First Aid Kit

NoseFrida is the gold standard — the rubber bulb syringe from the hospital is basically useless. Yes, you suck through a tube (there's a filter). Pair with saline drops 2 minutes before for best results.

2-3 drops per nostril, wait 2 minutes, then suction with the NoseFrida. Don't skip the wait — saline needs time to loosen the mucus. Use before every feed when congested so baby can breathe while eating.

Apply a thick layer every single diaper change as prevention, not just when you see redness. Zinc oxide 40% (Desitin Max Strength) is the nuclear option. Aquaphor works for daily prevention.

1% hydrocortisone only, and ONLY with pediatrician approval. Don't use on broken skin. For mild eczema patches — not for diaper area. Apply sparingly for 3-5 days max, then reassess with the doctor.

Use on circumcision healing, chapped skin, minor scrapes, and as a moisture barrier on the diaper area. Unscented Vaseline or Aquaphor. Cheapest and most versatile item in the kit.

Electric nail file (best for newborns — impossible to cut skin) or rounded baby clippers. Best time: when baby is asleep or feeding. Trim every 3-4 days — those tiny nails grow razor-sharp, fast.

Soft-bristle brush for cradle cap (dry, flaky scalp patches). Apply coconut oil or cradle cap shampoo, let sit 15 minutes, then brush gently in circles. Cradle cap is cosmetic, not painful, and resolves on its own.

Simethicone (Mylicon, Little Remedies). Safe from birth. Give before or after feeds to break up gas bubbles. Works within 30 minutes. Won't make a gassy baby stop crying instantly but helps significantly.

Herbal blend for colic and fussiness — not FDA-approved but widely used. Give before feeds. Results vary significantly. If baby has colic, try it for 3-5 days and see if there's improvement.

AAP recommends 400 IU daily for ALL breastfed babies starting from birth. Formula-fed babies get it in their formula. One drop per day with a meal. D-Vi-Sol or Nordic Naturals are common brands.

For vomiting or diarrhea causing dehydration — always call your pediatrician FIRST before giving to babies under 12 months. Signs of dehydration: fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours, no tears when crying.

Post this number everywhere: 1-800-222-1222. Save it in both phones. Free 24/7 advice from toxicology experts. Don't induce vomiting unless they specifically tell you to. Call first, panic second.

No sunscreen under 6 months — use shade, hats, and clothing instead. After 6 months: mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), SPF 30+, reapply every 2 hours. Babyganics and Thinkbaby are solid picks.

No insect repellent under 2 months. After 2 months: DEET-based products (up to 30%) are safe per AAP. Apply to clothing and exposed skin, avoid hands and face. Don't use combination sunscreen/bug spray.

Assorted sizes of adhesive bandages plus gauze pads and medical tape. Also keep butterfly closures for deeper cuts. For minor cuts: clean with water (not hydrogen peroxide), apply pressure, then bandage.

Bacitracin or Neosporin — thin layer on minor cuts and scrapes after cleaning. If a wound looks infected (red, warm, swelling, pus), see the doctor. Don't use on puncture wounds.

Fine-tipped tweezers for splinters, ticks, and small debris. For ticks: grab as close to the skin as possible, pull straight up with steady pressure. Save the tick in a bag for ID if needed.

Avoid benzocaine-containing gels (FDA warning for babies under 2). Natural options with chamomile or clove are safer. Refrigerated teethers plus infant Tylenol usually work better than gels.

Solid silicone teethers that can go in the fridge (not freezer — too hard). The cold numbs sore gums. Avoid liquid-filled teethers that can leak. Sophie la Girafe, Comotomo, and Nuby are popular picks.

BioGaia or Gerber Soothe probiotic drops — some evidence they help with colic and digestive discomfort. Give once daily in a bottle or on the nipple. Safe from birth. Results take 1-2 weeks to appear.

Infant glycerin suppositories — ONLY with pediatrician guidance. Don't use rectal stimulation home remedies. If baby hasn't pooped in 3+ days (formula-fed) or seems in pain, call the doctor first.

Keep a baby first aid reference book (AAP's "Caring for Your Baby and Young Child") in the kit. In a panic, you won't remember what to do — a physical book works when your phone is dead.