Items to Have on Hand:

 

1.  Cold air vaporizer or humidifier.

2.  Nasal aspirator with plastic bulb (suctioning baby's nose).

3.  Salt water nose drops (Ocean or Ayr).

4.  Rectal thermometer, ear thermometer, bathtub thermometer.

5.  Triple antibiotic ointment (OTC-used for skin infections).

6.  1% hydrocortisone cream ( OTC cream for skin rashes).

7.  Balmex, Desitin, Triple Paste or A&D ointment (used for diaper rashes).

8.  Pedialyte (regular, fruit or bubblegum flavored)-used in place of formula when your baby has diarrhea.

 

DOCTOR'S SUGGESTIONS:

 

1.  A comfortable temperature for your baby's room is 68-72 degrees F.

2.  Normal rectal temperature is up to 100.5 degrees.  If your baby's temperature is over 101 degrees F rectally during the first three months, call us immediately.

3. Nasal congestion is common at this age and does not mean your baby is sick.  Babies prefer to breathe through their nose.  Increased mucus or swelling of the nasal linings (from dry heat) will make their breathing sound noisy.  This is not wheezing. Salt water drops can be squirted into your baby's nose prior to each feeding to loosen the mucus and clear the nasal passage. Only use the nasal aspirator if you see mucus running out of his nose.  If your baby is having difficulty sleeping or eating, please call the office.

4.  Wash your baby's face gently with a mild soap ( Dove, Lever 2000, Neutragenia ) to help with any rash that may appear ( newborn rash caused by clogged facial glands).

5. Dry, peeling skin is normal at this age and usually clears without treatment. Moisturizers (Eucerin, Moisturel, etc.) can be used on the face and body if your baby's skin is excessively dry. Be careful of baby lotions with fragrencies- these may irritate your baby's tender skin.

 

Vitamins:

 

____Vi-Daylin ADC + Iron Drops-one dropperful/day for breast-fed babies.

 

Formula contains all the vitamins a baby needs during the first year.

- Store the vitamins in the refrigerator for safe keeping.

- Place the drops under the tongue or inside the cheeks, and keep your baby's head upright.

- Never give the vitamins when your baby is crying or coughing.

 

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