Before you start packing…

Summer holiday time. The dilemma where to spend holidays is probably not as hard as the question what should I take for the baby… Where to start?

You should have enough clean and comfortable baby clothes, a hat, diapers, bottles and pacifiers… lots of toys, a plastic pool… But before you even start packing these things, you’ll have to drop by in the closes pharmacy and get several things. Here’s the list:

1. Nifuroxazide. Nifuroxazide (INN) is an oral nitrofuran antibiotic used to treat colitis and diarrhea. It is sold under the brand names Ambatrol, Antinal, Bacifurane, Nifrozid, Ercefuryl, Endiex (CZ, SK, PL), Pérabacticel (FR) and Septidiaryl. It is sold in capsule form and also as a suspension.

2. Avil. AVIL Tablets, Retard and Syrup contain pheniramine maleate, a medicine used to treat allergic conditions such as hayfever, runny nose, itching skin and skin rashes. It is also used in the prevention and treatment of inner ear disorders (eg. Meniere's disease) and travel sickness. AVIL Decongestant also contains pheniramine maleate, ammonium chloride and menthol. It is used to treat chesty coughs, or chest or nasal congestion due to an infection or allergy.

3. Phenergan. Phenergan is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes. Phenergan is an antihistamine that relieves nasal stuffiness and inflammation and red, inflamed eyes caused by hay fever and other allergies. It is also used to treat itching, swelling, and redness from hives and other rashes; allergic reactions to blood transfusions; and, with other medications, anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction).

4. Daleron (paracetamol) syrup/oral suspension. It has a fast effect, and beside reducing temperature it also eases the pain, and even anxiety.

5. High sun protection baby body milk, SPF 30+. Be sure you take baby sun milk, because it has to be hypoallergenic, free of perfume, alcohol and chemical filters. It is also good to be a waterproof if you plan to put your baby in the water. The baby sun milk protects baby skin from sunburn and irritation caused by light in a reliable and especially skin-friendly way.

6. Insect Repellent (exp: Autan). Protects against mosquito bites. But the most often question is what repellents are safe for babies and toddlers? One of the most effective ways to protect against mosquito bites is by using insect repellent with DEET. However, these products should be used with caution.

In 2001 the Environmental Protection Agency made the following recommendations regarding the safe use of insect repellent with DEET for children:

• Do not apply to infants under two months of age. (Skin permeability becomes similar to adult by the second month of life.)
• Read and follow all directions and precautions on the product label.
• Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not apply to young children's hands or near eyes or mouth.
• Do not allow young children to apply products themselves.
• Use just enough to cover the exposed skin and/or clothing.
• Do not use under clothing.
• Avoid over-application.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
• Wash treated clothing before wearing again.
• Do not use spray solutions in enclosed areas or near food.
• For use on face, apply to adult hands and then rub on face. Do not spray face. Avoid areas around eyes and mouth.

Experts agree that insect repellents containing DEET are the most effective. Years of DEET use have resulted in relatively few reports of adverse reactions. Most reported incidents have not been serious.

Oh… and here is another tip: Before you even settle in the new hotel or apartment, find a pediatrician and write down his/her telephone number! Anything can happen and you might need a doctor in the middle of the night, when there is no one on the streets to ask for the closest pediatrician, doctor or ambulance.

So that’s about it…. Have a great holiday!