Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves for Babies & Toddlers

We're diving into the essentials — think thermometers for the fever-fighting MVPs, a line-up of skin-soothing superheroes, and strategies for conquering colic and teething troubles. Plus, we'll spill the beans on the sneakiest (but effective) ways to get those necessary meds down the hatch without turning it into a showdown.  

So, grab a cup of coffee — because, let's be real, it's a parent's lifeline — and let's talk about why a well-prepped medicine cabinet is the unsung hero in our parenting escapades.

What To Do: Safety Tips 

As a parent, keeping your baby safe and healthy is a top priority. While many safety guidelines are common knowledge (or so we hope!), there are some health and safety recommendations that may not be at the forefront of your mind. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts to consider when stacking up your medicine cabinet:  

• DO keep all meds and supplies in a locked or childproof cabinet, out of reach for curious little hands. 
• DO use those child-resistant containers — an extra layer of protection to cut down the risk of accidental ingestion. 
• DO regularly check expiration dates, toss out any expired stuff, and replace as needed. 
• DO read the labels for the right dosage based on your kiddo’s weight and age. 
• DO keep adult meds separate to dodge any mix-ups; paediatric formulations are made just for the little ones. 
• DO safety store thermometers to prevent any accidental breakage. 
• DO consult with your family doctor when in doubt or if you need specific advice. 
  
  

What Not to Do

• DON’T forget the basics. Bandages, antiseptic creams, and thermometers are your cabinet’s unsung heroes! 
• DON’T overlook allergies. Double-check those ingredients to ensure they’re kiddo safe, preventing any surprise allergic reactions. 
• DON’T crowd the cabinet. Stick to essentials for a stress-free, easily locatable stash in times of urgency. 
• DON’T dish out acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other OTC meds to a child under 24 months without the green light for your family doc. It's okay for fevers in babies over three months, but always consult, especially for those wee ones under 12 weeks. Safety first! 
• DON’T give a child under 6 months ibuprofen. For kids over 6 months, it’s wise to check with your doctor first.  
• DON’T give aspirin to a child of any age due to links with Reye’s syndrome and stomach bleeding. 
• DON’T use adult dosages for little ones. Stick to the pediatric dosing guidelines and the right measuring devices. 

*Just a heads up, this article isn't meant to replace professional medical advice. Don't use it to diagnose or treat any health concerns. Always chat with your doctor first. 
 

Must-Have Medicine Cabinet Goodies 

Time to dive into the specifics! Check out these must-have goodies we recommend for stocking up your medicine cabinet.  

Cold & Flu 

When the much-dreaded germs get the best of your little ones, having your go-to remedies on hand is like having a secret weapon against the seasonal sniffle invasion.  

Our faves are the homeopathic Kids 0-9 Night Syrup and Day Time Cough and Cold Syrup to fight the nasty coughs, congestion, aches, pains and fever.  

When the snot gets to be too much, we love the Nose Frida Snotsucker Saline Kit and 3-in-1 Nose Nail & Ear Picker to help clear those adorably slimy nostrils. For more on why we absolutely love the snot sucker, check out our review here.  

Skin Care

When it comes to baby and toddler skin, keeping the essentials on hand is a game-changer. The delicate nature of their skin demands extra care, and having trustworthy products in arms reach is crucial.  

For all those skin flare ups, rashes, insect bites, eczema, and other skin irritations, our go-to is Satya Organics Eczema Easy Glide Stick. As a clean alternative to steroid creams, this glide stick soothes, protects, hydrates and restores the most delicate of skin. The Aleva Naturals First Rescue Multipurpose Skin Cream is also a great option for small cuts, skin rashes, sun burns and more!  

For those endless diaper changes and dry patches on babe, we love the Baja Baby Natural Diaper Balm and Face & Body Ointment. Both the balm and ointment gently nourish and moisturize your little ones without the use of harsh chemicals, dyes, or perfumes. 
 
To read more about how amazing Baja Baby products are, check out our round up article here.  
 

Colic & Teething 

Ah, the symphony of colic and teething in babies — the ultimate test for any parent's sleep and sanity. The inconsolable cries, sleepless nights, and tiny teeth making their grand entrance like they own the place. It's a rollercoaster of emotions for both the little one and the worn-out parents in charge.  

That's where the lifesavers come in! We like to keep the homeopathic Kids 0-9 Colic Solution and Infacol Gas Relief Drops on hand as our trusty sidekicks for battling colic troubles and taming the gas monster. 

For those teething marathons, we always make sure to keep some Jack N’ Jill Natural Teething Gel and Boiron Camilia Homeopathic Teething Medicine in our cabinet. They step up as the cool, calming agents in the face of tiny toothaches and all of its nasty side effects. 
 
For more ways to support your little bébé during those dreaded teething woes, check out our Learning Centre article here.  
 

Ways to Administer Without Making a Mess 

When it comes to administering medicine to a baby, strategic finesse is key to avoid turning it into a messy showdown. Taking cues from experienced parents, using a syringe or dropper (like the Kidsme Medicine Dropper and Beaker Set and Haakaa Oral Medicine Syringe) to deliver liquid medication slowly into the cheek pouches helps bypass the taste buds, minimizing the chance of a little one rejecting it. 

For a more fuss-free experience, we love the Pacidose and MediFrida, which incorporates a pacifier to give the right dose and prevent your little one from spitting it out. 

Turning the medicine moment into a game or distraction, like singing a silly song or using a favourite toy, can turn the task into a surprisingly smooth operation. Learning these tips and tricks transforms the medicine routine from a potential mess to a manageable moment in the parenting playbook. 

To Cap It Off 

In addition to all the goodies above, our final recommendation is to have a thermometer and humidifier on hand. 

A thermometer, like the Motorola Care+ Smart Thermometer, is a parental must because it's the frontline defence against sudden fevers, allowing you to monitor your little one's health with precision.  

Meanwhile, a humidifier proves its worth by creating the optimal environment for tiny nasal passages, especially during those notorious cold and flu seasons. Our fave triple threat against dry air is the FridaBaby 3-in-1 Humidifier. As a cool mist humidifier, diffuser, AND nightlight, this bad boy naturally soothes and calms your little one.  

There you have it folks! From conquering colic and teething tantrums to soothing tiny sniffles and bumps, our arsenal is equipped for any unexpected twists our little ones throw our way. Here's to well-prepared cabinets, peaceful nights, and the resilience of parenting in the face of every unexpected curveball.