Baby's First Medicine Cabinet

ewborns and infants don’t need much. Love, food, dry bottoms, and safe transportation comprise the basic needs of a new baby. But what you receive at baby showers - or check off on a baby registry - can lead you to believe that 250 items are essential for survival.

From a mom’s and pediatrician’s point of view, keeping just the basics will help you in times of need and free you from the anxiety attached to owning too many unnecessary baby items.

What do parents need to stock in a medicine cabinet for a newborn/young infant?

• Thermometer – Today, digital ear thermometers seem to be the choice for most parents. Unfortunately, they are notoriously inaccurate when used on infants and tots. For accuracy, a rectal thermometer is best, but for those leary of old fashioned mercury thermometers (for fear of breakage), there are digital rectal thermometers that are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to read. (Editor's note: As The Cradle's Advisory Board pediatrician, Dr. Levenstein feels that rectal thermometers give the most accurate reading. But, we also realize that many parents are weary of using one, so take your baby's temperature in a way that makes you feel most comfortable... in the ear, under the arm, etc. Talk with your pediatrician about your options.)

• Vaseline or Other Lubricant (for that thermometer) - Petroleum jelly is also useful for aftercare of healing circumcisions.

• Cotton Swabs – For gentle cleansing of infant girl’s labial folds (if contaminated by poop), for cleaning the outside of baby’s ear canal (should wax appear), and for cleaning/drying the moist base of the umbilical cord (optional).

• Cotton Balls – If moistened in warm water, often helpful if baby’s tear ducts are plugged; they can gently wipe away any discharge.

• Quilted Paper Towels – Ideal when moistened with warm water for cleansing baby’s bottom in the newborn period, soaking up spills and wayward pee.

• Nasal Bulb Syringe – In the hospital, most parents are provided with a large syringe resembling an onion. This is meant to suck out saliva and secretions from the mouth. A smaller variety with a flexible soft tip is available in pharmacies (we give them to all of our new parents), so that if baby’s nose is stuffy or needs clearing, the appropriate vehicle is used.