In continuing my series on what NOT to buy we are going to discuss the drug store. Many things are sold that don't work and they are just on the shelf because people spend money on them.
Let's start with lotions. The best moisturizer is petroleum jelly (vasoline). All the ones with fragrance don't work very well. Baby lotion in particular doesn't work at all and often times the baby gets a rash from the perfumes. If petroleum jelly is too greasy for your taste you might want to try Eucerin cream.
Moving on to medications. Cough and cold medications don't work in kids. The most useful medication is pseudoephedrine for kids over age 5 for nasal congestion. This is the Sudafed that you have to ask the pharmacist for. Don't buy the one off the shelf (it is a different ingredient). Also, there is no need to buy Vapo Rub. It doesn't help and makes many young kids more congested.
Have you ever read a Qtip box? It says on the package that it is not to be used in ears. We find that it pushes the wax further into the ear. We also sometimes see kids who have scratched the inside of their ear canal with the Qtip and then it bleeds and is painful. So unless you plan to use the Qtips for something else you can just leave them on the shelf.
Baby powder is also not a necessary purchase. A thick diaper ointment such as petroleum jelly works best to treat and prevent diaper rash. Also when you use baby powder it commonly gets into the air and you and your baby can breathe it into your lungs.
Lastly I would not buy the teething remedies. This includes Orajel and Teething Tablets. They don't work and often are used any time an infant is fussy so are significantly overused. Try giving your child a teething ring to chew on or a wet washcloth. Infants love to put things in their mouths.
I hope this helps you save your money!
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