Creating the Home Medical Kit

There's nothing more frightening than when your baby gets hurt. That's why it's vital to have a home medical kit at your fingertips, so you are prepared to deal with minor trauma. In the case of a true emergency, call 911!

Here are some items to include in your home medical kit:

Thermometer
Your best bet is a digital rectal thermometer for a baby and a digital oral thermometer for an older child. For quick temperature readings, you may want to purchase an ear thermometer, such as the Braun Thermoscan, though these are not as accurate. Most doctors' offices will ask how you took the child's temperature: orally, rectally or underarm.

Over-the-Counter Medications
Make sure you have baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen for lowering fever and relieving pain. You may also want to have baby cold medicines and anti-allergy medications such as Benadryl. Medicine cups and droppers are also important, to measure the dosage.