Baby checklists
Third trimester
Baby First Aid Kit Checklist
25 items · 19 must-haves · Weeks 34–38
General info, not medical advice. Your OB, midwife or pediatrician knows your situation; check with them. Learn more about our medical disclaimer
Essential medical supplies for baby care
Temperature
- Rectal ThermometerThe ONLY accurate method for babies under 3 months. Use petroleum jelly on the tip, insert 1/2 inch max. 100.4°F (38°C) or higher under 3 months = call the pediatrician now, any hour (ER if you can't reach them within minutes), no Tylenol first.
- Infant TylenolAcetaminophen: don't give it under 12 weeks unless your pediatrician tells you to; any fever of 100.4°F or higher at that age means calling the doctor now. ALWAYS dose by WEIGHT, not age. Use the syringe that comes with it, not a kitchen spoon. Keep the dosing chart on the fridge. Call pediatrician if unsure.
- Infant MotrinIbuprofen: not before 6 months. Dose by weight with the syringe in the box. Use one fever reducer at a time; only alternate with acetaminophen if your pediatrician gives you a written schedule. Treat for comfort, not to hit a number.
Nose
- Nasal AspiratorNoseFrida 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.
- Saline Drops2-3 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.
Skin
- Diaper CreamApply 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.
- Hydrocortisone CreamOPTIONAL1% 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.
- Petroleum JellyUse 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.
- SunscreenNo 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.
- Bug SprayOPTIONALNo 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.
Grooming
- Baby Nail ClippersElectric 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 Brush/CombSoft-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.
Oral
- Gas DropsSimethicone (Mylicon, Little Remedies) is low-risk, but studies mostly show it doesn't help colic. If you try it, give it before or after feeds, dosed by the label.
- Gripe WaterOPTIONALAsk your pediatrician first. Gripe water is an unregulated supplement and ingredients vary by brand. Widely used for colic and fussiness, but results vary.
- Vitamin D DropsAAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D a day for breastfed and partially breastfed babies, starting in the first few days. Formula-fed babies need it too until they drink about 32 oz of formula a day. Brands are dosed differently: some are 1 drop, others (like D-Vi-Sol) are 1 mL. Follow the label exactly and use only the dropper that came in the box.
Hydration
- PedialyteFor 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.
Emergency
- Poison Control NumberPost 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.
- First Aid ManualKeep 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.
First Aid
- BandagesAssorted 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.
- Antibiotic OintmentBacitracin 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.
- TweezersFine-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.
Teething
- Skip Teething Gels & TabletsOPTIONALSkip teething gels and tablets, including 'natural' and homeopathic ones. FDA says they offer little benefit and real risk for kids under 2. Rub gums with a clean finger, or offer a firm rubber teether that is chilled, not frozen. No amber teething necklaces. Ask your pediatrician before giving any medicine for teething.
- Teething ToysSolid 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.
Digestive
- Probiotic DropsOPTIONALBioGaia or Gerber Soothe probiotic drops. Some evidence for one strain (L. reuteri) in breastfed babies with colic. Ask your pediatrician first; not for preemies (FDA warning). Results take 1-2 weeks to appear.
- Constipation ReliefOPTIONALInfant 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.
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