Baby health essentials

The list of all the things you need to buy when you’re pregnant and anticipating your baby’s arrival can feel never-ending, but Milton is here to help. We find it’s best to tackle one thing at a time, which is why we’ve created a dedicated list for all the baby health essentials you need to purchase before the big day.

As well as making sure your newborn is comfortable in their environment, it’s important that they’re happy and healthy too.

What health products do I need for baby?

Here is a comprehensive list of all the baby health essentials you need to prepare for your newborn’s arrival.

Medicines

First and foremost, to make sure your baby is always well looked after, you should have all the medicines and equipment you need if any health issues arise. It’s important to always ask your doctor first, but here is what should be included in your medicine cabinet for your baby:

• Infant paracetamol for 2 months or older
• Ibuprofen for 3 months or older
• Anti-allergy medicines
• Calamine lotion for irritation or sunburn
• Saline solution to relieve a stuffy nose
• Gripe water for trapped wind
• Humidifier to relieve cold symptoms
• Medicine dropper or syringe to dispense medication
• Rehydration fluid for diarrhoea

Here is what should not be included in your medicine cabinet for your baby:

• Aspirin
• Over the counter cough and cold medicines
• Anti-sickness medicines (unless doctor recommended)
• Adult medications, such as antibiotics
• Expired medication
• Chewable tablets

First aid kit

As well as stocking up on medicinal relief for your baby, you should make sure you have a sufficient first aid kit too. Some basic items that should be included are:

• Plasters and bandages
• Antiseptic wipes and cream
• Baby thermometer
• Tweezers
• Nasal aspirator

Having this handy kit will give you peace of mind that you are always prepared for any accidents.

Changing table essentials

Your changing table area requires many health essentials to keep your baby and the space around them clean and germ-free. Commonly, you will have a basket, drawer or other storage unit filled with all the baby health essentials you need.

For wiping, you should stock up on cotton wool, washcloths or baby wipes that are gentle, fragrance-free and alcohol-free. After, to make sure your baby’s skin is well looked after, you should also have barrier cream to protect them from nappy rash.

Baby toiletries

To keep your baby fresh and clean, they require regular washing and grooming just like us! However, their skin is much more delicate than an adult, so they require baby-formulated toiletries such as baby shampoo, body wash, and moisturiser. Also, to be prepared for when they start teething, babies require their own toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste too.

Other health essentials and toiletries required include:

• Cradle cap brush which is designed for gently brushing fine baby hair with ultra-soft bristles.
• Baby nail clippers, scissors, emery boards or scratch mitts to keep your baby’s nails short and smooth so they don’t scratch themselves.
• Sun cream with a high factor and high UV protection to be protected from the sun’s rays.

Babyproofing

As mentioned in our “How to baby proof your home for your newborn” blog, corner guards, electrical outlet covers, safety catches and other babyproofing features are vital for your baby’s physical health. These items make sure your baby is protected from bumps, knocks and electric shocks which will keep them happy and healthy.

Cleaning & sterilising products

One thing you can do to protect your baby’s health is by making sure you have cleaning and sterilising products on-hand that you can trust. Bottles, breastfeeding equipment, toys, surfaces, clothes all need to be cleaned and sterilised for your baby and Milton are here to help.

Milton Antibacterial Surface Spray and Wipes clean and disinfect all surfaces, from highchairs to worktops, and are made from 100% plant-based active ingredients, vegan and not tested on animals. Killing 99.9% of germs, you can rest assured that the environment surrounding your baby is kept clean.

Your baby’s clothes and sheets need to be kept clean and fresh, and a gentle detergent should be used to do so.

A bottle brush is a great tool to have for cleaning bottles, breastfeeding equipment and toys as they can achieve a more thorough clean. Remember, you should always clean before you sterilise and our Baby Bottle Cleaner is ideal for washing all baby and family items. When it comes to sterilising, Milton Anti-Bacterial Tablets or Solution are perfect. Using cold water, only taking 15 minutes and killing 99.9% of germs, our products can help keep all items clean and sterilised.

Make sure you’re as prepared as you can be by using this baby health essentials checklist and stocking up on Milton’s Sterilising range and Hygiene range. Shop the Milton range at Woolworths, Coles, Chemist Warehouse, BIG W, Baby Bunting, IGA and other major supermarkets.