Parenting is hard! Being a new mom or dad is tough, but when your baby or young child is sick, it can be scary and overwhelming. Most of our Pharmacists are also parents! They truly understand the fears and stress, when your kid is sick, make sure you utilize the knowledge of your pharmacists. They have a vast understanding of OTC medications.
Caroline Johnson is a 10-year pharmacist at The Medicine Shoppe in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She has been kind enough to offer some insight with an Over The Counter tour for pediatric medication. As a mother of three, she knows what works!
Dosing
In this video series, she introduces herself and talks about the importance of Rx dosing and her own personal preferences.
When it comes to liquid medicine and children, dosing is extremely important. Use a dosing device! Marking doses on your device will help you know you are administering the right amount to ensure you are helping and not harming.
Pain, Fever, & Teething
Tylenol, ibuprofen, Advil, so many choices leave a new parent lost! Whether pain and fever are from infection, virus, teething there are many over the counter options. Be sure to pay attention to the Children's vs Infant's formula when it comes to choosing the right OTC product for your child. Too much of a product can have a negative effect on the liver, so alternating mediations is also a wise choice. Never give a child or baby Oragel, it can be toxic, just stick to the teething ring!
Congestion, Cough, & Colds
This is a very frequently asked question at the pharmacy. When your child is struggling to breathe it can be scary and nerve-racking. You cannot treat children and babies in the same way you do adults. You must be careful with the products you use. A few of our favorite items are.
Vapo Rub: Baby Rub
Cool Mist Humidifier with Vapo Pad
Saline Nasal Mist
Nasal Aspirator
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash happens! We like Triple Paste, similar to Desitin and Butt Paste but we think this product works wonderfully. We have daycares that LOVE this product based on Caroline's recommendations. Another tip is letting your baby be diaper free. A diaper rash is often due to a fungal infection that can be managed with a little fresh air. Yes, you may be left with a little mess, but it's a great way to help treat your little love bug without any product. However, if these two are not working we suggest you talk to your pediatrician to see if a prescription cream is needed.
Colic
Colic can be very frustrating to parents not being able to understand why your baby is crying. Caroline is no stranger to a colic-y baby and often times had to let her baby cry it out. Staying calm and your own self-care is very important here. We do know of a homeopathic product that some customers say really works: Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water. We know this is a stressful time and YOU CAN GET THROUGH IT!
Watch our video series below to learn even more.
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