March 2024

7 Essential Products Our Providers Recommend for Every Home

Having a well-prepared home can make a world of difference when it comes to managing everyday health needs and minor emergencies with your family. Stocking up on a few essential items recommended by our providers can help you feel ready to handle common ailments and keep your child comfortable when they're under the weather.

From fever reducers to hydration solutions, each item on this list is carefully selected to support the unique needs of children and ensure a safer, more effective approach to at-home care. Here are seven must-have items that pediatric experts recommend keeping on hand!

1. Having a pain reliever and fever reducer like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be beneficial. Ibuprofen, which also aids in inflammation, is suitable only for children over 6 months of age.

2. For children over 6 months old experiencing allergic reactions or allergy symptoms, consider an antihistamine, preferably cetirizine (Zyrtec). Cetirizine is favored due to its non-drowsy nature and lasting 24 hours.

3. Saline nasal spray or drops are effective for relieving congestion and can be used frequently.

4. Apply Bacitracin or topical antibiotic ointment to minor cuts, scrapes, or burns to promote healing and prevent infection.

5. Hydrocortisone 1% Ointment can be beneficial in treating itchy or dry skin.

6. Provide Pedialyte to help maintain hydration levels and replenish electrolytes in sick children.

7. Honey, recommended only for children over 12 months old, is the safest and sole cough medication we recommend for children.

As always, feel free to to ask your provider at your next visit any questions about items you shoul have on hand!