Some preparations and medicines are not essential for the home first aid kit but can be very useful if your child has a particular problem:
Gripe mixture
Traditionally given to babies for the relief of wind and indigestion, gripe mixture got a very bad press a few years ago, when its effectiveness was revealed to be largely due to its alcohol content!
Today’s gripe mixtures are alcohol-free and contain mainly sodium bicarbonate. Health professionals are unsure of their effectiveness, but if they calm your windy baby, that’s fine. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage carefully. They are unsuitable for babies aged under one month.
Decongestants for babies
These are designed to help babies with blocked up noses breathe more easily. Because babies have narrow nasal air passages, a blocked up nose at the end of a cold, which an adult would barely notice, may make babies very distressed. A blocked nose can also make feeding more difficult.
For babies aged over three months, a few drops of decongestant oil sprinkled on to a handkerchief and tied near the baby but out of reach (direct skin or mouth contact is not recommended) over night may relieve nasal or even chesty congestion.
Oily chest rubs are also available over the counter but check the instructions very carefully. Some chest rubs are not suitable for babies under one year. They usually contain menthol and eucalyptus oil.
Electric vaporisers can be bought from most chemists. These release a decongesting, soothing vapour into your baby’s room. Most are suitable for use for babies over three months old, but do check the instructions first.
Teething gel
Suitable for teething babies from around four months of age. (But check with your pharmacist on individual preparations and frequency of application). If massaged into your baby’s gum with a clean finger they are thought to relieve teething pain. Most brands are sugar free, contain a mild antiseptic and a local anaesthetic called lignocaine. Unfortunately, some babies are allergic to this, so watch out for reactions such as swelling.
Colic drops
These can be given to a baby who seems to suffer from wind. Colicky babies cry and often draw their legs up in pain. Any baby in pain should be checked out by a doctor. If it appears to be colic, then colic drops containing simethicone may help. Colic drops can be given in your baby’s feed, by syringe or spoon, depending on his age.
Most colic drops can be given from birth, but follow manufacturer’s directions carefully. Not to be given at the same time as other medicines.
Cradle cap shampoo
Cradle cap is a dry yellow crust on the scalp that some babies develop. It is completely harmless, but if you want to try and remove it cradle cap shampoo containing sulpho-succinate and sodium lauryl ether sulphate may be effective. Alternatively, rubbing some olive oil into the skin overnight and then shampooing with a normal baby shampoo can help remove the scales.
Vitamin supplements
Most babies under six months don’t need vitamins. After this, your health visitor may recommend that your baby takes a vitamin supplement. There is a vast selection of baby vitamin drops available over the counter. Some are suitable for use from one month, some from one year. Talk to your health visitor and pharmacist before giving your baby any vitamins. If you do need to buy them, you may find that own brand versions are cheaper than branded versions.
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