What’s in your medicine cabinet?
If you have a toddler, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a list of items you should have stocked in your medicine cabinet, including:
Thermometer: Pediatricians recommend that you invest in a rectal thermometer, as it provides the most accurate readings. However, most doctors also realize that many parents are weary of using one, so they suggest taking your toddler’s temperature in a way that you feel most comfortable. Be warned, though, digital ear thermometers are notoriously inaccurate. What’s more, trying to cajole a sick tot into holding an oral thermometer under his tongue or arm for an extended amount of time is nearly an impossible task. When in doubt, doctors say stick with a rectal thermometer and make sure it has a safety stop and a comfort flex tip.
Vaseline: Helpful when placed on a rectal thermometer. In addition, petroleum jelly is useful for a host of other ailments, including chafing.
Cotton Swabs: Swabs are gentle enough to clean the outside of your toddler’s ear canal and are also great for applying topical ointments to cuts or rashes.
Cotton Balls: When dipped in warm water, cotton balls are helpful to clear discharge from your toddler’s eyes and nose.
Nasal Bulb Syringe: Most hospitals provide new parents with a nasal bulb syringe at the time of their child’s birth. Do not get rid of it once your child learns how to walk. Most children don’t master the art of nose blowing until they are three or four (if you are lucky). A nasal bulb syringe with a flexible soft tip is a great tool to extract mucus from your toddler’s stuffy nose.
Sterile Saline Drops: The drops can be used to loosen up mucus that might be obstructing your toddler’s nostrils and disrupting the flow of breathing.
Baby Nail Clippers: Baby nail clippers can be used on children through the preschool years. Toddlers’ nails are still soft, so it’s easy just to clip the edge of the nail and peel the remainder off.
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