Kid Care: Supplies
You can be prepared for common childhood symptoms and problems. Start by making a Kid Care Kit of healthcare supplies. When buying and giving medication, remember there are alternatives for symptom relief. Most symptoms go away without medication. Teach your child not to expect a medication to be the answer.
Kid Care Kit
Keeping basic healthcare items on hand saves you time, money, and worry. Many medications, even nonprescription ones, have side effects. Learn what the side effects of your medications are. And always store medications out of the reach of children. Make sure your Kid Care Kit contains the supplies listed below.
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Thermometer. Do not use a glass thermometer that contains mercury. They can be dangerous if the glass breaks and the mercury spills out. A digital thermometer is a good alternative. The way you use it will depend on your child's age. Ask your child's doctor for more information about how to use a thermometer on your child. General guidelines are:
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, for safety, temperatures of babies 90 days old and younger be first measured under the armpit. However, if the armpit temperature is above 99°F (37.2°C) a rectal temperature must also be taken. Rectal temperatures are more accurate. Since infants must be immediately evaluated by a doctor if they have a fever, accuracy is very important.
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For toddlers, take an axillary temperature (under the armpit).
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For children old enough to hold a thermometer in the mouth (usually around 5 years of age), take an oral temperature (in the mouth).
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An ear thermometer (also called tympanic membrane thermometer) can be used for children 6 months and older.
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A temporal artery thermometer can be used for infants and children.
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Acetaminophen (For fever, pain, or swelling)
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Ibuprofen (Talk to your health care provider before giving ibuprofen to children under 1 year of age)
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Decongestant (Talk to your health care provider before giving decongestants to children under 2)
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Antihistamine (Talk to your health care provider before giving antihistamines to children under 2)
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Hydrogen peroxide
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Adhesive bandages
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Insect repellent (To protect against insects and ticks)
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Ice bag
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Sunblock
Note: Aspirin is no longer used to treat children and teenagers. This includes children with chickenpox or flu. It may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a disease that damages the brain and liver and may cause death.
