways in order to understand exactly which helps the baby.
Antipyretic drugs for newborns
Young mothers who know in advance about possible colic begin to prepare medicines and folk remedies that can help, but forget about other drugs. At a temperature, a cure for colic in the abdomen for newborns will not help, so several options for the development of events need to be provided.
A child can be given medicine only when the temperature rises to 38-38.5 degrees. Up to this point, you should not interfere with natural immune processes.
Children up to a year need medication in the form of candles or in liquid form. You should choose those that contain paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. You can buy at the pharmacy "Nurofen", "Kalpol", "Efferalgan" or "Panadol." Up to 12 years old, children are categorically contraindicated "Nimesil", "Analgin" and "Aspirin".
Teething pain relief
Only colic disappears, when another problem soon begins. The child begins to erupt, which is accompanied by pain or even an increase in temperature. Medicines for newborns for this case can also be bought in advance, but not several items, but one or two in a small dosage.
When teething help "Kalgel" or "Holisal." “Kalgel” is the most popular remedy, and “Holisal” has a long history. Many young mothers and pediatricians advise Viburkol. These are homeopathic candles that help babies in this painful period. A good medicine for newborns is Dr. Baby. The gel quickly relieves pain and can be applied an unlimited number of times a day.
Jaundice medicine in newborns
Jaundice is usually a physiological condition, and not a disease in the full sense of the word. All symptoms in newborns disappear three weeks after birth. If the baby's skin is still colored yellow when he is more than three weeks old, you need to see a doctor, because this is already a pathology. A medicine (for example, activated carbon, Hofitol, Ursosan, etc.) can also be prescribed only by a pediatrician. In other cases (if the jaundice is physiological) no specific treatment is required.
First aid kit storage at home
When everything is ready, the baby’s first-aid kit must be divided into two parts. The part that is needed for daily use should be kept at hand. For example, you can put it in the upper chest of drawers or on a shelf near the changing table. The second part should be stored in a dark, dry place.
Candles are recommended to be stored on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. Separately, all instructions should be placed where there is information about the purpose, expiration date and release date of the drug. Every three months, the first-aid kit needs to be reviewed in order to throw out preparations that have expired on time.