What You Need to Take Care of a Newborn
*This is for educational and informational purposes only, this is not to be taken as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor with any questions or before taking or giving your child any medications*
I have been a pediatric critical care nurse for over ten years and now I’m a mom to a one and half year old with my second on the way. I’ve been thinking a lot about what I need to have on hand for when baby two arrives and I wanted to share what I consider my “must haves” as far as what you need to take care of a newborn. These things are great if you have a little one on the way, or if you’re looking for a baby shower gift that the parent’s to-be actually need.
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. All of the products I recommend are based on my experience with the products. Please read full disclosure for more information.*
What Medicines Do You Want on Hand to Take Care of a Newborn?
Have you thought about what you need to take care of a newborn as far as medicine goes? There’s not a lot you want to give a newborn but there are a few things that are nice to have on hand.
Tylenol–
Babies can have Tylenol (or acetaminophen) basically right away. I just would always suggest checking with your doctor first and not giving it just for the heck of it. The generic brands work just as well as the name brand, so don’t get too caught up on that. And honestly the “children’s” and “infants” are exactly the same as well, they are the same concentration 160 milligrams in 5 milliliters ( or 1 tablespoon). The only difference is that the boxes have the appropriate dosing on them based on your child’s age.
I prefer the dye-free versions, so if it’s available I always choose that.
*If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher you need to call your doctor right away and be seen*
Gripe Water
I never thought too much about gripe water when parents would tell me they gave some to their baby before coming to the ER. However, I gained a WHOLE NEW appreciation for it when my son was an infant! He would get the hiccups all the time and this gripe water would help knock them out. It would also just help him feel more comfortable when he was fussy after feeding.
I found the Wellements brand after Krew was born and I love it! They have organic baby products that are free from dyes, soy, gluten, parabens, and other nasty things. It makes it really nice if your baby has any sensitivities. It really was our holy grail product through the newborn phase!
They also have a nighttime version that you can give after your baby is a month old. Another great thing about this brand is that each product is labeled with the age you can give each medicine. They make it so simple!
Mylicon (Gas Drops)
When babies have gas bubbles it makes them super uncomfortable and therefore super fussy! If the other tricks haven’t worked for you, it would be worth trying Mylicon drops. My pediatrician said that there was not any real good evidence that they work, but they definitely won’t hurt.
The Other Tricks
Bringing baby’s knees to their belly. You can do this by holding your baby on your chest, facing you with their legs tucked up toward their belly.
*Gently* pedaling their legs back and forth while they are laying down. Just getting some movement.
Frida Baby Windi- this is supposed to help relieve gas pressure as well. I would just make sure to use a little water-based lube when you use it. Also… be prepared that your baby might poop when you use it. But if they do… problem solved!
Diaper Cream and Ointments
Diaper cream is at the top of the “what you need to take care of a newborn” list. There are so many options and I’ve tried a ton, but I’ve narrowed it down to one that I think works the best and is best for baby.
Triple Paste
Triple Paste is my go-to diaper cream. I think it works the best for preventing and healing diaper rash. It has non-nano zinc as the primary active ingredient and doesn’t have any parabens, phthalates, fragrance,s or other unnecessary stuff in it. Babies skin is super sensitive, so in my opinion, less is more when it comes to ingredients.
*My other tip is to make sure their skin is totally dry before putting the diaper cream on. It’s being damp that makes everything worse. I have even used my hairdryer on the cool setting*
Wellements All Purpose Ointment
Krew has sensitive skin and his cheeks would get red and chapped easily when he was an infant. I love the Wellements All Purpose Ointment. I prefer this over Aquaphor, only because I like that Wellements is a clean organic brand. But Aquaphor is a great alternative.
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment
I just ordered a tub of this to try because it gets really good reviews for baby eczema which we have struggled with. I’ll let you guys know how it works!
Cold Care Supplies
When babies get sick it can be super scary! And colds hit little ones harder than they do adults. There are a couple of items you can have on hand that will help. When I think of what you need to take care of a newborn with a cold there are two main things. The NoseFrida and Saline.
NoseFrida
The NoseFrida is my go-to baby shower gift. It is not glamorous what. so. ever! But, it is a must-have baby care item. If you haven’t heard of it, it is essentially a snot sucker. Gross, I know.
But here is why it is important. Babies are what they call “obligate nose breathers” meaning they only breathe through their nose, breathing through their mouth comes later. SO, if their little nose gets congested they can’t breathe. That’s when you see them having to work harder to breathe.
If your little one has a stuffed-up nose, you need to quite literally suck it up, and use the NoseFrida. Rest assured that the snot does not get anywhere near your mouth, and there is a filter at the end for extra precaution.
Saline Drops
These make using the NoseFrida (or whatever brand you are using) a lot easier. It just loosens everything up and makes it easier to get out. Some NoseFridas come with saline nasal spray, but I prefer the drop form better, like these ones. I think the drops are easier to use on babies.
These are my favorite items that I’ll have on hand when the baby arrives, and honestly most of them I still use with Krew. What are some of your favorite baby items or must haves? Let me know!
Thank you for being here!
xx,
Mollie
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