As a new year approaches, I’m knee-deep in a post-holiday purge. As I put Christmas presents away, I’m also pulling out toys and clothes haven’t seen any love in quite awhile. Some we are selling and others are being donated.
I know spring is typical for a mass cleaning but the fresh start of a new year is also a good time to go through all your belongings. I’ve seen Facebook posts recommending turning all hangers in your closets backwards on January and anything still turned around six to nine months later gets donated (or thrown away depending on it’s condition).
One place that tends to get overlooked is your medicine cabinet. This is a great time to pull everything out and check expiration dates, especially those items you might not use as often. (Wondering how to dispose of those? I saw a news segment that recommended pouring medicine into small Ziploc bags with coffee grounds or kitty litter.) Then you can hit up your local drug store or Target to restock. Besides the basics – ibuprofen, band-aids, hydro-cortisone cream, cotton balls, etc., here are five things you should also consider having on hand, especially if you have kids.
1. Scar Away Gel
Kids get scrapes…a lot of scrapes and some of them can be pretty bad. This gel can help prevent scarring. It’s come in handy quite a few times for us.
2. Soothing ointment like A&D (not just for diaper rashes!) or Babyganics
Children’s skin can be pretty sensitive, especially in the winter. Both of these ointments can help with chapped skin or burns.
3. Liquid Band-aid
My oldest could be bleeding profusely and he still would refuse a band-aid. Ashley reminded me how useful these are to have on hand.
4. A good thermometer
We have the Braun Forehead Thermometer and are pretty happy with it. I’m itching to try the new Kinsa Smart Thermometer, so that’s next on my list when our battery dies.
5. Saline drops
Kids with colds can be the worst. They can’t breathe and over-the-counter remedies aren’t recommended until the are older. Having saline on hand can make a bad night much more manageable.
What are your must have medicine cabinet items?
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I don’t think I’ve heard of Scar Away before. I’ll have to look that up. Ive got Baby Motrin and Baby Tylenol in my arsenal. Another mom recommended organic elderberry syrup for kids, which I’ve since picked up as well.
Found ya off the Type A Parent FB group!