PARENTHOOD.IE

All children get sick and when it happens it is a good thing to be prepared with the basics. Our home pharmacies are usually overstocked with bits and pieces of this and that, left overs which are often out of date, or things we have just in case. We list the basic things you should have up to date in your home pharmacy, to care for your baby in case of sickness.

Fever thermometer

There are plenty of new types of thermometers, which one you choose comes down to your preference. But be aware of some issues with the different thermometers. When choosing a thermometer be aware of a few factors:

Mercury thermometer – still very popular and can be used in a baby’s bottom or armpit. Don’t insert it into a baby’s mouth, as it will not be kept still and will not give an accurate reading.

Digital thermometer – a more modern variety of the mercury thermometer, which gives the readings a lot faster.

Ear thermometer – very practical and gives a quick reading. As baby’s ears are very small, it can be difficult to get an accurate reading. To be certain, make sure to check both ears and possibly several times.

No touch thermometer – uses infrared technology to check your baby’s temperature. This type of thermometer an also be used to check baby bottles, bath and food. Another benefit is it is a good way of checking the temperature if your baby is asleep.

Fever strips – adhesive strips that are places on your baby’s forehead. They are a lot less accurate than the other options.

A baby’s normal temperature is between 36° -37°C, a fever is 38° C or above. While fever’s can by worrisome don’t panic. Keep check of the fever, not just by taking it with a thermometer but also taking note of your baby’s reaction, such as irritability, listlessness, unwillingness to eat or drink, as these can be more serious. Always contact your health services if you are in doubt.

Fever medication

Fever medications are paracetamol or ibuprofen based. They are most often found in a syrupy liquid form but also available as suppositories.

For very small babies, particularly if they are not weaned, suppositories are a good way of administering fever medication. The thick syrup can at times be difficult for a small baby to swallow and easily vomited up again. Suppositories are work and dissolve quickly, also bypassing your baby’s sensitive stomach. Always follow the age recommended dosages for any medication.

Nose drops and/or nasal aspirator

A blocked nose is not a cause of worry, but it might make feeding difficult. You can relieve your baby’s stuffy nose with a few drops of breast milk into the nostrils, but also with capsules of saline solution, which is sterile salt water. Both these measures are best used before and to facilitate feeding. Overuse of saline solution can cause your baby’s nose to dry out and become sore.

You will find an array of choices when it comes to nasal aspirators. These implements will such out the mucus from your baby’s nose; they don’t cause pain and are easy to use. The best choice of aspirator is most likely the ones where you do the sucking, as you can control the suction strength that is used. Nose aspirators can be used in combination with the saline solution or breast milk, as these will make the mucus thinner an easier to extract.

Rehydration sachets

With vomiting, diarrhoea or fevers, it is easy for your baby to become dehydrated and difficult to keep up the intake of liquid. You can spot dehydration in your baby, by taking note of his soft spot. If it is low or indented it is very likely your baby is dehydrated. Sachets will usually contain salts and sugars, which are dissolved in water. The rehydration sachets replace fluids and salts that are lost when a baby is sick and can be given to a baby with a bottle, small spoon or slowly with a syringe. There are flavoured rehydration replacements for older children.

Telephone numbers

Have a good list of all the important numbers you need, GP, emergency GP or out-of-hours GP, A&E emergency service at your local hospital and emergency babysitters, if you have older children.