What to keep at home

Some Ideas for Items to Keep at Home

• Nasal saline, nasal aspirator, and cool mist humidifier

• Petroleum jelly

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Mapap, Paracetamol)

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil): Use only after 6 months old

• Thermometers:

  • Use digital thermometers and avoid mercury thermometers due to the risk of mercury poisoning.

  • Instructions for accurate use are available here (healthychildren.org)

  • Birth – 3 years: rectal temperature provides the most accurate reading

  • Temporal artery (forehead) may also be accurate after 3 months.

  • Tympanic (ear): use after 6 months

• Baby size nail clippers

• Tweezers – splinters/tick removal

• Cotton swabs – outer folds of ear only

• Humidifier - especially during the winter months. Be sure to note and follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning.

Medication Safety: Measure medications carefully with the included measuring device. Always calculate the dose by weight if possible using a dose chart from your health care provider or included with the medication. For young children, it is best to avoid medication with multiple active ingredients (for example, cough medicine with tylenol), unless recommended by your healthcare provider.