Newborns

NEWBORN SUPPLIES

These are some of the items we recommend that you have on hand with a newborn in the house. Please remember to keep all medications in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.

Infant car seat. For newborns it must be rear facing and for infants up to at least 20 lbs. This should be in the car when the baby comes home from the hospital. There are many fitting stations in the area where you can take the car seat and make sure that it is installed correctly. Please call our office to find the one nearest you.
Cool Mist Humidifier/Vaporizer. Do not get one that actually heats the water. This type can cause burns from the hot water and we consider them too dangerous.
Digital thermometer. You may want to consider buying a temporal artery thermometer. They cost about $49 but they are easy to use and accurate. Do not invest in an ear thermometer as they are very inaccurate.
Hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Examples are Dreft, Tide Free, All Free, etc. Prewash all infant clothing and bedding.
Nasal aspirator
Medicine dropper
Medication dosing spoon
Outlet covers
List of phone numbers, including the pediatrician’s office and your local ambulance, police, and Poison Control Center (Cincinnati: 636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222)

Toiletries

Baby soap
Baby shampoo
Petroleum jelly (example: Vaseline)
Rubbing alcohol
Diaper wipes
Sterile cotton balls
Baby nail scissors or clippers
Baby brush or comb

Medications

Most medications, including over the counter pain relievers or decongestants are not recommended for use in newborns, unless the doctor specifically recommends it. The following medications should be kept on hand and used only when recommended by one of our doctors or nurses.

Antibiotic cream or ointment for minor cuts and scratches
Decongestant drops (example: Pediacare Infant Drops)
Eucerin Cream, a good all purpose cream for dry skin, mother’s dry hands, and can be used as a diaper cream
Pain and fever relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen drops
Rehydration fluids for persistent vomiting or diarrhea (example: Pedialyte)
Saline nose drops
Skin creams, including hydrocortisone cream (0.5%) or calamine lotion to be used for itchy rashes or bites.
Diaper rash creams (examples: A & D, Desitin, Balmex,). These contain zinc oxide.
Infant glycerin suppositories

Precautions

Make sure that the crib you use has slats that are no wider than 2 ¾ inches. This is usually not an issue unless the crib is relatively old or an antique. Also the mattress should be firm and fit the crib snug without any gaps around the sides.

We also do not recommend mobile walkers. If you decide to get a walker, make sure that it is a stationary one, one that the baby cannot move.

Please call our office if you have any questions about any of our recommendations or any products that we may not have mentioned.