ewborns and infants don’t need much. Love, food, dry bottoms, and safe transportation comprise the basic needs of a new baby. But what you receive at baby showers - or check off on a baby registry - can lead you to believe that 250 items are essential for survival.

From a mom’s and pediatrician’s point of view, keeping just the basics will help you in times of need and free you from the anxiety attached to owning too many unnecessary baby items.

What do parents need to stock in a medicine cabinet for a newborn/young infant?

• Thermometer – Today, digital ear thermometers seem to be the choice for most parents. Unfortunately, they are notoriously inaccurate when used on infants and tots. For accuracy, a rectal thermometer is best, but for those leary of old fashioned mercury thermometers (for fear of breakage), there are digital rectal thermometers that are inexpensive, accurate, and easy to read. (Editor's note: As The Cradle's Advisory Board pediatrician, Dr. Levenstein feels that rectal thermometers give the most accurate reading. But, we also realize that many parents are weary of using one, so take your baby's temperature in a way that makes you feel most comfortable... in the ear, under the arm, etc. Talk with your pediatrician about your options.)

• Vaseline or Other Lubricant (for that thermometer) - Petroleum jelly is also useful for aftercare of healing circumcisions.

• Cotton Swabs – For gentle cleansing of infant girl’s labial folds (if contaminated by poop), for cleaning the outside of baby’s ear canal (should wax appear), and for cleaning/drying the moist base of the umbilical cord (optional).

• Cotton Balls – If moistened in warm water, often helpful if baby’s tear ducts are plugged; they can gently wipe away any discharge.

• Quilted Paper Towels – Ideal when moistened with warm water for cleansing baby’s bottom in the newborn period, soaking up spills and wayward pee.

• Nasal Bulb Syringe – In the hospital, most parents are provided with a large syringe resembling an onion. This is meant to suck out saliva and secretions from the mouth. A smaller variety with a flexible soft tip is available in pharmacies (we give them to all of our new parents), so that if baby’s nose is stuffy or needs clearing, the appropriate vehicle is used.

• Sterile Saline Drops – Babies are obliged to breathe through their noses the first few months of life. Since a small blob of mucous can not only obstruct a nostril but also disrupt the flow of eating/breathing, loosening it with a few drops of saline (followed by a little suction) can open that passage. There are several brands out there – consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Nail Scissors or Clippers – Probably one of the most feared tools and one new parents hate to use. Unfortunately, babies have nails that grow as fast as bamboo and fingernails often need frequent trimming. Since infant nails are very soft, it’s often easy just to clip or cut the edge of the nail and peel the remainder off.

• Gas Relief – Some parents swear by simethicone drops (a popular brand is Mylicon) or gripe water (made from oils of dill and other naturals) for easing baby’s gas (a common issue in the newborn period). Consulting your baby’s physician for their opinion is important.

As a parent who might become ill during your infant's early months, what is in your medicine cabinet is also important.

If you are a breast-feeding mom, consult your baby's doctor whenever you are advised to take antibiotics or other medications. Even everyday over-the-counter preparations can have side effects for a nursing baby, so ask about those too.

Sedatives and antihistamines should be used cautiously by parents, as judgment, coordination, and alertness may be impaired (aren't they already just by having a newborn?), placing baby's health and safety at risk.