ParentlistBaby Health & Grooming Essentials
A small kit for sick days, nails and first teeth
Health and grooming covers the small kit for everyday care and the inevitable sick days. A digital thermometer, a nasal aspirator, saline drops and a first aid kit are worth having before your baby arrives, because colds tend to show up at inconvenient hours. Infant nail clippers are another early need, since newborn nails grow fast and scratch easily.
Some items depend on your pediatrician's advice, like vitamin D drops or gas relief drops, so ask before buying. An oral medicine syringe makes measured doses easier, and a cool-mist humidifier can help with dry air. Teeth come next: a baby toothbrush once the first tooth shows up, and toothpaste in the amount your pediatrician or dentist suggests. A soft hair brush is gentle on a baby's scalp and lasts well into toddlerhood.
By age
- Newborn essentials
- 3 Month Old essentials
- 6 Month Old essentials
- 9 Month Old essentials
- 1 Year Old essentials
- 18 Month Old essentials
- 2 Year Old essentials
- 3-5 Year Old essentials
All health & grooming items
Baby First Aid Kit
Kit with plasters, dosing syringe, saline and basics.
Digital Thermometer
Fast digital thermometer for fevers and routine checks.
Infant Nail Clippers
Rounded clippers or an electric file for tiny nails.
Nasal Aspirator
Manual or electric aspirator that clears tiny stuffy noses.
Baby Toothbrush
Small soft brush or finger brush for first teeth.
Baby Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste for little ones.
Cool-Mist Humidifier
Adds moisture to dry nursery air, especially in winter.
Gas Relief Drops
Simethicone drops some parents use for tummy bubbles.
Oral Medicine Syringe
Dosing syringe for giving liquid medicine accurately.
Saline Nose Drops
Saltwater drops or spray to loosen mucus before suction.
Soft Baby Hair Brush
Goat-hair or soft-bristle brush for fine baby hair and cradle cap.
Vitamin D Drops
Liquid vitamin D drops for babies.
Momblet
Something calm for kids and parents, from the people behind Parentlist. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when it's ready.
Questions parents ask
- What should be in a baby first aid kit?
- A basic kit usually includes a digital thermometer, adhesive bandages, gauze, saline drops, an oral syringe and any medicines your pediatrician has approved for your child's age. Keep your pediatrician's number and the poison control number with it.
- What kind of thermometer is best for a baby?
- A digital thermometer is the standard choice. Your pediatrician can tell you which method they prefer for your baby's age and when to call them about a reading. Keep one thermometer just for your baby and clean it after each use.
- When should I start brushing my baby's teeth?
- Many parents start as soon as the first tooth appears, often somewhere around 6 months. A soft baby toothbrush is all you need to begin. Ask your pediatrician or dentist how much toothpaste to use for your child's age.
- How do I trim a baby's nails safely?
- Use small infant clippers or a nail file, and try when your baby is sleepy or relaxed. Good light helps a lot. Many parents press the fingertip pad away from the nail before clipping to avoid nicking the skin.