If you don’t have a mom to stock the cabinet, or if you’re the organized one, here is a list of stuff every medicine cabinet should have.

1. Fever reducer like Children’s Motrin or Tylenol (or generic acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Never give aspirin to kids without talking to a doctor.

2. Anti-itch cream. Look for 1% hyrdrocortisone. Buy the generic version to save a few pennies.

3. Oral thermometer. They say to use a rectal thermometer for babies under 3, but in practice, this is just very hard, so ask your doctor if an oral or underarm will do for the tracking she needs.

4. Tweezers for splinters, ticks, and even bugs in the ears.

5. Vaseline for lips and chapped areas, especially baby’s behind.

6. Children’s Benadryl can be given to calm sudden allergies and rashes.

7. Hot water bottle and ice pack.

Trust your instincts if you think your child needs more help than you can give and call your doctor. If you do use the internet for advice, including looking on GreatDad.com or WebMD, know that no website can replace a doctor visit to determine how best to help your child.

Note: the FDA has recently recommended not give kids under 2 cough medicines. Other studies show that hot water, honey and lemon are more effective in reducing coughs, so consider just giving a fever reducer instead. If your child is wheezing or has chest pain, call the doctor immediately. If he or she is not getting air while leaning forward, go to the ER.

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