• Thermometer — rectal, ear, pacifier. The choice is pretty much yours, but it's a good idea to have an old-fashioned rectal thermometer on hand in case one of the high-tech gadgets conks out.
• Tweezers (for splinter removal)
• Nasal aspirator
• Medicine dropper
• Baby nail scissors
• Cotton balls and swabs
• A selection of self-adhesive bandages, gauze pads, and bandage tape

Medicines and Preparations

• Infant acetaminophen and infant ibuprofen drops — generally speaking, you'll use ibuprofen for high fevers, acetaminophen for low fevers and other aches such as teething or post-vaccine discomfort
• Rubbing alcohol for cleaning thermometers, tweezers, or an umbilical cord stump
• Diaper rash ointment
• Antibiotic ointment for cuts and scrapes
• Hydrocortisone cream for skin rashes like eczema
• Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning (but always check with your doctor or poison-control center first)
• Topical teething gel
• Petroleum jelly
• Saline nose drops
• Oral rehydrating solution, in case of diarrhea