When your baby is unwell, having a few basics in one place can make it easier to work out what to do next. A useful baby medicine cabinet does not need to be packed with products. For very young babies especially, medicines have important age and weight restrictions.
The most useful starting point is a small set of practical health essentials, plus a clear plan for where to get advice.
What should be in a baby medicine cabinet?
A sensible home health kit can include:
- a digital thermometer
- any medicines that are appropriate for your baby's age and circumstances
- the oral syringe or measuring device supplied with children's medicine
- saline nose drops for a blocked nose, when suitable
- a barrier cream for the nappy area
- basic first-aid supplies kept separately and safely
- the contact details for your GP, health visitor and NHS 111
Keep medicines in their original packaging so the instructions, strength and expiry date are easy to check.
A digital thermometer
A digital thermometer is one of the most useful things to have at home with a baby. The NHS recommends using a digital thermometer in the armpit for children under 5.
You do not need an expensive model. What matters most is that you know where it is and how to use it.
For help choosing one, read our guide to choosing the best thermometer for a newborn.
A temperature of 38°C or above is considered a high temperature. For babies under 3 months, the NHS advises seeking urgent medical advice if their temperature is 38°C or higher.
For more detail, read about what temperature counts as a fever in a baby.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be useful for pain or a high temperature when a baby or child is distressed or uncomfortable, but they are not suitable for every baby.
The NHS says paracetamol can generally be given from 2 months of age. Ibuprofen can generally be given from 3 months if the baby weighs more than 5kg. If your baby is under 3 months and unwell, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Age is not the only consideration. Always check the label and patient information leaflet for the exact product you have, and ask a pharmacist, health visitor or GP if you are unsure.
If a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or above, seek urgent medical advice rather than relying on medicine alone.
Find out more about when babies can have paracetamol.
Find out more about when babies can have ibuprofen.
Never improvise a dose or use a kitchen teaspoon to measure children's medicine.
Teething essentials
Teething does not always require medicine. The NHS recommends trying simple measures such as teething rings first.
If your baby is old enough, age-appropriate pain relief may sometimes be suitable. Teething gels may offer relief, but effectiveness can be limited.
For more options, read about what you can give a baby for teething.
Saline drops for a blocked nose
Saline nose drops can be useful when a baby has a stuffy nose. The NHS says they can help loosen dried mucus and relieve a blocked nose.
They do not treat the cold itself, but they can be a useful practical item to have available. Ask a pharmacist, GP or health visitor if you are unsure which product is suitable.
Learn more about saline drops for babies.
Barrier cream
Nappy rash is common. The NHS advises changing wet or dirty nappies promptly, keeping the skin clean and dry and using gentle products. A pharmacist may recommend a thin layer of barrier cream to protect the skin.
Read more about what to keep at home for nappy rash.
Do you need lots of medicines for a newborn?
No. A newborn does not need a cupboard full of over-the-counter medicines, and some common children's medicines are not suitable for newborn babies.
For a very young baby, the most useful preparation is often having a thermometer, knowing how to take a temperature correctly and knowing who to contact if you are concerned.
Medicine storage matters too
Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children. Check expiry dates regularly and return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Some medicines have specific storage instructions, so check the packaging or ask a pharmacist.
When should you seek medical help?
Young babies can become unwell quickly. NHS guidance says you should seek urgent medical advice if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or above.
Other warning signs can need urgent or emergency help regardless of temperature, including breathing difficulty, being unusually floppy or hard to wake, a seizure, or blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
If you think your baby is seriously unwell, trust your judgement and seek help.
If symptoms appear outside normal GP hours, you do not necessarily need to wait until morning.
For further guidance, read about what to do if your baby gets ill at night.
Keeping the basics organised
You do not need to prepare for every possible illness. The aim is simply to make the common, practical things easy to find when you need them.
If you would prefer to have baby-health essentials organised together in advance, Baby Health Box brings a selection of useful items and trusted guidance together in one place. Always check that any medicine is appropriate for your baby's age and circumstances before giving it.
Put your thermometer somewhere easy to find, check the expiry dates on anything already in your medicine cupboard, and save NHS 111 and your GP details in your phone.