Medication Every Parent Should Have: A Nurse Mom's Guide to Building the Perfect Medicine Box for Your Babies and Children
- Samantha Pieterse
- Feb 26, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 14
My worst nightmare: We're out with friends, it's 21:00, and my child cries. I hurry into the room where they're sleeping, and it's hot. They're hot, the room is hot, and I'm even hot. But it's late, and I can't get to a pharmacy. What now?
If thinking about this gives you some kind of PTSD, you're probably a parent, and this has probably happened to you at least once before. This is why I travel with my children's medication box, even just down the road to a friend's house. So what have I got in mine and why is it important?
👉🏻 If you're wondering about the dosage for any of these medications, see our post on the dosages for common pediatric medications.
Medication For Pain and Fevers in Babies and Children
The most important thing that any good medication box for children needs is a good quality thermometer. This doesn't need to be expensive, but it needs to be trustworthy. I personally prefer a digital thermometer because it is easier to read in the heat of the moment (no pun intended). Another personal preference is a thermometer that doesn't need a probe cover to function (a piece of soft plastic that covers the part that goes against the baby is disposable and should be changed after each use). Just because the time you need to use it usually happens to be the same time you cannot find a probe cover.
Paracetamol/Panado For Babies and Children
As a nurse, I can't overstate the value of paracetamol-containing medication. These medicines are the first line for fever management. They include Calpol (for babies over the age of 3 months), Panado syrup (the green one can be used from birth), and other generics such as Painmol.
What's great about a paracetamol-containing medication is that it is actually designed for pain, with an off-label use for fever. That means that any pain caused by whatever is making your little one sick will also help with pain management. I've personally found that Calpol works the best for my kids, but this is something that is personal to each child, and I would recommend testing this out for your kids.
Anti-Inflammatories For Babies and Children
An anti-inflammatory is a great second-line option for a fever if a paracetamol-containing medication isn't effective in lowering a fever and/or pain. These are medications like Neurofen Pediatric Suspension (which can only be given to children 2 years old and above). Another great option is Panamor suppositories, which are also only suitable for children above the age of 2 years old but require a prescription.
Combination of Paracetamol and Anti-Inflammatory for Babies and Children
These are medications for children, like Myprodol Syrup, which contains a mix of an anti-inflammatory and Paracetamol. These work really well for a higher fever or extreme pain. However, they can only be given to children over the age of 2. Medicines like Myprodol Syrup also contain codeine, which is an opioid (the same class of drug as morphine). Codeine makes kids pretty tired, so bear that in mind when giving these.
Medication for Coughing in Children:
Cough Syrup for Babies and Children
Cough syrup can be quite a challenge for the tiny ones because there aren't many options that are safe for children under 3 years old. Many pharmacies offer brands that contain ammonium chloride, but research has found little evidence to suggest that this ingredient is effective. Cough syrups that contain dried ivy leaf, on the other hand, have been proven to reduce mucus in the airway. Cough syrups, such as Prospan, are herbal combinations that include dried ivy leaf and are safe for use from birth. This is something that I definitely always have in my medicine box.
Nebulizer and Saline For Babies and Children
Nebulizing is something that is best left for scheduled medications prescribed by your doctor, but I definitely think that each family needs to invest in a good nebulizer. If your little one has a bit of a tight chest, though, starting to nebulize while you wait for your doctor's appointment could help. Never nebulize with medications not prescribed for your baby, as these may be unsafe; rather, stick to sterile saline until something is prescribed.
Medication For a Blocked Nose in Children:
Blocked noses and babies go hand in hand. Most new babies and even older babies struggle with blocked noses. Therefore, we need something that we can use often with minimal side effects. While things like Otrivin Paed work SO well for a blocked nose during an illness, they are known to cause rebound congestion (meaning they block the nose) after 5 days of repeated use.
Medication For Tummy Troubles in Children:
Cramps Medication For Babies and Children
Buscopan Syrup is a must-have for any medicine box. It works for relieving stomach cramps in our littles. This medicine can be bought over the counter and given to babies older than one month. It can be used for anything from small baby cramps to full-on stomach pain in older children. While this medicine tastes horrible (I challenge you to have a little sip), there really isn't anything else that works as well, in my opinion.
Nausea & Vomiting Medication For Babies and Children
Valoid works like a bomb for nausea and vomiting in children over the age of 2. Valoid is also available in suppository form, which is sometimes a lot better if your child is vomiting, to make sure that it is not being vomited out again. This is definitely something that will come in handy, as little ones can dehydrate so quickly. If your child has repeated vomiting, it's always best to seek medical advice. Need help with dosing? See our full blog post with all you need to know about Valoid.
Diarrhea Medication For Babies and Children
My go-to for diarrhea is Pectrolyte, and this is something that I always have in my house for adults as well. This can be given to children above the age of 3 years. There are other medicines that can be given to children under the age of 3 (such as Smecta), but my personal feeling on this is if a child has bad enough diarrhea to need medicine, it is safer to take them to a doctor because they can become severely dehydrated incredibly quickly.
Reflux Medication For Babies and Children
Reflux is also quite a tough one to treat, and it's something that a baby usually grows out of rather than gets treated for. There are some medications that can aid your baby's comfort, though. Bearing in mind, these won't take the reflux away. They will just make it less acidic. One that I really love is Milk of Magnesia. The reason is that it reduces acidity while also drawing water into the gut, thereby reducing the risk of constipation that many anti-reflux medications and formulas can cause.
First Aid Must-Haves for Bumps and Scrapes in Children:
Wound Cleaning For Babies and Children
It's always handy to have a good wound cleaner for those minor bumps and scratches. Please remember that for bigger, deeper wounds, it's always best to seek out medical help, as wound-cleaning solutions may hamper wound healing. In terms of those minor cuts, though, I love the Elastoplast Wound Spray. I love that it's a spray bottle, which reduces the risk of further infection from a cotton ball, etc.
It's always good to have gauze, bandages, and plasters handy for minor bumps and scrapes. Sometimes, little hearts also just need a plaster to feel better.
Medication to Pack For Children When Going on Holiday:
👉🏻 See our blog post on activities to keep your kiddies busy on a long car trip.
Sun Screen For Babies and Children
The last few items are essential for any travel medicine box. A good HIGH SPF sunscreen (SPF >50). Research has found that fewer than three sunburns a year are associated with the development of skin cancer. It's our responsibility to protect our children's skin for when they are older. Any brand of sunscreen will do. Make sure you're applying every couple of hours, keep your kiddos in the shade, and make sure they're wearing hats and long-sleeved costumes.
Our sun is vicious. Remember that babies under the age of 6 months cannot process sunscreen, so you cannot put it on them. It's safest for them to keep indoors or in the shade.
Mozzie Repellent For Babies and Children
This always comes in handy at home or away. A mozzie bite is not usually serious, but it can be irritating and itchy for our little ones. Remember that, as with sunscreen, there aren't very many insect repellents that are safe for children under the age of 6 months, so for them, it's better to keep them covered and use a mosquito net for sleeping. For the older kiddos, I absolutely love the Purity Insect Repellent, which comes in a lovely spray bottle, which makes application MUCH easier.
I have that in my medicine box. It's a great little plastic box with handles, and I carry it with me wherever I go.
👉🏻 Remember to see our post on the dosages for common pediatric medications.
Let us know what else you have in your medicine box.
FAQs About Baby & Child Medicines in South Africa
What medicine should every parent keep for their child?
A good home medicine box includes fever medicine (Panado or Calpol), an anti-inflammatory (Neurofen or Panamor), oral rehydration (Pectrolyte), tummy cramp relief (Buscopan), and nausea medication (Valoid). Add saline spray, sunscreen, and a thermometer for full coverage.
Is Pectrolyte safe for babies?
No, Pectrolyte is generally safe for children over 3 years old. It replaces lost fluids and electrolytes after mild diarrhoea or vomiting. Avoid giving it to babies unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, and always follow the correct mixing instructions.
How long does it take for Pectrolyte to work?
Most children feel better within 6–12 hours as dehydration improves. You’ll notice more energy and fewer watery stools. If diarrhoea or vomiting continues for more than a day, consult a nurse or doctor to rule out infection or dehydration.
What does Valoid syrup do for children?
Valoid syrup helps control nausea and vomiting in children over 2 years old. It can be given orally or as a suppository if your child can’t keep fluids down. A healthcare provider should check persistent vomiting or drowsiness after dosing.
What are Panamor suppositories used for in children?
Panamor suppositories treat fever and pain when oral medication isn’t possible. They’re suitable for children over 2 years and start working within 20 minutes. Always confirm correct dosing by age and weight before use.
Can I give Myprodol syrup to my child?
No, Myprodol isn’t recommended for young children. It contains codeine, which can suppress breathing and cause drowsiness. Stick to paracetamol or ibuprofen unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.
What syrup helps stop vomiting in children?
Valoid or prescribed anti-nausea syrups can help with vomiting in children, but hydration is most important. Offer small sips of oral rehydration solution (like Pectrolyte) frequently. If vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours or your child refuses fluids, seek medical care immediately.
At what age can babies use Buscopan syrup?
Buscopan 0.1% syrup can be used from one month old for stomach cramps. Give only as directed, as overdosing can cause constipation or drowsiness. If cramps are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
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