Mums-to-bes are bombarded with advice and recommendations on products they must buy for their baby. Here are my top 6 items every family should have to get you through those first few tough months of nurturing a baby:
Must have #1: Thermometer
Cost: $10-$100
In babies, even a small fever can be a sign of a serious medical issue and using a thermometer is the best way to get an accurate measurement. Chances are you’ll need a thermometer on a few occasions (e.g. when your baby has a cold or is teething), so I would consider this an investment.
Examples: Braun, Vicks, Omron
Must have #2: Nipple cream
Cost: $10-$25
Most first-time mums don’t expect breastfeeding to be sore or painful, but the pressure and suction of a newborn’s mouth for hours a day commonly leads to sore, cracked nipples. A small tube can go a long way.
Examples: Lasinoh
Must have #3: Pain relief
Cost: $5-$20 (depends on size of bottle)
Paracetamol (e.g. Panadol) can be used in babies over 1 month, ibuprofen (e.g. Nurofen) can be used from 3 months old. These medicines are for mild to moderate pain and should only be used for a short period of time. Carefully read the dosing instructions (recommended dosing is usually by weight) and precautions on the label before you give any medicine.
Examples: Panadol, Nurofen, Dymadon
Must have #4: Saline for the nose
Cost: $10-$15
Those little noses can become blocked easily and be very irritating for your baby. Saline is non-medicated and helps thin out and clear mucous. Some brands are available as nasal sprays or nasal drops, and may include a nasal aspirator. An aspirator is a small, plastic bulb-like device that sucks out mucous from the nose.
Examples: Fess Little Noses, Flo, Brauer
Must have #5: Teething products
Cost: under $25
Every new mum or dad has been warned, “Oh just wait til they start teething!”. Hello drooling, crying, sleepless nights and overall grumpiness! Teething products can offer some comfort and relief for your little one (and you). Products include teething toys (e.g. Sophie the Giraffe) and teething medicines (tablets, gels).
Examples: Bonjela
Must have #6: Barrier cream or ointment
Cost: from $10
Nappy rash is common in babies, especially for babies with sensitive skin. Diarrhoea or teething can make a baby prone to nappy rash as well. Prevention is important and applying a layer of cream or ointment at each nappy change can help. As the name suggests, barrier products create a protective barrier between your baby’s delicate skin and irritants such as wee and poo, to keep the skin dry and irritant-free.
Examples: Sudocrem, Bepanthen, Curash, Mustela, zinc, castor oil
