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What to Keep in Your Medicine Box: First Aid Staples Every Parent Should Have

When it comes to kids’ medicine, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why we keep a stocked first aid kit – or as we call it, a first aid box – in our home. In case of an emergency, we want to have handy everything that will make our kids feel better. 

What to Keep in Your Medicine Box: First Aid Staples Every Parent Should Have

Written by: Jessica Diamond, MPH, RDN

When it comes to kids’ medicine, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. That’s why we keep a stocked first aid kit – or as we call it, a first aid box – in our home. In case of an emergency, we want to have handy everything that will make our kids feel better. 

Using a locked medicine box is the best way to keep all your kids’ medical items in one place and safe from their little hands. Having everything in one reliable spot means that, when an emergency or illness crops up, it’s a simple grab-and-go situation. It also makes care simpler for anyone babysitting your kid, with all the emergency information, medication, and first aid supplies in one place. Plus, using the box saves room in your cabinets for everyday items. This is one of those things that, when we started using a box, we wondered how we ever lived without it! 

We recommend that you start building your box before your baby comes and then adapting it as your child grows. From bandages and antibiotic ointment to fever reducers and Tylenol, here are the first-aid essentials that every parent should have at home. 

One thing to note: While it’s important to be prepared for any type of emergency, it’s also important to consult with your pediatrician before giving your child any over-the-counter medications or remedies. Some medications can be harmful if given incorrectly, so please make sure that you’re following your doctor’s recommendations closely. 

You can easily shop and search all the items below in our Medicine Cabinet List on our Amazon Storefront. And just a reminder: many of the links are affiliate links, which means that when you use them, part of the proceeds go to support Meaning Full Living at no charge to you! We so appreciate the support!

Locked Medicine First Aid Box: Like we explained above, we highly recommend a dedicated box for your kids’ first aid supplies.  You can get one box for the entire family or get one for each kid and label the box with their name. 

First Aid Items: You can source some of these items individually or get a pre-made first aid kit. 

  • First Aid Supplies to Build Your Own First Aid Kit:
    • Gauze 2×2
    • Alcohol Pads
    • Bandaids 
    • Antibiotic Ointment
    • Tape
    • Scissors
    • Tweezer 
  • Other First Aid Items
    • Pulse Oximeter: Being able to get a blood oxygen level at home is really helpful, and this one works on both babies, kids and adults. 
    • The Bug Thing: This amazing for bug bites for kids and adults. 
    • Emergency Card: Leave this in the box  so that your phone number, allergies, and pediatrician info is easily accessible when someone else is watching your kid. 
    • Forehead Fever Stickers: These cooling stickers help cool and comfort your little one with a fever.
  • Thermometer
    • Baby Thermometer: This is our favorite rectal thermometer for babies. Rectal thermometers, rather than oral or armpit thermometers, should be used for babies under 2 months old.
    • Baby and Kid Thermometer: This is an oral, rectal, and armpit thermometer all in one, so it will grow with your child!  
    • Ear & Forehead Thermometers: The most convenient option for toddlers and kids is an ear and forehead thermometer, though it should be noted that ear thermometers are known to be inaccurate. It’s always a good idea to have a back-up oral or underarm thermometer on hand to confirm a fever.

Medication Administration: 

  • Medicine Cups and Syringes: These come with any kids’ medication you order. Save them and store them in a baggie in the box for easy access. 
  • Pacifier Syringe: This is a great option for babies who have a difficult time taking medication with the syringe provided with the medication. This is especially helpful if you have a baby who takes a pacifier.

Medications: Remember that dosage for babies and young kids is usually based on weight and not age. Always check with your pediatrician for proper dosing for your kids, but here’s a helpful dosing guide for over-the-counter medication from Bryce’s pediatrician, Dr. Cohen.

  • Motrin: Motrin is not safe for babies under 6 months. We prefer these items below because they are dye-free options. 
  • Acetaminophen
    • Genexa: This is our favorite brand for acetaminophen because it is a cleaner alternative without unnecessary fillers or additives.
    • Little Remedies: We love this brand because it’s also clean!
  • Diphenhydramine HCl (Benadryl):
    • Genexa: This is our favorite brand for antihistamine for the same reasons as above.
  • Baby Gas Drops: All babies struggle with gas, so this is a nice item to keep on hand when natural remedies aren’t working.

Congestion:

  • Nose Frida Syringe and Filters: Thank goodness for this invention! It is so helpful for babyhood and early toddlerhood when your kid can’t blow snot out themselves. Infants also breathe out of their nose, so a stuffy nose can make them quite uncomfortable. This product gets the snot out so efficiently.
  • Saline Mist & Drops: This is one of the most underutilized remedies for kids and adults. It’s an all-natural solution that helps loosen up and pull out snot, which is extra important for little ones who can’t blow their noses yet.
    • Saline Drops: These or these are great for infants. 
    • Saline Mist: This is great for babies and kids (and even works for adults!).
  • Chest Rub: Apply a little to your child’s chest – don’t overdo it! Make sure to double-check the age recommendation since some are recommended only for kids 2-3+.
  • Boogie Wipes: These keep their noses from drying out with all the wiping.
  • Beekeeper’s Naturals Honey Throat Spray: We love this company and always have their spray on hand. It provides immune support and helps soothe scratchy throats. 

Miscellaneous

  • Camilia for Teething: This is a great natural remedy for teething. Use the code LIVING for a discount!
  • Similasan Earache and Pink Eye Relief: These are great natural remedies. Similasan currently has a sweepstakes to win a $500 visa gift card and Similasan “school essentials” prize pack. Include Meaning Full Living in your entry.
  • Stay Calm Sleep Remedy: This is a great natural remedy for sleep that is melatonin-free. Use the code LIVING for a discount! 
  • Oogie Boogie: This is the easiest and most satisfying way to get boogers out. 
  • Windii: If your baby is struggling with gas, this is  an incredible tool during the newborn stage and early infancy. Trust us on this one! 

Hair Tourniquet for Infant & Baby:

  • Jar of Nair & Tweezer: A hair tourniquet is a rare but scary thing that can happen during babyhood. A hair tourniquet is when a piece of hair or a thread from clothing wraps around a child’s finger, toe, or other body part so tightly that it blocks blood flow. If you have Nair and a tweezer,  you can quickly remove it, but be sure to immediately contact your doctor if this happens!

For other tips on our top remedies for sick kids, check out this article.