10 must have medicines for kids

Catching a cold during season change, getting rashes while playing in the sun, hurting themselves while mastering the art of walking are very common with toddlers. Even knowing this fact our heart aches witnessing the sufferings of our little ones. Though it is highly recommended to consult our pediatrician before putting our baby on any kind of medication but there could be ample reasons like lockdown, night-time, commute issues which prevents us from getting in touch with our doctor any sooner. So, in my opinion, to deal with such emergency situations the best thing to do is to stock up our kid's medical cabinet with some ever-essential medicines. I am no expert but as a mother of a toddler I know how keeping some requisite medicines at home gives me my peace of mind and I am sure would limit your worry too.

So, without any further delay let's find out about the 10 essential medicines which I always keep handy; sharing its usage and dosage as applicable as per my experience.

1. Colicaid drops (30 ml): This oral drop is generally prescribed to treat infant colic pain, griping pain, reduces gas in the stomach and flatulence. Whenever I am introducing a new food or not sure of the reason why my baby is crying even after feeding him or comforting him, I give him 2-3 drops of this medicine.

2. Z&D Zinc Dry Powder for Suspension (15 ml): Z&D is mainly used for the treatment of Diarrhea and loose motion in babies. It can be used as an immunity enhancer or nutritional supplement aiding in the absorption of calcium by the body and also can be used in treating all immune deficiency disorders.

3. Nasal (Nasoclear/Nasivion) drops: Nasal Drops comprises of purified salt solution and is used to treat nasal congestion (blocked nose). It moisturizes and loosens the mucus inside of the nose and provides rapid relief from nasal congestion. Just remember to lay the baby on their back and put 2 to 3 drops into each nostril using the nose dropper and hold the baby with their head back for about a minute.

4. Paracetamol (Calpol/Crocin) drops: It is generally used as a pain killer and treating cold, flu and fever. The correct dose depends on weight and age of your child; better to consult your doctor for the correct dosage. I have used these oral drops when my child was suffering from mild to high fever and also post vaccination as recommended by the physician.

5. Kulfril LS drops (15 ml): Kufril LS Drop is used in the treatment of sore throat, cough with mucus. When my son was suffering from light cough post fever, doctor recommended this drop to me and it worked wonder for me; just after 2 days, his cough vanished.

6. Sinarest AF drops (15 ml): It is primarily used to treat common cold symptoms like runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, sneezing. It is a combination drug containing Chlorpheniramine (anti-histamine/antiallergic) and phenylephrine (decongestant). The dose and duration depends on the condition as recommended by the doctor. Some pediatrician also prescribes Montek LC kid drops/syrup for treating common cold symptoms. It has Levocetirizine which is antihistamine or anti-allergic and helps in treatment of sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin due to various allergies and hay fever (seasonal allergy).

7. Dermocalm Lotion: This Calamine and Light Liquid Paraffin Lotion is the best remedy for any baby rashes or itchy skin. Its anti-itching agents also treats mild itching in conditions such as eczema, sunburn, stings, insect bites, chickenpox and poison ivy.

8. Arnica ointment/drops: Arnica gel or cream/drops has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce the bruising and pain when our growing child gets hurt accidentally while learning to stand and walk or get knocked against any object, generally recommended for child above 6 months.

9. Metrogyl DG Gel Forte 20 gm: It is primarily used in treating mouth infections. It can treat unpleasant symptoms like mouth sores or ulcers, swollen gums, unpleasant taste changes and suggestive mouth infection. This gel really works fast. Once when my son accidentally fall down from bed, his lips swollen; my heart skipped a beat looking at him but as per doctor's recommendation when I used this gel, just applying this gel twice, his lips swelling reduced magically within a day.

10. Multivitamin drops: Multivitamin drops acts as a nutritional supplement for children containing multivitamins and multimineral that enhance different immune functions and energy levels in infants, helps to fight infections by boosting immunity and assist in preventing and treating deficiency of vitamins and minerals. I use A to Z multivitamin drops daily for my child.

One major thing to keep in mind is to keep checking the expiry dates of the medicines and keep updating the medicine shelve as applicable. My advice is to create a medical kit with all the required medicines and carry it wherever you are traveling with your kid. This really saved me from sleepless nights, plethora of anxiety and would comfort you too.

Disclaimer: Always consult with the doctor before giving any medicine to your child. Stay safe. Stay happy. Happy parenting!