I realised not long after having my first baby that having things together and easy to access can be a sanity saver - especially on those long nights when the baby is unsettled.
From something as simple as a blocked nose to checking Bubs temperature to teething pain. Having a little kit with all the basics cover you in most situations. I carry mine in a simple zipper pouch and take it with me as needed - from around the house to on the go.
Let’s go over the basic baby issues - blocked nose, temperature, nappy rash and pain.
Issue: Blocked nose
My must haves: Saline Nose Drops/Spray & Baby Nasal Aspirator
I keep a nasal saline spray or drops and a nasal aspirator on hand.
For newborns I find the “Fess Saline Drops 0+” to be the most gentle, as the spray tends to shock them and can be more uncomfortable. Following the instructions and waiting a little while for the snot to loosen, I then use a bulb aspirator to suck the boogers out of their nose. There are a range of different styles and types out there - pick up the one that suits you the most and add it to the kit.
A clear nose means the baby will be able to breathe easier and in turn, feed and settle easier as well.
Issue: Temperature
My must haves: Thermometer (& Infant Paracetamol for over 1 month old)
As a fever can be especially dangerous for babies it’s important to be able to check and monitor them closely by using a thermometer.
I like to keep a small digital thermometer on me in the kit - the one I keep in the pouch is one that goes in the armpit of the baby and is compact for on the go. We also keep a secondary thermometer in our medical cupboard at home that is an in-ear one.
For infants over the age of 1 month old, I also like to keep infant paracetamol on hand to administer to help break the fever.
Do your research on when to seek medical attention; and what signs and symptoms to look out for. I write the information on the box we keep the thermometer in so we have a quick reference.
Issue: Nappy Rash
My must haves: Nappy Rash Cream
The best way to help a nappy rash is to let the skin ‘breathe’ and keep it as dry as possible with frequent nappy changes.
However if they do happen it’s not always possible to let baby have “no nappy time”; in such cases a good nappy rash cream can help.
I also have one on hand in the kit for such an occasion like when out and about or overnight.
Issue: Pain
My must haves: Infant Paracetamol & Pen
I’ve already touched on keeping infant paracetamol on hand but once my babies reach the age they can safely take it - I like to keep some on hand.
Infant paracetamol can be useful with immunisations, teething, and fevers being the most common reasons I’ve used it.
Once I administer the medication I write down the time and also when it is next due so I can keep track and don’t have to rely on memory alone.
Remember: always follow the directions and appropriate dosage. Dosage is calculated based on weight.
Keeping a few basic medial essentials on hand in a nice little pouch means they are easily portable and you know you’ve got what you need.
My Baby Medical Pouch Kit:
Saline Nasal Spray/Drops
Baby Nasal Aspirator
Baby Thermometer
Nappy Rash Cream
Infant Panadol
Pen
