Our little explorers are unpredictable and often get into trouble. It’s best not to be caught off guard, so let’s put together the best possible plan: a medicine cabinet that’s ready for any eventuality, even for First aid needs.
Fever, stomach aches, as well as small abrasions and falls that lead to bruises, can happen often. These incidents are even more common when children start crawling or walking and begin exploring the most dangerous corners of the house (think you don’t have any? They’ll definitely find one—you can bet on it).

How to handle potential emergencies?

Rule number one is: don't panic.

Whatever the emergency, as parents you need to stay as calm as possible (once everything is back to normal, you can flop onto the bed and let it all out with a relieving cry). Keeping your cool helps you avoid panic and stay clear-headed so you can assess the situation and understand the best next step.

The second rule is: be prepared to face the eventuality. How?

Why is a well-organized medicine cabinet so useful in these situations?

1. You’ll immediately know where to find what you need;

2. you’ll be able to get straight to the point, without wasting time figuring out which medicine is right for the situation;

3. you won’t panic while searching unsuccessfully for what you need;

4. you’ll be ready for any eventuality;

5. you’ll save yourself a lot of stress.

What to put in the medicine cabinet?

Now that you clearly understand the importance of having a well-organized medicine cabinet, let’s move on to the next step. You might be wondering: what goes in a medicine cabinet? Here is a list of everything you need to handle any situation, divided into useful medical supplies for adults and children, plus a list of essentials for the little ones.

These are medical supplies that everyone should always have at home, whether there are children or not. There’s also a whole range of other items that are important to keep in the medicine cabinet when a little explorer is wandering around the house.

Additionally, never forget to keep specific medications on hand if your child has particular allergies or any condition that, if it occurs, requires targeted treatment. In more complex situations, we always recommend contacting your doctor, not improvising, and, if necessary, heading to the nearest emergency room.

How to store medications?

Having a well-organized medicine cabinet is great, but it’s not the only thing you need to do if you truly want to be prepared for any type of emergency . You also need to keep all the necessary information on hand in case you have questions about administration, and you should carefully check expiration dates. How can you do this in practice?

1. It is necessary to keep all medications in their original packaging along with their leaflet. This helps prevent administration errors and allows you to check for possible interactions or side effects with other medications.
   

2. The products should be stored in a dry, cool, and dark place . For this reason, it’s best to avoid storing them in the bathroom or kitchen, where humidity is often high.
   

3. The products should never be exposed to direct sunlight . Not only because the sun’s rays generate heat, but also because some medications are sensitive to UV rays and could lose their effectiveness or become damaged.
   

4. It is necessary to periodically check expiration dates, both for medications and medical devices. Do a thorough check preferably every six months, or at least once a year. Also, keep in mind that some products, once opened, have a shorter shelf life than the date printed on the packaging. How can you tell? It’s often indicated on the label (common wording is: “Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, consume within X days”).
   
   

Security, first and foremost

Medicines must never be taken incorrectly or accidentally; that’s why it’s essential to keep medicine cabinets closed (with a key or at least with appropriate child safety locks) . This way, you prevent your little explorers from rummaging through the cabinet.
Another good safety practice is to replace expired medications . After your regular expiration-date check, immediately purchase a new product so you have it on hand when you need it—and you won’t find yourself without it at the worst possible moment.

Finally, if you have any doubts, and before giving your child any medication, always seek advice from your pediatrician. They can guide you not only on whether it’s appropriate, but also on timing and dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions