Home Health

 A well-stocked medicine chest / first-aid kit is essential for caregivers to respond quickly to fevers, rashes, common ailments as well as handling boo-boos.

First of all, grab a copy of a First-aid manual such as the American Red Cross’s First Aid & Emergency Preparedness Quick Reference Guide or keep a link on your digital device, read through it.

If you have the opportunity to attend a First Aid class for parents, that is great for hands on training and you can respond quickly in an emergency. 

Pharmacy/Drugstore

Most of these are common in a household medicine box. But until you have a baby/child you don’t realise how important they are to have on hand. Ask your doctor and pharmacist for their recommendations as every child is different and responds differently to different types of products. They have the medical expertise and knowledge of your child and family history. As you use different products make a note of which products your child responds well to, or has adverse reactions too.

  • Babies’ non-aspirin liquid pain reliever (acetaminophen and, if 6 months or older, ibuprofen)
  • Topical calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and rashes
  • Gripe water, anti-gas drops, or other gas or colic remedy
  • Rubbing alcohol to clean thermometers, tweezers, and scissors
  • Petroleum jelly or a water-soluble lubricant (for rectal thermometers)
  • Antibacterial ointment for cuts and scrapes for example we carry Dimpleskins BOO BOO GOO® 100% natural soothing salve
  • Saline drops to loosen mucus before you use the bulb syringe
  • Electrolyte solution for hydration after vomiting (must be refrigerated after opening)

Other essentials: 

  • Personal thermometer (most can be used rectally or in the armpit)
    • We carry a wide variety of thermometers
  • Tweezers for removing splinters and ticks
  • Adhesive bandage strips in various sizes and shapes
  • Gauze rolls (1/2 to 2 inches wide) for making bandages
  • Gauze pads (2 x 2 and 4 x 4 inches) for making bandages or applying pressure to cuts to stop bleeding
  • Adhesive tape for making bandages
  • A pair of sharp scissors for cutting gauze and tape
  • Cotton balls for applying liquids (like calamine lotion) and for cleaning supplies with alcohol
  • Mild liquid soap for cleaning cuts and scrapes. Antibacterial and deodorant soaps may be too strong for your baby’s sensitive skin.
  • An oral syringe for administering medicines that don’t come with a measuring dropper (some parents find it easier to use a syringe than a dropper).
  • Nasal Aspirator / Bulb syringe for drawing mucus out of a stuffy nose
  • A heating pad for minor aches and pains
  • An instant cold compress to reduce swelling that comes with minor bumps and bruises
  • A small flashlight for checking your baby’s nose, ears, and mouth
  • Rattle or other toy to distract your baby if needed. Checkout our toy section for rattles and toys.

Importantly: Take time to  stock your Medicine Chest and replenish items as the are used up or expire.