Newborn first aid and medical?

[firsttimemum090]

Getting ready for my first baby. What medical supplies should I have to hand?

So far I have on my list to purchase:
Thermometer (what kind?)
Panadol, nurofen (which is better?)
Nappy cream (which is best?)
Plasters?

What else should I have on hand? Is there a list of medicines that are safe or not, etc? FTM and really no idea what a baby needs beyond nappies! xx

Snot sucker? (Proper name: Nasal aspirator)

Thank you, do I need saline with that as well? I see the sucking mouth one [vom face] is that really the best? Specific suggestions very much welcomed as I'm utterly clueless

We were bought the braun 2 in 1 no touch thermometer. It's expensive but amazing as you can easily use it when the baby is asleep.

Nappy creams are trial an error. I found metanium was the best when she actually had nappy rash but used sudocreme or waitrose bottom butter as a barrier cream.

On a side note, it's worth checking with your local children's centre if they offer a first aid course. My one did one for £5 which was great.

You don't have to get the mouth sucker ones, you can buy bulb ones that you squeeze. Although the mouth ones have a dam in them so no actual snot will get into your mouth. You don't need saline with them

You're not likely to need plasters with a baby, that's a toddler item

I'd recommend baby paracetamol (calpol but generic brands are also available) and baby ibuprofen, it's always good to have both in. Calpol is a good general painkiller and you'll need it for the 8 week jabs but ibuprofen can be better for teething as it's anti-inflammatory

Tommee tippee sell a healthcare kit (about £10 on Amazon) which has a bulb aspirator, thermometer, baby nail scissors and a few other bits and pieces.

I'd get in some infacol in case baby has trouble with wind, it's safe from birth.

Metanium is a good nappy cream

Also recommend some ambesol for teething, comes in gel or liquid. You won't need it for a few months but it's best to buy it before you need it to avoid a late-night dash to the supermarket with a screaming baby!

The essentials are a thermometer, Calpol ( but not for newborns!), snot sucker and sudocrem.

You might want infacol incase they have colic?

The test you can buy as your baby gets older. You won't need plasters for a while that's for sure!

Ice packs in the freezer for once they learn to walk and run!

My LO is four weeks old an I literally only have a tub of sudocrem - and that’s because we use it on various running/cycling/hiking chafing/rashes.

What would an infant be doing to need plasters? I think most infant medicines like calpol are 2/3 months+ and there has been some research to suggest that their use should be limited so will buy as and when we need them.

The only thing we probably should have but don’t is a thermometer but tbh with a baby this young if they were behaving as if they were unwell I would probably want a medical professional to look at them anyway.

I wouldn’t buy until I needed it, but calpol do a plug in that has a menthol type aroma- can help ease snottiness. Generic brand calpol is must- they advise giving a dose before they give meningitis jab at 8weeks.
Best investments with small child? Amazon prime. Anything you want. Tomorrow. And box sets, if you are breast feeding/ up half night.
Good luck!!