Everyone needs a well-stocked baby medicine cabinet - here’s a run-down of the basics you’ll need.

First of all, supplies will only get you so far. You need to make sure you have the poison control number and your baby’s pediatrician’s number right next to your phone (or keyed into your cell). Secondly, you’ll need a great baby care book. My favorite is Taking Care of Your Child (mass mkt ed), it’s a super easy to follow book that breaks down all possible baby and child health situations. This book helps you decide whether you should treat at home or call the doctor.

Essential supplies:

• Q-tips and cotton balls: good for cleaning small cuts and applying creams.
• Collection of small bandages.
• Thermometer - one good baby ear thermometer is the Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice Ear Thermometer.
• A good non-aspirin fever reducer like Motrin Infants Drops Dye-Free Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, Berry Flavor - I like dye free because babies always spit some out.
• Diaper rash cream such as Weleda Calendula Diaper Care (a more natural cream): diaper rash cream is handy, but you can prevent diaper rash before it happens by frequently changing your baby and adding a barrier to her bum, like petroleum jelly.
• Pedialyte Oral Electrolyte Maintenance Solution or Gerber LiquiLytes: Relieves dehydration in breastfed babies.
• Teething gel like Hyland’s Teething Gel: You don’t always need teething gel - sometimes an icy cold washcloth to chew on or a teething toy works.

You also need a grooming kit, one that has at least baby safe nail clippers and a soft hair brush. One nice inexpensive kit is the Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice Complete Grooming Kit.

Don’t forget, it’s important to check with your baby’s pediatrician before giving her any over the counter medications, and that includes something like Pedialyte or even an anti-itch cream.