It can be so upsetting and traumatic, the first time your child wakes up with a fever at midnight. It is too late to get to a pharmacy…What now? You never want to be caught unawares…
That is why it’s essential to have a well-stocked medicine kit, so that you can be prepared. Whether you are going on vacation, or simply staying at home, I have put together a list of items that are some must haves for your kit. (You can thank me at Midnight!)
For Pain and Fevers
- A good quality thermometer. (I like an ear thermometer, and I like to advise doing three readings at the same depth and to take an average.) A quick, accurate digital thermometer is easy to read in the heat of the moment. (Excuse the pun!)
- Paracetamol/Panado
This includes medicines like Calpol or Panado syrup. (Panado drops are easier to administer for infants). I’ve personally found that my kids prefer the taste of Calpol.
- Anti-inflammatories
If we are faced with a high fever that is not responding to paracetamol, then an anti-inflammatory is a great secondary option. These are medicines like Ponstan (Ponac) or Neurofen Paediatric Suspension (can only be given from two years). I personally prefer Ponac, as I find a gentler on the tummy, but the Neurofen syringes are great! When fevers are bad, you can alternate Ponac and Calpol (six hourly each.) It is always best to phone your pharmacist to establish the correct dosage for your babies weight. Another great option is Panomor suppositories, but these require a script.
For Coughs
- I prefer natural cough syrups like Prospan. This is a herbal combination, that includes dried Ivy leaf and has been proven to reduce mucus in the airway.
- ACC
This loosens mucus in the respiratory tract. You can give a quarter tablet dissolved in water for babies from a month of age, or you can get ACC syrup which is easier to administer.
For Blocked Noses
- The best is actually breastmilk in the nostrils. You can express and keep it in an empty eye drop bottle in the fridge for four days. It has natural antibodies that help to fight the germie germies.
- Salex drops are very helpful. FLO baby is a brilliant option.
- Iliadin can be used, but not for longer than five days as it can cause rebound congestion.
- A nose Frida or nasal aspirator
- A paediatric vapour rub like Purity Pediakids Vapour Gel. Vicks can only be used from the age of two.
Crampy Tummies
- Buscopan syrup. It tastes awful, but it really works.
- For little babies, Telament Colic Drops, Telament Gripe water, Bonnisan or Bennet’s Colic mix (if severe). It is always best to try and keep an exclusive breastmilk layer in the gut and not to add medicines unless absolutely necessary.
Tummy Bugs
- If baby has vomiting and diarrhoea, it is essential to keep baby hydrated. The best is to breastfeed, or to give small sips of fluid. Many kids don’t like the taste of rehydrate, so I like to make my own oral rehydrate solution:
Home Made Rehydrate Solution Recipe:
- 8 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 litre water.
Let baby sip it slowly.
For babies on solids, it is best for them not to eat food during this time, to let their little tummies rest. When they are feeling better, bland foods like rice, scrambled egg, Marie biscuits, bananas and Energade can help.
- For diarrhoea, Pectrolyte can help (over the age of 3)
- Smecta (can be given under 3) can help to solidify their stools.
- Reuteri drops or Reuteri chewable tabs are great.
If vomiting or diarrhoea continue for too long, please see your doctor as dehydration can be dangerous.
Cuts and Scrapes
- A bottle of Sterile Salt water for cleaning
- Dettol/Savlon
- Elastoplast wound spray if travelling
- Creams like Germoline, Betadine (Antiseptic Cream)
- Bactroban (Antibiotic Cream)
- Gauze, bandages and plasters
- Colourful plasters always help to make a child feel better 🙂
Insect Bites
- Anthisan cream for mozzie bites or itchy skin (eg grass rash)
- Stopitch/Mylocort (Has a mild Cortisone for angry skin reactions/ eczema.)
Nappy Rash
- Sudocreme mixed with Nystacid (Antifungal) with cornstarch on top.
Allergies
- Loratadine syrup
Burns
- Burnshield dressing is an absolute essential in any kit!
Other Essentials for Going on Holiday
- Sunscreen with a high SPF.
- Mozzi Repellant – For little babies, Purity Insect Repellant and Mosquito nets.
- For older kids for Kruger trips, I like a Deet free repellent like LifeTrek (from outdoor warehouse). Citronella candles, Mosquito patches for their clothes.
Other Basics for the Kit
- Gloves
- Tweezers
- Plasters
- CPR device
- Scissors
- Travel ice pack
- A needle to get splinters out and Traxa (drawing ointment).
Knowing that you have the necessary supplies and how to use them properly, can help to alleviate anxiety and stress when your child is sick. I always love to have a list for holidays, so that you know that you have what you need when your child comes to you with a splinter, bee sting or tummy ache. Mothers are the ultimate multitaskers and hope this helps in your role as Nurse mommy. What would our families do without us?
Love Andrea
