We have surpassed 9 months!  It feels like we should throw a little victory party.  Our son is alive, healthy, happy, and ready to count down to his first birthday.

Though it doesn’t mean there haven’t been some trying times.  Like right now, we’re battling the mouth monster that is teething.  This, like most parents, has us diving into whatever we can find to help sooth his aching gums.  We’ve experienced the night screaming, the buzzing of his lips, and the overall discomfort he has as another tooth is about ready to spike its way through.

There are dozens of products on the market that can offer relief, but we’ve found Infants’ Motrin to be our lifesaver.  Many of you may remember a recall on the product in October of 2013, but so far we’ve encountered no problems and have found it safe to use.  We’re thankful because it’s the only aid that has noticeably helped our little guy.

Though as with the use of any medicine it raises questions of what and how much you should have around the house.  There are warnings all over the local news about prescription medicine and the safety of your medicine cabinets.  In preparing for our next podcast, we came across this Medicine Chest Checklist that gave a fantastic reference as to what you should have ready around the house, of course locked away in a place far out of the reach of kids.  Though I thought it was worth taking a look at, especially as our little one is becoming more and more mobile.

For baby/infants:

• Digital thermometer
• Children’s non-aspirin liquid pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Topical calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream (1/2 percent) for insect bites and rashes
• Rubbing alcohol to clean thermometers, tweezers, and scissors
• Petroleum jelly to lubricate rectal thermometer
• Antibacterial ointment for cuts and for scrapes
• Tweezers for splinters and ticks
• Child-safe sunscreen lotion
• Baby moisturizing cream to help soothe your child’s skin
• A medicine dropper, oral syringe, or calibrated cup or spoon for administering medicines

Baby Center’s list is much longer, but what I pasted above is a good indication for new parents of how to plan.  Providing a great place to start building your arsenal of medical supplies as your kiddos grow.  While we haven’t yet begun to deal with fevers, colds, and sniffles, or scrapes, cuts, and bruises, having a stock of your preferred products on hand (stored safely) can save you a feverish trip to drug store or frantically calling your spouse to run out and pick something up.

What’s your go to product for when you’re little ones aren’t feeling 100%?  Share your tips and tricks in the comments section below.  We’ll be discussing this topic further on this week’s podcast and could share your example for all the listeners, so make sure you download the episode when it’s posted this week.

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