Notions on lotions and potions

Commented by 0 Member   View Comments

Article Summary

Having stocked medicine cabinet brings peace of mind and helps you cope with illness and injury.

Every child will get a minor illness or a bump or two now and then. As a parent, you'll want to be prepared for these minor mishaps. (It always seems that a child needs relief from a fever or help with a cut at night or when no car is available to go out and get what you need.) Having a medicine chest well stocked with appropriate things will make those times go more smoothly - you'll feel calmer and your child will be reassured by your confidence.

Be aware that many adult remedies are not appropriate for young children and that almost all medication is based upon a child's weight and/or age. Medication doses will change as your child grows, so you'll always need to read labels and know your child's approximate weight. Do not forget that labels can change too, so always re-read them when buying a medicine you've used in the past. Make sure all babysitters and childminders know where these supplies are so they can be instructed to use them in your absence.

Here's what you need - and what you don't need - for babies up to 3 months old and for children from 3 months to 3 years old.

Infants up to 3 Months: Things You Should Have in Your Medicine Cabinet

Infants up to 3 Months: Things to Take Out of Your Medicine Cabinet

3 Months to 3 Years: Things You Should Have in Your Medicine Cabinet

3 Months to 3 Years: Things to Take Out of Your Medicine Cabinet

Infants up to 3 Months: Things You Should Have in Your Medicine Cabinet

Phone numbers of your GP, local hospital and NHS Direct (0845 4647) inside the medicine cabinet.

Childproof Bottles

 Paracetamol comes in a syrup for babies. There are also other preparations of different concentrations. Don't assume the dose is the same for each preparation. Your baby's dose will depend on his size. Check with your doctor about the right dose for your baby. Give this medication to a young infant only when directed by a doctor. Fevers in babies under 2 months need prompt medical attention, not just a fever-lowering agent. See Signs of Illness for more information.

 Vitamins come in drops for babies. Give your baby vitamins only if your GP recommends them.

 Saline (mild salt solution) nose drops help clear your baby's nose when he has a cold or mild congestion.

 Rubbing alcohol cleans thermometers before and after use.

 Balanced electrolyte solution. These salt solutions are your first response to a diarrhoeal episode. Check the expiry date and throw away outdated solutions.

[back to top]

Lotions and Ointments

 Petroleum jelly helps protect your baby boy's circumcision site from sticking to the nappy as it heals. It can also be used for nappy rash. You will need it to lubricate the thermometer for a rectal temperature.

 Eye ointment helps with the mild eye irritations that are common in small babies. Your hospital may have given you a tube when your baby was born. If your baby's eye is irritated, let your GP know you have this ointment and get instructions on how to use it.

 Body lotion that contains petrolatum protects baby's skin and can work for the entire family.

 Antibacterial ointment. A small tube will help treat small cuts and grazes. Avoid those that contain neomycin, as that component may be sensitising to young infants.

 1/2 per cent hydrocortisone cream. A small tube. Your GP may advise you to apply this cream to small areas of irritation or some nappy rashes.

[back to top]

Bandages and Equipment

 Small cuticle scissors or baby nail scissors are useful for cutting your baby's nails.

 A thermometer should be used in your baby's rectum or underarm to take your baby's temperature. Don't take your baby's temperature with an oral thermometer. The ear thermometers can be expensive and are difficult to use in an infant under 3 months. Digital thermometers are the easiest to use.

 A nasal bulb cleans out your baby's nose when he has a cold or any stuffiness, particularly before feeding. Don't use it on his ears, though.

 Cotton wool balls. You can use them for cleaning your baby's eyes, washing hard-to-reach areas such as the neck folds and the genitals, and other bathing activities.

 A box of plasters in various sizes. Cuts are rare in very young infants, but it's good to have plasters just in case.

 Soft roller bandage. Use this to dress cuts and grazes too large for an ordinary plaster and as a temporary cover for burns and cuts as you head to the doctor.

 Cool mist vaporiser. Some doctors recommend this when a child has a cold or other respiratory illness. It must be kept very clean.

[back to top]

Infants up to 3 Months: Things to Take Out of Your Medicine Cabinet

 Aspirin can cause a severe liver disease call Reye's Syndrome. Don't give aspirin to any infant or child.

 Old prescriptions, including antibiotics, shouldn't be taken by anyone. Most lose their effectiveness and some may be harmful.

 Other people's prescriptions should never be shared. Just because your GP prescribes medicine for one child doesn't make it appropriate for another child.

 Adult cough and cold medicines or adult vitamins aren't suitable for your baby.

 Elasticated tubular bandages should be used only on older children and adults unless they're applied by a doctor. They can cause a lot of difficulties if applied to a young infant.

 Antihistamines aren't good for children unless your GP recommends them.

 Bubble bath can irritate your baby's skin and can cause vaginal irritation in girls.

 Deodorant soap or antibacterial soap may be drying and is not recommended for young children.

 Ear syringe with the long pointed end; it may perforate the eardrum. Use only the nose bulb with the very round end and a stubby tip, and use it only for the nose.

 Hot steamers can be dangerous. Use cool mist vaporisers only if directed by your GP.

 Steroid creams that are stronger than 1/2 per cent hydrocortisone. Don't use these unless directed by a doctor. They are too strong for infants and may cause scarring.

[back to top]

3 Months to 3 Years: Things You Should Have in Your Medicine Cabinet

Phone numbers of your GP, local hospital and NHS Direct (0845 4647) inside the medicine cabinet.

Childproof Bottles

 Paracetamol comes in doses for children. Your child's dose will depend on his size. Check with your doctor about the right dose for your child. There are different strengths of this medicine, so be careful. Read the label each time to get the right dose.

 Ibuprofen can be taken by children older than 6 months. Check with your GP about whether ibuprofen is right for your child and what the proper dose would be.

 Children's cough syrup for young children should not contain cough suppressants. Choose a simple cough syrup that loosens cough unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

 Children's cold medicine shouldn't contain antihistamines unless your GP recommends them. Antihistamines can dry the nose and airways and can be a sedative for a young child. Pick a simple medicine, one with dosage directions for the age and weight of your child.

 Calamine lotion should be pure calamine. Don't use the calamine preparations that have other ingredients. A variety of skin irritations respond to this simple solution.

 Children's vitamins can be a good way to make sure a fussy eater is getting good nutrition. But check with your GP before you give your child vitamins. Choose a child preparation and give only as directed. Given in excessive quantities, vitamins A, D and E can build up and cause serious health problems. Pick a liquid or a chewable type for toddlers and older children.

 Balanced electrolyte solution treats your child's diarrhoea. It's good to have a couple of bottles on hand for tummy upsets that start in the middle of the night. Check the expiry date and throw away outdated solutions.

 Sunscreen can be used liberally on children aged twelve months and older and in small patches like hands and face on younger babies. Keep the bottle right near the door and apply before every outing.

 Rubbing alcohol cleans thermometers before and after use.

[back to top]

Lotions and Ointments

 Antibiotic ointment helps heal cuts and grazes. Use the lowest concentration of antibiotic. Avoid those containing neomycin, as they may sensitise the skin.

 Nappy ointment or petroleum jelly helps prevent nappy rash.

 1/2 per cent hydrocortisone cream helps relieve the itch of insect bites, minor skin irritations and certain kinds of nappy rash. Don't use a stronger steroid-containing cream unless directed to do so by your GP.

 Body lotion that contains petrolatum protects your baby's skin and can work for the whole family.

[back to top]

Bandages and Equipment

 Toothbrush and toothpaste. Choose a toothpaste with a lower fluoride content and follow the instructions. Choose a soft brush in a small or children's size.

 Small gauze pads and paper tape can bind up minor wounds.

 Adhesive plasters in different sizes are handy for cuts and grazes. But beware of toddlers who eat adhesive plasters. In these cases, use a wrap of cotton to cover a cut or graze.

 Tweezers are good for pulling out splinters, stings and ticks.

 A thermometer should be used in your child's rectum, underarm or ear to take your baby's temperature. Don't take your child's temperature with an oral thermometer until he is at least 4 years old. The ear thermometers are simple to use but can be expensive. Digital thermometers are the easiest to use.

 Cold packs kept in the freezer help reduce swelling from minor bumps and bruises. You could also use a bag of frozen vegetables or a plastic bag filled with rice. Do not put ice directly on the skin - wrap it in a towel.

 Sterile gauze pads. Use them to clean minor cuts and grazes and to cover injuries while you take your child to the doctor.

 A torch to look in the mouth, at teeth, in the nose and to check for anal tears and threadworms.

 A cool mist vaporiser. Some doctors recommend this to help treat colds or other respiratory illnesses.

[back to top]

3 Months to 3 Years: Things to Take Out of Your Medicine Cabinet

 Aspirin can cause a severe liver disease call Reye's Syndrome.

 Old prescriptions, including antibiotics, shouldn't be taken by anyone.

 Other people's prescriptions should never be shared. Just because your GP prescribes medicine for one child doesn't make it appropriate for another child.

 Adult cough and cold medicines and adult vitamins aren't suitable for your child. They are too strong and contain ingredients that can make things worse.

 Iodine and antiseptic solutions. These irritate grazes, and hurt, too. Cleansing and covering, along with applying antibiotic ointment, are better options.

 Butter, greasy ointments or other home remedies for burns. They cause more harm than good. Instead, run cool water over a burn and cover with a sterile gauze pad.

 Laxatives or enemas. Most cases of constipation in young children respond to changes in diet or extra fluid. Don't give a laxative unless instructed to do so by your GP. Enemas are rarely needed and should be given only under a doctor's supervision.

 Adult antidiarrhoeal medicine. This may contain ingredients that can cause serious problems for young children. For more on treating diarrhoea, have a look at Signs of Illness.

 Elasticated tubular bandages should be used only on older children and adults unless they're applied by a doctor.

 Antihistamines aren't good for children unless your GP recommends them. They tend to dry the nose and mouth and may make children either groggy or very hyperactive.

 Bubble bath can irritate your child's skin and can cause vaginal irritation in girls.

 Deodorant soap and antibacterial soap may be drying and are not recommended for young children.

 Ear syringe with the long pointed end can perforate the eardrum. Use only the nose bulb with the very round end and a stubby tip.

 Hot steamers can be dangerous. Use vaporisers only when directed by your GP. Humidifiers may be a way to increase moisture in the air, which can help your baby's cold.

[back to top]

Category Tags:

Health

,

Safety

Article Tags:

medicine

,

vitamins

,

pediatrician