Preparation is key to low-stress parenting — OK, lower-stress parenting. Whether you’re having your fifth baby or your first, you’re going to be anxious. A baby’s first year is a thrilling time marked by a roller coaster of emotions and experiences. While you can prepare for some things with a high chair or baby swing, it’s impossible to truly be prepared for everything, it is possible to anticipate your little one’s needs and stock your medicine cabinet for success.
Pain Relievers
While you should never hesitate to call your pediatrician’s office if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s health, there are certain illnesses and irritants that you can handle at home if you have the right products on hand:
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen drops: It’s best to keep both of these pain relievers and fever reducers on hand, in part because they’re suitable for different ages when babies are very small, and in part because you may need to alternate them to fight a fever or other common pains, such as those that accompany an ear infection. Always read the label very carefully before administering either to your little one, and never give your baby aspirin.
- Teething oil: While teething rings and other chew toys can relieve much of your baby’s pain when he or she has a new tooth coming in, sometimes, your baby’s going to need something a little stronger. Double down on pain relief with a topical remedy such as Wellements teething oil, which uses organic oils to sooth a baby’s troublesome gums.
Tummy Helpers
Every now and then, your baby’s tiny tummy can cause big problems. That’s why it’s useful to have the following on hand:
- Multivitamin drops: For the first few months of a newborn’s life, his or her mother’s milk provides all of the nutrition that a baby could ever need. Eventually, though, your baby may need a nutrient supplement. Opt for an organic formula such as Wellements Multivitamin Drops, which are made without dyes, parabens, petroleum, menthol, chemical preservatives and any artificial fragrances, colors or flavors.
- Simethicone drops: These drops aren’t 100% effective against gas, but they can often help. Simethicone hangs out in your little one’s GI tract without ever being absorbed by the body, which means there’s no harm in trying when your baby needs relief from painful gas and bloating.
- Probiotics drops: A healthy gut is a happy gut. Wellements Probiotic Drops reviews suggest that a daily probiotic supplement can stop tummy troubles such as constipation and gas before they have a chance to start.
Other Wellness Tools
There are a variety of other items you should have on hand to keep your baby happy and healthy. They include the following:
- Thermometer: Experts recommend using a digital rectal thermometer for the first six months of a baby’s life due to its superior accuracy.
- Nasal aspirator: Affectionately known as a snot sucker, there are many models of aspirator available. In fact, the hospital will probably send you home with the classic bulb model.
- Nail clippers or a nail file: Babies’ nails grow fast. Keep your little one’s talons in check with baby nail clippers or regular filing.
Being a parent means expecting the unexpected. Stock your baby’s medicine cabinet with the essentials, and you’ll be ready to quickly remedy many of your little one’s health and wellness needs.
