We all know that a well stocked medicine cabinet is an absolute must have with little ones in the house! But what should you keep in it? I always have a big stock of Calpol and Nurofen and feel a tad anxious when we start to get low. I also feel a bit lost without snufflebabe as well. Aside from these things, which I always have, here are our top medicine cabinet essentials!

For itchy and eczema-prone skin

Cetraben emollient cream contains light liquid paraffin. This replaces the layers of oil, or ‘lipid’, which have been lost from the skin, filling in the gaps between the skin cells to protect from irritants and re-build the natural barrier. It also contain white soft paraffin, which forms an external layer of protection on the skin to prevent further water loss. Natural glycerin then locks in the moisture, resulting in hydrated, healthy skin. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and paraben free.

Cetraben Cream, £7.99 for 200ml and £4.99 for 50ml. The Cetraben range is available from tescos stores and pharmacies nationwide. For further information visit www.cetraben.co.uk.

For pesky headlice

No one likes these little pests. I find that loads of conditioner and a nit comb to be really effective. Head lice remedies have traditionally required a second application to kill lice that have hatched since the original treatment – where they were protected in the egg. Hedrin Once Liquid Gel has been shown, in a new clinical trial, to eradicate the infestation of live lice and the un-hatched eggs with a single application. This removes the need for repeat treatments and laborious combing, making the process of managing head lice easier than ever before.

Hedrin Once Liquid Gel is a silicone-based, skin-friendly non-pesticide formula that is pleasant for children and easy for parents to use. The active ingredient, dimeticone, kills lice by blocking the opening to their air tubes and disrupting their ability to manage water. Its physical method of killing head lice prevents them developing a resistance – a common problem with traditional pesticide treatments.

Available in Boots and pharmacies nationwide, Hedrin Once is available in a liquid or spray gel format priced from £7.14 for 60ml. Visit www.hedrin.co.uk for further information.

For mucky hands

Cuticura Anti Bacterial Hand Serum For Kids

Keep the whole family safe from germs all day long with Cuticura’s 8 hour unique touch protection technology. I have one of these in each bathroom, one in the nappy bag and one in the car! The Anti Bacterial Hand Serum For Kids offers the longest lasting anti bacterial protection, so it’s easy to keep little hands clean and germ-free throughout their busy day – from park to playground and back home again! One quick squirt kills 99.99% of bacteria and provides long lasting protection. Each bottle contains up to 100 squirts! Extra gentle on tiny hands, the alcohol free formula is dermatologically approved to be kind on sensitive skin but powerful on protection. Parents can feel at ease whilst kids play, even when there’s no soap and water about, whilst kids can enjoy the Sweet Apple fragrance on their hands too. Practical parenting for playful kids!

Cuticura Anti Bacterial Hand Serum For Kids (£2.49), available from Boots, Morrisons and independent pharmacies.

For hydration

Oralyte is a great tasting hydration drink, which contains a scientifically balanced formula of water and essential minerals, to replace body fluids and salts. With the right balance of electrolytes and water for optimal hydration and recovery, Oralyte is a convenient way to ensure your body stays hydrated.

Available from Boots, Superdrug and leading pharmacies from £3.99 for a pack of three 200ml cartons, or as single 200ml carton from Boots, Tesco and Asda priced at £1.39.

For avoiding bites

Bites are miserable for anyone, but when the little ones get them it is awful. Anthisan Citronella Patches are self-adhesive strips with micro-encapsulated essential oil that, when rubbed, gradually release the fragrance of Citronella aroma. Biting insects are attracted to the scent of human skin, however, when odours such as citronella are present it deters biting insects.

The patches are easy to apply and come in a re-sealable pouch, making them convenient for travelling. One patch can provide up to 12 hours release of the Citronella aroma up to a 50cm radius. The patches are suitable for the whole family (from 6 months old) and can be attached to clothing as the essential oils are encapsulated within the layers of the patch.

Anthisan Citronella Patches retail at £3.99 for a pack of 24 and are available from leading pharmacies. For more information visit www.anthisan.co.uk

For chickenpox

Stop the itch, scratch cycle with Care ViraSoothe Chickenpox Relief Cooling Gel and Spray Gel

Care ViraSoothe is a clinically proven cooling gel and spray gel which helps to cool and soothe the distressing symptoms of chickenpox. I wish this had existed when I was five and had chickenpox!

Unlike calamine lotion or antihistamines, Care ViraSoothe is specifically formulated to break the itch, scratch, infection cycle by rapidly calming the persistent itch. This not only relieves the irritation but protects the skin’s environment, allowing it to heal naturally which can help reduce long-term scarring. Care ViraSoothe is non-messy, can be easily applied all over the body and face and is suitable for children over 6 months of age. It should be applied 2-3 times a day, or whenever relief is needed.

Care ViraSoothe 50g Gel RSP: £5.73 – Available from Bestway Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy, Tesco Pharmacy, Rowland’s Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide
Care ViraSoothe 75g Gel RSP: £8.33 – Available from Boots, Sainsbury’s Pharmacy, Bestway Pharmacy, Rowland’s Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide
Care ViraSoothe 60ml Spray Gel RSP: £8.49 – Available from: Boots, Tesco Pharmacy, Bestway Pharmacy, Rowland’s Pharmacy, Lloyds pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide

For coughs

Both Care Simple Linctus Paediatric and Simple Linctus Paediatric sugar free linctus instantly form a soothing film over an inflamed throat to relieve dry, irritating coughs. Following recommendations* for children’s cough and cold medicines, they can be used by children from 1-12 years.

Available at independent pharmacies, Rowlands, Asda priced at £2.05.

*This product meets the Department of Health (MHRA and PAGB) guidelines on children’s over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. March 2009.

For a little boost

How about some delicious blackcurrant flavour chewable ‘D’ tablets? They have been specially formulated to be suitable for both adults and children. Natural xylitol is used to sweeten the tablets, so the formula is aspartame free and because they are sugar free, they are tooth friendly too!

Our bodies obtain Vitamin D from two sources, our diet and from the action of sunlight on our skin which drives the natural production within the body. If we all had plenty of sun then we would have plenty of Vitamin D, but in reality we do need to obtain some from our diet, particularly during the winter months.

Vitamin D contributes to:
• The normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus
• The maintenance of normal bones and teeth
• Normal function of the immune system

180 tablets for £6.95, available from www.naturesbest.co.uk

For colds

Kaloba Syrup® is a natural remedy specifically licensed for treating the common cold and its symptoms in children. It is registered and regulated by the MHRA for safety and quality, offering parents peace of mind when choosing a suitable remedy for their children. It contains a unique extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs® 7630), a medicinal plant native to South Africa, which is the No.1 over-the-counter cough and cold remedy in Germany. Kaloba® is also the most widely researched herbal cough and cold medicine worldwide. Kaloba Syrup® is suitable for children aged 6 and older and is suitable for use by asthma sufferers as well as other vulnerable groups.

Children aged 6 – 12 years: Take 5ml of syrup three times daily (morning, midday, evening). Adults and children over 12 years: Take 7.5ml of syrup three times daily. Kaloba Syrup 100ml costs £7.99, and is available from Boots. For further details, or to buy direct, visit www.kaloba.co.uk

For colic

Colief® Infant Drops are clinically proven to reduce colicky symptoms associated with temporary lactase deficiency. For the first few months of life, some babies are temporarily unable to break down lactose, a complex sugar which is found in both breast and formula milk. This can produce wind, bloating and cause discomfort. One of the main symptoms is inconsolable crying which can be extremely upsetting for parents.

The lactase in Colief® Infant Drops is a natural enzyme which breaks down the lactose in the milk by up to 70 percent, aiding digestion and reducing the hours of crying. A few drops are simply added to the milk before each feed until the baby is 3-4 months old, by which time the symptoms of colic should have disappeared.

Colief® Infant Drops is available in 7ml, which contain 42 feeds, RRP £11.99 and 15ml which contains 90 feeds (lasts more than 2 weeks), is available at Boots stores nationwide, RRP £15.99.