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What to have on hand in medicine cabinet for newborn
Hi Bernadette, Daniel & Community,
I am due with my first baby in 2 weeks! I was wondering if you had a list of what to have on hand in the medicine cabinet for infants/newborns? I know you already have a great list for older kids/adults.
For example, I’d like to start giving my newborn Vitamin D/K2 supplement, is there one you recommend? Alternative to Tylenol? What is the best remedy if they are gassy or have tummy troubles etc?
Thank you in advance.
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4 Replies
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Hey !
Congratulations!!! What fantastic news!
To help develop strong bones vitamin D for babies is often recommended even by government websites like this one. The recommendation is to supplement with 400IU (or 10 mcg) for the first year. Vitamin K2 is important for getting calcium into the right places and is just as important.
This table from the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine will provide you with information about the recommended intakes of vitamins per day per age group. In that table, you can find the intake for vitamin K as well:
• 0-6 months: 2.0 micrograms/day
• 7-12 months: 2.5 micrograms/day
• 1-3 years: 30 micrograms/day
• 4-8 years: 55 micrograms/day
• Boys & Girls, 9-13 years: 60 micrograms/day
• Boys & Girls, 14-18 years: 75 micrograms/dayYou will see there is no real distinction made between vitamin K1 and K2. This is partly because the body can convert these vitamins and partly because vitamin K2 can do what vitamin K1 can do, but it does more.
In this table, you can find a great summary.
In this table, you can see that the half-life of vitamin K2-mk7 is high (70 hours compared to 1.5 hours for its brother vitamin K2-mk4). Vitamin K2-mk7 is also more potent.
I have no current supplement I could share with you. I would know if you are ordering from the Dutch market, but perhaps these recommendations can help you to make an educated choice.
Tylenol replacement
What to replace Tylenol with, depends a bit on what symptoms you are trying to relieve.For example, honey can bring relief when you’re dealing with coughs and respiratory issues (just click here). But honey is not recommended when your child is younger than 1 year. You can try Bernadette’s homemade flaxseed cough remedy. Just replace the honey with maple syrup for example.
Peppermint oil can bring relief for colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchitis. Just dilute the oil with a neutral oil such as coconut and rub it on the neck and bottoms of the feet.
For young kids, I usually prefer food-based options. Research is often limited at younger ages, but I hope this can help you in the right direction.
Gassy
Because babies and infants have still immature digestive systems, it is normal for babies to experience gas. Sometimes babies can have gas because they swallow air as well. This is normal. Helping them burb can reduce gas.When you breastfeeding you might need to think of your diet as well. Think of food sources containing dairy products, onions, caffeine, garlic, spicy foods and cabbage. These foods can in some babies cause gass as well.
Some food sources can help reduce gas. Think of foods containing probiotics.
Final thought
During the first years of a child’s life, the immune system is also continuously exposed to the new world it has brought into. Providing the nutrients the immune system needs is great! But keep in mind that the immune system is continuously learning how to adjust to the new environment. Even though this can be sometimes a bit of an uncomfortable experience for parents and children, that learning curve of the immune system is an important experience for the child’s future health! -
– how exciting! I see that Daniel has already replied. I will get back to you by tomorrow with additional points and the controversy regarding vitamin D supplementation in infants.
How are you feeling by the way?
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– I will definitely create a handout for newborn/infant support but in the meantime, here are a few items I would consider must-haves for your medicine cabinet and beyond. Also note, the best defense for your baby is breastfeeding so let us know if you need help with that.
-Nasal aspirators (“snot suckers”): babies will get sick; it’s just the normal part of how they build and strengthen their immune system. And since they can’t blow their nose, having an aspirator to help clear out their excess nasal mucus is a must. There are many different types and options (bulb syringe, NoseFrida snotsucker tube, and electric options).
-Humidifier: this can also help with easier breathing when sick but choosing the right machine is key as they can get moldy if not well maintained. I like this option since it comes with both a humidity sensor and mold disinfectant abilities, is quiet, easy to clean and covers 500 sq feet. All things to consider when purchasing a humidifier.
-Xylitol spray: in the event of viral illness, xylitol has been shown to kill COVID-19 and reduce viral load in the nasal passages. Kid’s Xlear is one option. Babies 0-3 months would take 1 drop in each nostril 1-3 times per day, and 2-4 drops in each nostril 1-3 times per day for babies 3-12 months.
-Oscillococcinum homeopathic remedy for flu: in the event of a respiratory illness, oscillococcinum has shown to decrease the duration and intensity of symptoms. For any age or weight, half the vial is taken daily for 3 days.
-Baby probiotic: in the event of a C-section, a probiotic can help populate the baby’s gut. Either sprinkle some onto your nipple while breastfeeding or in the formula to help populate baby’s gut. I like Smidge for infants.
-Nat Phos 6x Cell Salt for gas, reflux/colic: this can be given at any age; 1-3 pellets every 15 minutes or as needed directly in baby’s mouth or dissolved in breastmilk.
A chiropractor or cranial sacral therapy worker can also really help. It can take 4 to 6 sessions to see results but it’s worth it. Also make sure to check for lip and tongue ties – especially if they’re always hungry too despite feeding them!
-For gas: make sure you burp after every feed. I would also search for a good chiropractor with experience dealing with infants. It can do wonders!
-Active Skin Repair for rashes: I love this product. I have the gel and spray bottles and use them for a variety of things since they stimulate the body’s natural healing and is naturally antimicrobial. Can work great on rashes too! We have a discount code: BERN10 for 10% off.
Now regarding infant vitamin D supplementation, Daniel shared the conventional recommendations. However, I have mixed feelings about giving it regularly to infants who aren’t actively fighting an illness. Please read through this post thread here. Just to be clear, if there’s an illness, I absolutely agree with vitamin D supplementation in infants. What I’m concerned with is the daily vitamin D supplementation recommendation.
As I mentioned, breastfeeding will be the best defense for your baby, so nourishing yourself will help protect your little one. Here’s a basic wellness guide for breastfeeding mothers:
1. Prenatal Vitamins (using only methylated forms of folate)
2. Omega 3 (EPA + DHA): 500-1000mg daily
3. Probiotic: at least 25 CFU daily
4. Vitamin D3: at least 6400IU daily totalThorne has a good D3/K2 liquid option.
Hope these tips help you prepare, and we can’t wait to hear the great news and see some cute baby pics!
All the best and wishing you a safe and complication-free birth!
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Hi – I believe you recently delivered, and I wanted to check in and see how you’re all doing.
I sincerely hope the delivery went smoothly and that both you and your baby are in good health. If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear about your experience and how you’re adjusting. However, I completely understand if it’s a private matter, and I respect your boundaries.
Regardless, please know that I’m sending positive thoughts your way. If there’s anything you need, we’re here to help you!
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