Why do I need this? There's so much to know!
How do I use it? Reference for explanations on why and how to use various products (including other products not included in your bundle); evidence-based cheat sheets with tips and advice on common issues from fever to constipation & gas; and words of wisdom and support from other parents. All content has been reviewed with our pediatrician partner to ensure it is medically accurate based on the latest research.
Why do I need this? Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medicine that relieves fever and pain, so it's good to always have on hand.
How do I use it? Most baby medicine comes in oral suspension, meaning you administer the liquid with a syringe into baby's mouth. The correct dosage is based on weight (this bundle includes a Quick Reference Dosage Chart if you're unsure.) If your baby is <3 months and has a fever, call your doctor and do not give baby medicine before they are seen.
Which brand? Your bundle's infants' acetaminophen is Tylenol, the most widely used brand. It is a 1 fl oz (30mL) bottle of grape flavor acetaminophen (160 mg per 5mL) oral suspension medicine complete with measuring syringe.
Why do I need this? To assess whether your baby has a fever. The AAP recommends taking babies' temperature rectally because it's the most accurate way to measure in babies. A 3-in-1 thermometer can be used for rectal, oral, or armpit readings— just make sure to disinfect thoroughly after each use.
How do I use it? Apply a dab of lubricant (baby ointment works) to tip of thermometer, lift baby’s feet in one hand, and gently insert the thermometer into the rectum with the other (≤1 cm or just enough for the silver tip to get a reading). Remove and read after the beep and disinfect with an alcohol prep pad.
Which brand? Your bundle includes a 3-in-1 medical thermometer that many hospitals use, sourced directly from a top trusted medical supplier.
Why do I need this? To break down and clear out thick nasal congestion. Babies are default nose-breathers and can't blow their nose, so nasal congestion can be very bothersome. Saline breaks down and drains thick and dried mucus in the nose. This also makes it easier to remove with a nasal aspirator. Saline drops are a gentle option for younger babies, while a spray can be more effective for older babies & toddlers.
How do I use it? Drops: hold baby in a reclined position and drop 1-2 drops in each nostril. Spray: insert nozzle into nostril and press to spray, 1-2 sprays per nostril. Wait at least a few seconds, or up to a few minutes, before using a nasal aspirator.
Which brand? Little Remedies is one of the most popular brands for saline nose drops & spray on the market. It is often recommended by pediatricians, contains no medication, and is safe for all ages including newborns.
Why do I need this? To provide relief from nasal congestion by sucking out the mucus. Your bundle also includes a bulb syringe option so you can try both to decide which you prefer. Pricier electric aspirators are worth exploring if your baby is congested often.
How do I use it? Use after saline drops or spray. Ensure hygiene filter is in place, place large tube at base of child's nostril creating a seal, use mouthpiece to suck out snot, and clean tube & replace filter after each use. Limit use to a few times a day to avoid irritating nasal passages.
Which brand? Your bundle features the famous Fridababy Snotsucker, which is widely loved by parents because of how effective it is at sucking the snot right out of your baby's nose.
Why do I need this? To provide relief from nasal congestion by sucking out the mucus. Your bundle also includes an oral suction aspirator since many parents like to try both to decide which they prefer. Pricier electric aspirators are worth exploring if your baby is congested often.
How do I use it? Use after saline drops or spray. Squeeze bulb, place in nostril, and gently release to remove mucus. Limit use to a few times a day to avoid irritating nasal passages.
Which brand? Parents like the Innovo bulb syringe as an upgrade from the generic kind from the hospital because it comes apart which makes it easier to clean, and it’s transparent so you can see how well it’s working.
Why do I need this? To soothe your baby's cough and chest congestion. Baby chest rubs contain natural expectorants such as eucalyptus, which help clear mucus from airways.
How do I use it? Gently rub a small dab on your baby’s back, chest, and/or the bottom of their feet. If your baby is <2 months, check with your doctor first. Never put chest rubs on the face.
Which brand? Your baby chest rub is from Vicks, a brand widely trusted with the most popular adult and baby chest rubs on the market. Their BabyRub is non-medicated and specially formulated for babies, with made with soothing aloe, eucalyptus, and lavender aromatics.
Why do I need this? To gently but effectively wipe away stuck-on boogers. You definitely can live without another kind of wipe, but we included Boogie Wipes saline wipes because so many parents love them, saying the saline breaks down stuck-on boogers much better than other wipes or tissues and they are not as large as other wipes, so are less wasteful.
How do I use it? Pretty self-explanatory – just wipe your baby’s nose or face as needed!
Which brand? Parents love Boogie Wipes because their saline, aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E formula is very gentle yet super effective. They were invented by two moms that knew there must be a better way than using dry tissues to wipe red, raw noses.
Why do I need this? To treat skin rashes, dryness, and irritation. Babies’ delicate skin is easily subject to all sorts of irritation, which a healing ointment or balm can help treat and protect. Ointments and balms have a higher oil-to-water ratio than creams and lotions. This creates a barrier layer on the skin, making them more effective in holding in moisture to heal dryness and irritation.
How do I use it? Lots of ways! Apply to baby's bottom for diaper rashes; to baby’s chin for drool rashes; to minor cuts or scrapes to keep skin moisturized for faster healing; to your baby’s cheeks on a windy day to prevent chapped cheeks; or anywhere else your baby's skin gets dry or irritated.
Which brand? The balm in your bundle is Motherlove's Everyday Baby Balm (2 fl oz/59 mL). It gets rave reviews as a "miracle balm" by parents because it is great at keeping moisture in while also being lightweight and not greasy.
Why do I need this? Newborns can easily scratch themselves with their shockingly long nails. This is why the hospital infant bodysuits have cuffs that fold over the hands, but sooner or later you’ll have to trim your baby's nails.
How do I use it? For newborns, wait until your baby falls asleep and clip near a light or window so you can see. If it's not possible to clip your older baby or toddler's nails when they're sleeping, clip when your child is happy (well-fed, rested) and distracted, such as with a special toy in the other hand or even in front of the TV as an exemption from any screen time rules you may otherwise have.
Which brand? Parents love the nail clipper set by Fridababy because it is designed with a little spy hole that lets you see the nail that you’re cutting and overlapping blades to prevent you from cutting skin by accident. The clip is more of a controlled “slice” than a loud “clip” so it won’t wake your sleeping baby.
Why do I need this? Lots of parents find it easier to use an electric trimmer instead of a clipper, so it’s helpful to try both to see what works best for you. Electric trimmers come with different file attachments designed for different stages of babies’ growth because as babies get older, their nails get thicker.
How do I use it? Attach the nail file color that matches your baby’s age as specified in the instructions. Start on low speed and file with the trimmer pad perpendicular to your baby’s nail.
Which brand? There are many generic options on the market that look identical and that’s because they are all made in the same few factories, so we have sourced directly from the manufacturer to avoid passing on a middle man's markup to you.
Why do I need this? To start your baby's dental hygiene off right. The AAP and ADA recommend brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste after the first tooth appears. However, some doctors still tell patients to start without fluoride, so a safe bet is to start with fluoride-free toothpaste (which is what's included in your bundle) and switch to fluoride once your doctor recommends it, or around when your baby turns one.
How do I use it? Apply a tiny smear of toothpaste the size of a rice grain to the toothbrush and brush at least once a day (such as after dinner and milk), ideally twice. Increase to a pea-size amount when your child can spit out excess toothpaste (~3 years).
Which brand? Your bundle includes a best seller and favorite by parents and babies: Dr. Brown’s cute giraffe infant-to-toddler toothbrush that has soft bristles and stands up on its own. It comes with natural fluoride-free strawberry toothpaste with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Why do I need this? Gently brushing your baby’s hair regularly not only leaves them looking super cute, but it also promotes healthy hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and loosening cradle cap, a common condition that causes flaking. Your bundle includes a wooden brush made with extra soft goat hair, a bamboo bristle hairbrush, a small beechwood comb, and a silicone baby brush for cradle cap.
How do I use it? Fine-toothed combs or soft hairbrushes are usually best for fine hair (or if your baby is a little baldie) while wide-toothed combs and brushes with larger bristles are great for thicker or longer hair. Silicone cradle cap brushes can be helpful for removing scaling on the scalp.
Which brand? We have designed and sourced this wooden brush set directly in order to build a comprehensive set with premium wood and bristles and the cradle cap brush addition.
Why do I need this? For healthy bone and brain development. Your baby needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are critical for bone & brain development and immune system health. Breastmilk does not provide adequate vitamin D, and the AAP recommends even formula-fed babies receive a supplement until they are drinking at least 32 oz of vitamin D-fortified formula per day.
How do I use it? Starting the first few days of life, give baby 400IU (which is usually one or two drops depending on the brand) per day onto a nipple before the baby has milk, onto a pacifier, or directly into baby's mouth.
Which brand? Genexa is a wildly successful up-and-coming brand that makes clean medicines, meaning all their products are free of artificial inactive ingredients and common allergens (for example, these Vitamin D drops are made with a touch of organic vanilla flavor - no aspartame, artificial dyes, or high fructose corn syrup).
Why do I need this? To control the bleeding from mild cuts and scrapes and keep them protected from infection.
How do I use it? Rinse the affected area with soap and warm water, pat dry, and apply a bit of ointment followed by a bandage. A bandage can be a choking hazard for babies, so only use while your baby is attended or in places where it is difficult to remove (such as under clothing).
Which brand? Parents love Welly bandages because they have great adhesion and fun designs. Welly is a certified B Corporation that supports community partners such as KABOOM!, a nonprofit that builds kid-designed play spaces in communities of color.
Why do I need this? To disinfect your health items. Use these pads to disinfect your rectal thermometer, nasal aspirator, or any other objects in contact with germs. Just don’t use on your baby’s skin or to clean cuts or scrapes as the alcohol can sting and make cuts worse.
How do I use it? Wipe down whatever object you are disinfecting and discard the wipe.
Why do I need this? There are lots of small baby health related items you'll have at home. A medicine box helps keep it all organized so you can find things quickly when you need them.
How do I use it? Always store medicine high on a shelf that your child cannot reach.