Stocking a Medicine Chest for your Toddler

It is very important to consult a pediatrician to diagnose and treat your toddler. Have a well-stocked medicine chest in case you need to administer first aid or give your toddler temporary relief.

Toddlers are prone to frequent ailments, which are generally not severe in nature. Some of the common ailments that are likely to attack your toddler include light fever, insect-bites, rashes, cuts, abrasions, sniffles, minor cough/cold etc.

As a responsible parent, you can easily take care of such minor ailments yourself by stocking up a medicine chest with the following essentials:

• Ointment that is antibacterial and/or hydrocortisone, such as Cortaid
  
  
• Sunscreen lotion for toddlers
  
  
• Bandage strips of all sizes
  
  
• Alchohol or bactine for disinfecting cuts and scrapes
  
  
• Sterilized cotton
  
  
• Baby shampoo
  
  
• A first-aid manual such as ‘The American Red Cross’s Standard First Aid & Personal Safety’
  
  
• Re-hydration fluids – you may have to taste what flavors your child will drink
  
  
• A liquid decongestant suitable for toddlers
  
• A thermometer (preferably digital)
  
  
• A pair of scissors and tweezers
  
  
• Low-strength pain-killers suitable for toddlers
  
  
• A hot-water bottler or a heating pad
  
  
• A small flashlight
  
  
• A small teaspoon
  
  
• A calibrated cup or glass
  
  
• An oral syringe (usually comes with prescription medicines)
  
• Antibacterial soap
  

Your physician might have things to add to the above list.