Building the Perfect Baby Care Kit: Must-Have Items

No parent wants to see their baby sick or in pain. However, accidents and illnesses can happen, and it's important to be prepared. Having a well-stocked baby care kit can help you respond quickly and effectively to any minor injuries or illnesses that your little one may experience.

In this article, we'll cover the must-have items for your baby care kit, including everything from basic first aid supplies to grooming essentials. With these items on hand, you'll be better equipped to care for your baby and help keep them healthy and comfortable.

1. Thermometer

One of the most important items in your baby care kit is a thermometer to check your baby's temperature. I personally use a digital thermometer that can be used rectally. While I also have a digital ear thermometer, I find that it is not always accurate, so I prefer the rectal thermometer for its reliability. Just remember to deduct 0.5 degrees from the reading, as the temperature at the bottom is slightly higher than in the mouth. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use and cleaning of the thermometer.

2. Nasal aspirator

An aspirator is another essential item for your baby care kit, especially during cold and flu season. When my baby was a newborn, I opted for the Braun Electrical Nasal Aspirator, which worked well for small boogies or a little bit of runny nose.

However, when my baby got a cold around 3 months old, I found that it wasn't strong enough and it took too long to clear out the mucus. That's when I decided to try the Benny Nasal Aspirator that's connected to a hoover, and it's been a game-changer. It's so effective and quick that after a few uses, my baby was not even fighting or crying because he knew it would bring him relief.

I also got a nasal rinse with syringes for my baby, which was great and helped him for the whole day. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so it's important to find what works best for your little one's needs.

3. Saline spray

Another helpful item to have in your baby care kit is a saline spray. Saline spray can help to clear your baby's nasal passages and make it easier for them to breathe. I personally use the Natural Saline Spray by Frida Baby, which is gentle and safe for newborns. Simply tilt your baby's head back slightly, spray a few drops into each nostril, and then suction out any mucus with the aspirator. Saline spray is especially helpful during cold and flu season and can provide relief for your little one when they are congested.

4. Calpol / Nurofen

When it comes to taking care of your little one, it's important to be prepared in case of fever. Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are two common medications used to help reduce fever and relieve pain. Paracetamol is safe to use for babies over two months old, while Ibuprofen (such as Nurofen) can be given to babies over three months old. It's always a good idea to consult with your paediatrician or pharmacist to determine the correct dosage for your baby based on their weight.

I've personally tried both of them for my baby, but I have found that he doesn't like the suspension and tends to spit it out. I've tried both the strawberry and orange flavours, but unfortunately, he still doesn't like it. If your baby is also reluctant to take medication orally, you can consider alternative forms such as suppositories.

5. Vitamin D and Probiotics

When I was exclusively breastfeeding, I gave my baby boy vitamin D drops. I chose a brand with only 2 ingredients - vitamin D and coconut oil, as I was very conscious about the ingredients in the products I use for my baby. However, once I stopped breastfeeding, I decided to introduce probiotics to his diet.

At first, we tried probiotic sachets that needed to be added to milk, but my baby was fussy about the taste and it affected his willingness to drink from the bottle. I didn't want him to lose trust in his milk and bottle, so I switched to probiotics in drops. The great thing about these drops is that they already include vitamin D, so it saves me from giving my baby two separate supplements. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements for your baby.

6. Spoon

A spoon may seem like a simple item, but it can actually be a game-changer. My best friend, who has a baby three months older than mine, introduced me to the idea of using a spoon for giving probiotic drops. She found that her baby was more receptive to taking the drops from a spoon instead of straight into his mouth, as sometimes babies can wiggle and you end up missing the target. He became so used to the spoon that it made it easier to transition to feeding him solids, as he now knows that a spoon belongs in his mouth. So, I definitely recommend having a spoon on hand, not just for feeding, but also for administering any medicine or supplements.

7. Nail care tools

It's important to keep your baby's nails trimmed to prevent them from scratching themselves or others. You have a couple of options for nail care tools:

1. Baby nail clippers - These are specially designed to be small and precise for trimming baby's delicate nails. Look for clippers with a safety guard to prevent accidentally clipping the skin around the nail.

2. Baby nail scissors - Some parents prefer to use baby nail scissors with a rounded tip instead of clippers. Again, look for scissors with a safety guard to prevent injury.

3. Nail file - With the electric nail file you can trimmer baby's nails quickly and safely.

It's important to be very careful when using scissors or clippers near your baby's skin. Always make sure you have good lighting and a steady hand. You may want to wait until your baby is sleeping or distracted with a toy to do their nail, so they don't wiggle around too much.

8. Frida Baby Nose,Nail and Ear Picker

This little gadget is perfect for tackling all those pesky boogers, nails, and ear gunk. Say goodbye to those hard-to-reach boogers because the nose picker has a gentle tip that gets the job done safely and effectively. And when it comes to nails, the precision tip and curved edges make trimming and shaping a breeze.

9. Nappy Cream

When it comes to diaper rash, prevention is key. That's why a good diaper rash cream is a must-have in your baby care kit. I personally use Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment, which is gentle on my baby's skin and free from fragrances, preservatives, and colors. It's made with pro-vitamin B5, which helps to soothe and protect against diaper rash. It can also be used on other areas of the body that are prone to irritation, such as the neck, elbows, and knees.

10. La Roche-Posay Baby Cicaplast B5

In addition to diaper rash cream, it's important to have a product on hand to help soothe and heal any skin irritations that may arise. One product that I highly recommend is La Roche-Posay Baby Cicaplast B5. This cream contains panthenol, madecassoside, and copper, which work together to promote skin healing and protect against further damage. I used this product on my baby when he had cradle cap and it helped to heal it completely in just a few days. I now keep it on hand for any other skin irritations that may pop up, and it has always been effective in soothing and healing my baby's skin.

11. Baby Hair Brush

A soft-bristled baby brush is an essential item for your little one's grooming kit. It is great for gently brushing your baby's hair and scalp to prevent cradle cap and stimulate blood circulation. I personally use a wooden brush with soft bristles that I found to be gentle on my baby's delicate scalp. It's important to choose a brush that has soft bristles and is gentle on your baby's skin.

While I found the above mentioned products to be incredibly useful for taking care of my baby, there were a few items that I did not use myself. These include gas drops, cotton wool balls, a comb, and an oral nose aspirator. Also, the baby grooming kit we bought is bad quality compared to the products I got separately. While some parents swear by these products, I never found the need to use them for my own baby's care. It's important to remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another.

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