Nonetheless, it’s never too soon to learn about first aid and begin putting together a complete first-aid kit. Although you may not need many of these items in the first three months of your baby’s life, you’re sure to use most of the following as he grows older and more mobile:
Adhesive bandages of various sizes (for cuts and scrapes)Large (1"-2") non-stick bandages (for larger wounds)Adhesive tape (for holding non-stick bandages in place)Sterile gauze or gauze padsScissors (for cutting bandages, gauze, and tape)Thermometer (preferably a rectal one)Calibrated medicine dropper, spoon, or syringeSyrup of ipecac, to cause vomiting in case of poisoningLiquid acetaminophenLocal pain reliever (herbal or medicinal) for teethingSpray for relieving bee stings and insect bitesCalamine lotion or other soothing lotion (for cooling the skin and reducing itching in case of sunburns or rashes)Hydrocortisone cream and/or benadyne (for allergic reactions)Antiseptic liquid (for washing your own hands before and after administering first aid)Ice pack (to reduce aching and swelling)Tweezers (for removing splinters)Complete family medical guide
If you use up any of these first-aid supplies, replace it as soon as you can so that it will be available if you need it again. Also, check expiration dates on all medications regularly. You never know when you may need to use them.
Be Prepared: Infant CPR
If your child chokes or stops breathing, your knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could save her life. The only way for you to be truly certain that you know how to perform CPR on your child is to take a CPR course. If you did not take a course in CPR for children prior to your baby’s birth, take one in the first few months of her life. CPR instructors not only show you what to do, but also provide you with the much needed opportunity for hands-on experience. To pass the course and get your CPRcertification, you have to demonstrate the techniques yourself. Then and only then willyou know that, should the time come, you will have the knowledge you need. Here is a brief overview of the steps of CPR: This description provides only a brief overview of CPR for infants. If you ever need to use it, you won’t have the time to thumb frantically through this–or any other–book. So doyourself and your baby a huge favor: Take an infant CPR class as soon as possible.
