The 7 Best Must-Have Items for Stocking Your Baby's Medicine Cabinet

These days, most people have access to a 24-hour pharmacy or grocery store within a few minutes from home. Even with that convenience, it just makes sense to have a few basic medicine cabinet essentials on-hand in case your baby wakes up sick or hurt in the middle of the night. Talk to your pediatrician about what they recommend, and take a look at our recommendations for baby medicine cabinet must-haves.

How to Stock a Medicine Cabinet for Kids: Baby Medicine Kit Essentials

1. Digital thermometer

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a digital rectal thermometer provides the most accurate reading. Accuracy is critical in infants since even low fevers can be dangerous. Call the pediatrician immediately if your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. By four years old, your child should be ready for a digital oral thermometer. Armpit temperatures are the least accurate, but you can use this method to quickly screen a child of any age. 

The FridaBaby 3-in-1 True Temp Thermometer for rectal, oral, or armpit use will be your fever-fighting BFF. It delivers a 10-second quick read with an automatic second check, so you don't have to second guess. Plus the Parent Proof Stopper and LED lights make tush temp checks worry-free.

2. Nasal aspirator 

Many hospitals send new parents home with a soft rubber bulb aspirator after the birth of their baby. Newborns can't blow their noses, and the resulting mucus accumulation can make breathing and eating a challenge. A nasal aspirator is a tool caregivers can use to essentially “vacuum” out any phlegm or snot from the infant’s nose.

The Fridababy NoseFrida is your go-to natural, hygienic baby booger buster. It's totally safe (for parents and baby), so you can say "see you later" to snotty noses.

3. Medicine syringe or dropper 

A medicine dropper or syringe is critical for dispensing medication accurately. A baby can easily overdose so don’t simply use a teaspoon from your kitchen drawer. Syringes are ideal since they don’t drip and are easy to squirt directly into your infant’s mouth. Hollow-handled spoon dispensers are another great option for babies who can sit up independently.

The FridaBaby MediFrida Accu-Dose Pacifier and Medicine Dispenser deliver the full dose through a soft, familiar paci that sends medicine to the side of the cheek, as recommended by doctors, bypassing your baby's taste buds to prevent spit-ups so that baby swallows the full dose. MediFrida is the only paci-style baby medicine dispenser that doubles as a real pacifier, so dosing doesn't disrupt your baby's soothing schedule.

4. Saline nasal drops 

A simple, all-natural mixture of salt and water, these drops help loosen mucus and moisturize and soothe swollen nasal passages. Use them alone or just prior to administering a nasal aspirator.

FridaBaby NoseFrida Saline Snot Spray is an all-natural, simple saline solution. And by simple, FridaBaby means just two ingredients: sea salt and water. That's all! The small applicator tip is specially designed for the tiniest of tots. Use as often as needed without any harmful side effects!

5. Pain relievers

For babies older than three months, low-grade fevers don’t necessarily require a visit to the pediatrician. Consider keeping some children’s acetaminophen or children’s ibuprofen on hand for pain relief. Double-check dosing with your pediatrician prior to administering medication. When it comes to over-the-counter cough and cold medications, most aren't safe for infants and young children. They don't treat the underlying cause of a child's cold and won't make it go away sooner. That said, there are a few homeopathic options that may help your baby feel more comfortable. Discuss these options with your pediatrician before adding them to your baby’s medicine cabinet.

Boiron ColdCalm Baby Liquid Cold Relief Drops relieve common cold symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Simply squeeze the small pre-measured liquid dose into the child’s mouth. Recommended for children 6 months of age and older, the clear and tasteless liquid is free of flavors, dyes, lactose, sugar, and artificial sweeteners. This homeopathic multi-symptom children’s cold relief medicine does not contain any of the ingredients questioned by the FDA for use in young children and won’t mask symptoms of a more serious condition.

6. Gas relievers

A gassy baby is common and normal due to infants' tiny and immature digestive systems. They also tend to swallow a lot of air during feedings. Baby gripe water (typically a blend of sodium bicarbonate and tummy soothing herbs) provides relief for some babies. Infant simethicone gas drops are also noted for effectively breaking up gas bubbles. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a specific brand of medication for gas relief.

A natural solution for colic, constipation, and other gas-related problems, the FridaBaby Windi the Gaspasser works instantly and does not require ingestion of any drops or medication. The Windi is a single-use tube that helps babies get rid of excess gas. Safe and effective when used as instructed, the soft, pliable, hollow tube features a rounded tip that is long enough to reach past the muscle preventing the release of the gas and features a stopper to prevent too-far insertion.

7. Diaper rash cream

A case of diaper rash at some point is unavoidable for most babies. Look for a cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide, which is excellent for soothing chafed skin.

Treat and prevent diaper rash with Burt's Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment. Formulated with 40% zinc oxide and sweet almond oil for maximum protection, this ointment creates an emollient layer that shields the baby from wetness that can irritate delicate skin. No more fear of what lurks under the diaper - nothing but a smooth, healthy bottom.

Safety Tips for Baby’s Medicine Cabinet

When it comes to caring for your sick baby, keep these tips in mind.

• Always keep medicine safely beyond your child's reach.
• Use appropriate measuring devices, and be as exact as possible with dosing.
• Avoid referring to medicine as “candy.”
• Contact your baby’s pediatrician if the medication seems to be ineffective, symptoms deteriorate, or if you notice unanticipated side effects.
• Clarify with your pediatrician whether medication should be administered with food (breastmilk/formula) or given on an empty stomach.
• Let your doctor know if your child is currently taking any other medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter.
• Avoid using aspirin as this can cause a potentially fatal illness called Reye’s syndrome. 

A fully-stocked baby medicine cabinet will better prepare you to handle your infant’s skin, colds, and fevers quickly and effectively. Be sure to check product labels carefully to be certain the products you’re using are age-appropriate and that you’re administering them as directed. Always reach out to your physician or pharmacist if you need guidance.