Keeping your baby happy and healthy is a top priority, but the large array of items to choose from can be a bit overwhelming. We’re here to help you out with our list of essential health items, from humidifiers to infant nasal aspirators and more, that every baby nursery should have handy.
Humidifier
Humidifier use is recommended year-round to maintain the optimal healthy
environment in the nursery. It’s not just for cold and flu anymore. Adjust your humidifier seasonally to keep
the humidity levels steady in a heated or air-conditioned environment. If your baby is congested, the mist
output setting can be temporarily adjusted to ease your baby’s discomfort. We recommend the use of a cool
mist humidifier in the nursery. Heated mist means hot water and parents are wise to avoid heated humidifiers
anywhere near their young children. Within the cool mist family, ultrasonic models are great for the nursery
as they operate quietly and efficiently.
TIP: Choosing a filterless model means there is no need for costly and inconvenient replacement filters. Just fill the tank with water, set onto base, and the humidifier is ready to start providing soothing mist.
Thermometer
Feeling the forehead may have worked for our grandparents, but nothing
beats the accuracy of a digital thermometer. The recommended method for babies is a rectal
reading, but there are a variety of options. Check out our full article to learn more about thermometers
and get temperature taking tips.
TIP: Mercury thermometers are a thing of the past, but many homes still have them hidden away in a drawer or cabinet. Mercury is a hazard. The thermometer should be removed from the home and disposed of properly.
Nasal Aspirator
Congestion gets in the way of everyday activities such as feeding and
sleeping. Help keep your baby feeling comfortable by keeping a nasal
aspirator on hand.
TIP: Saline nose drops can also help to alleviate congestion when used in conjunction with an aspirator, but be sure to choose a version without added medicine unless you’ve checked with your pediatrician first.
Medicine Dispenser
Getting a proper dose when giving your baby necessary medicine can be
challenging. Make life easier for both you and your baby with device that will help you easily confirm that
you have the correct dosage. Using a pacifier
medicine dispenser or bottle
medicine dispenser allows you to give your baby a dose of medicine in a soothing way.
TIP: Dosages can vary depending on the type of medicine, strength of medication, and the age and weight of your child. Even if you have used a specific medicine in the past, be sure to confirm all information with your pediatrician first.
Oral Care
You may not think of oral care as necessary for a baby who hasn’t started
teething, but good infant oral hygiene should begin even before any teeth have emerged.
Early childhood caries – or tooth decay – is becoming more common and can lead to a greater risk of cavities
later in permanent teeth. To help keep your baby’s gums healthy, be sure to invest in an oral
care kit that will grow with them from gums to baby teeth.
TIP: Do not allow continuous access to milk, juice, formula or soda - neither in a bottle or a toddler cup. If a bedtime bottle is part of baby’s routine, it should only contain water.
