Whether it's for everyday or sick days, you need to have a supply kit to tend to the needs of your baby or toddler. Here's a list I've been compiling of all the things that need to go in a Mommy Must-Have Kit. (This would make for an excellent baby shower gift too!)
Health Care
Exergen Temporal Thermometer - Make it easy on yourself and get this kind of thermometer that just needs a second or two on baby's forehead. Tests show it is more accurate reading than taking the temperature any other way including oral, rectal, under the arm and in the ear. It is also the only thermometer manufactured in the United States.
Corn Bag Critters - A friendly little face that is also a child friendly and eco-friendly version of a heating pad. I love this myself as well. Perfect for the aches of pregnant mommies too! (Recommended for 3+)
Hyland's Teething Tablets. Great for teething babies and a good, natural alternative to using Tylenol. (As with anything you give to your child, get the okay from your doctor first.)
Saline nasal spray. Save yourself some money and buy the generic kind. That is a tip straight from my pediatrician!
Vicks Baby Rub - For when colds and flus make babies miserable. Put a dab of this on the chest and rub in. Also coat bottoms of baby's feet, put on socks and footed pajamas. This really does help stop coughing attacks. (Only to be used for babies over 3 months old. Talk to your doctor for details.)
Baby Tylenol. My pediatrician also recommends just getting the generic to save money. (Talk to your doctor for dosing amounts.)
Kid-sized bandages. Spend a few extra cents for a design with a character they like. They're more likely to leave them on.
Body Care
Baby Massage Oils - Baby massage is important. For some more info and good recommendations on products, read THIS story.
Oopsy Daisy No Bath Bubble Bath - Get kiddos clean without a bath. Just put on and wipe down. Great for those after-meal cleanups.
Oopsy Daisy High Chair Hair Care - Again perfect for after-meal cleanups.
Bottoms Up! Baby Bum Spray - A refreshing blast for little bums. This makes 'em smell good and cleans up what needs to be cleaned.
Bummas wipes use these for an eco-friendly alternative to throw away baby wipes. Great with the baby bum spray too.
Baby Cakes Bye Bye Boo Boo Herbal Salve - For all the ouchies and owies that just happen from falling at the park to blisters on the feet from not wearing socks with some shoes.
Burts Bees Baby Bee Talc-Free Dusting Powder - Use when baby's bottom is sore to absorb moisture.
Burts Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion - Great smell, moisturizes without feeling heavy and sticky and it's all natural.
Burts Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash - Great smell, all natural body wash and shampoo combo.
Cattier's Bebe Cleansing Milk a gentle organic wash for baby's face and body made by a French leader in organic products for over 40 years. And it smells subtle and fresh.
Mambino Organics Kissable Lips - Especially useful if you live in a dry climate and in the winter to stop or heal chapped lips.
Bug Joose by All Things Jill - Natural insect repellent for use if you live in a buggy area.
Sunscreen - You should use this year round when you go outside, even playing in the snow. Read about the best sunscreens HERE.
Comments
Great resource, Angele! We love the Burt's Bees Shampoo at our house, too.
Great tips. I keep meaning to put together a kit like this- maybe I will actually get around to it!
Good tips. The Exergen Temporal Lobe Thermometer has been an essential tool in our house. It is by far the best gift we got when our first child was born.
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