What should I have in our home medicine cabinet. I have a 7-year old and a baby on the way. Thanks?
Question:
Answers:
Some type of no-sting antiseptic wash for cuts and scrapes
Rubber gloves
An ear syringe
Eye wash & eye drops (just plain visine or something similar)
Various sizes/shapes of Band-aids
Tissues
Tweezers
Scissors
Nail clippers
Gauze
Adhesive tape (the kind for bandaging)
Duct tape (not to use on your skin, but it can be very handy in a lot of situations)
Cold packs (the type you break to activate)
Ace bandages
Baking soda (mix with water for insect bites and stings)
Sunscreen
Aloe Vera gel
Hand sanitizer
Baby wipes
plastic baggies/garbage bags
small notepad and pen
flashlight
Benadryl
Tylenol
Pepto-bismol
Orajel
Gas relief drops (for the baby on the way)
A small amount of your prescription medications (in case you miss a dose or are late refilling it)
Epi-pen if anyone in your family has one for severe allergies
Also, keep a list with your doctor's name, address, and phone number, each family member's allergies and any medications they may be taking, any history of past serious injuries or diseases, a copy of your insurance card, another family member or responsible friend's phone number to be an emergency contact person, the phone number for poison control, your local fire department's non-emergency phone number, your local police/sheriff's non-emergency phone number, any 24-hour nurse line you have access to, and a list of after hours clinics/urgent care locations in your area. I would also strongly reccommend taking a CPR and first aid class. When you take the class, your instructor will usually give you a small booklet that shows how to care for various minor injuries, in case you need a reminder. You might also be able to find a basic first aid booklet at your pharmacy or a bookstore. Make sure that all your medications are clearly marked, not expired, and that you have the right dosage strengths for your family members (adult, child, and infant in your case).
Keep all your supplies in a clearly marked box with a child-resistant latch in an accessible location. Make sure all your family members, babysitters, and any frequent visitors to your home know where to find it. Don't be afraid to take it out and use your supplies, even if it isn't an "emergency situation." After all, you have them around for a reason.
Other Answers:
Not sure what exactly you should have, but with little hands, make sure you have a kidproof safety lock on it to keep little hands from getting into it.
I have a two year old and I still remmember being a child, I'm also a first time parent so don't quote me on this. For a medical kit you will need EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF AND THEM SOME!! I've learned that it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. I feel if you keep that as a general rule of thumb you are as prepaired as you'll ever need to be. Good luck most of all have fun:) Get some anti-nausea for when you are feeling nauseous! It is a relief not to have to be aiming for the can every 30-odd minutes when you are sick.
One of the few medecines I keep about for myself is Acetaminaphen (prefer) or Sudafed. Though you will never find it curing you of anything, it can certainly be a relief when it comes to most symptoms.
I am not a doctor.
Bandaids, bandaids, bandaids, as well as some old towels just incase you have a real accident that bleeds like crazy, also children's tylenol, kids cold meds, vitamins, as well as some cough syrup. Ipacac syrup is the main thing that comes to mind in case your child eats something that is poisonous, but call poison control first before administering. Other medications have a short shelf life and I would get them only as needed. I would also have a good supply of assorted bandaids and a antiseptic cream for cuts and scrapes.
0.9% Saline Solution Sprayer: The most popular brand is called Wound Wash, this is for spraying out debris from a wound.
Cold Pressed Castor Oil: Not the processed stuff at drug stores.
You can find it at most health food stores, but if not a good source is http://www.mothernature.com This oil is pressed from the Ricinus communis bean and is strongly antiseptic plus it speeds healing. This oil is a great alternative to antibiotic oinments because there is a far less risk of allergic reaction and in my experience it speeds healing faster. Even if you don't have an initial reaction to an antibiotic, a huge percentage of people will develope an allergic reaction if repeatedly exposed to one, especially neomycin. Also antibiotics can cause cross infection if an infection is already present because many types of bacteria, once established, are, or can quickly become resistant to bacitracin and neomycin (polymyxin only kills fungi), so the bacteria uses the ointment as a medium to spread and grow. There is little risk of cross infection with castor because bacteria cannot develope a resistance to it. Castor is also amazing on diaper rash, but if the rash becomes severe always see a doctor.
Chlorhexidine (brand name Hibiclens): A germicide for cleaning wounds that does not sting or slow healing like alcohol and peroxide. You could also use Betadine but unlike Chlorhexidine, Betadine can absorb into the blood stream and too much on the skin can cause side effects. On minor wounds this is overkill, just spray saline and apply castor oil.
Bandaids, ace bandages, medical tape, gauze rolls.
Ipecac is effective if used immediately, but if the child has already developed symptoms of poisoning it is recommended to just wait for an ambulance.
For dry skin I recommend Jojoba oil instead of lotion, a good source is http://www.thecatalog.com
ALWAYS DO A PATCH TEST WITH ALL OF THESE THINGS TO MAKE SURE YOU CHILD IS NOT SENSITVE OR ALLERGIC TO THE SUBSTANCE.
check with dr..and pharmacist. but band aids. thermometer..preferably one that is digital and can be used under arm. i would purchase medicine for colds and temperatures as needed..and after consulting doctor.. due to expiration.and precautionary measures. maybe a creme for cuts and scrapes. other meds as i stated should be purchased upon doctor recommendation.including those for diahrea..bee stings..swimmers ear. stys..and ear aches.
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