cotton balls (to clean ears)

cotton-tipped swabs (to clean umbilical-cord area, not ears)

bandages, in assorted shapes and sizes

sterile gauze pads and bandage rolls (1-inch and 2-inch varieties)

hydrogen peroxide

adhesive tape

sharp scissors with rounded ends

nasal aspirator

saline nose drops

rubbing alcohol (to clean thermometers)

petroleum jelly

bacitracin ointment

thermometer--rectal (with short round bulb)

thermometer--digital rectal (faster and easier to use on squirming bottoms)

thermometer--tympanic (for use in the ear; faster but more expensive)

thermometer--axillary (for use in the underarm; faster but more expensive)

acetaminophen

ibuprofen (for use in infants 6 months and older)

decongestant drops

syrup of ipecac

tweezers and a small packet of needles (for removing splinters)

diarrhea medicine

diaper-rash ointment

glycerin suppositories

ice pack

hot-water bottle

cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier (to help clear stuffy noses)

facial tissues

a list of phone numbers, including your pediatrician and local ambulance, police, and poison-control center