Baby & Child

The baby essentials parents in Laois have trusted us for since 1987: baby formula, nappy care, colic and teething relief, baby vitamin D and children’s medicines, with a pharmacist to ask when you are not sure. Delivered anywhere in the Republic of Ireland; allow 2 to 5 working days.

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A pharmacist's guide for new parents

Feeding

Medical formulas such as Aptamil Pepti (for cow's milk protein allergy) and Nutramigen are usually started on the advice of a GP or dietitian, and we keep them in stock so you are not left searching. Nutriprem 2 is for premature babies after discharge. Carobel thickens feeds for reflux. If your baby is on ordinary formula and feeding well, there is no reason to switch brands.

Colic and wind

Colic peaks at about six weeks and improves by three to four months. Infacol before feeds helps some babies bring up wind, and the BioGaia probiotic drops have the strongest evidence for reducing crying in breastfed babies. Winding, upright feeding and smaller more frequent feeds matter as much as any product.

Nappy rash

Change promptly, clean with water or fragrance-free wipes, dry the skin and apply a barrier cream at every change. Bepanthen is the gentlest everyday barrier; Sudocrem is thicker and good once a rash has started; Caldesene powder keeps folds dry. A rash that is bright red with spots around the edge may be thrush and needs an antifungal cream, which we can advise on.

Teething

From about four to six months. A cold teething ring and a sugar-free teething gel such as Bonjela Teething Gel (not the adult Bonjela) or Nelsons Teetha granules help. Paracetamol suspension is fine from two months if your baby is clearly in pain or has a temperature.

Fever and pain

Calpol (paracetamol) is suitable from two months and Nurofen for Children (ibuprofen) from three months, provided your baby weighs over 5 kg. Dose by weight and age as the pack says, and never give both routinely together without advice. Read our guide to fever in children for when to worry.

Vitamin D

The HSE recommends 5 micrograms (200 IU) of vitamin D3 daily for all babies from birth to 12 months, whether breast or bottle fed. Baby Vit D3 drops are the easiest way.

Blocked noses

Babies cannot blow their noses. A few drops of saline such as Sterimar Baby before feeds, followed by a nasal aspirator, clears them gently and is suitable from birth.

See a doctor the same day if: a baby under three months has a temperature of 38°C or more, any child is floppy, hard to wake, has a rash that does not fade under a glass, is struggling to breathe, or has had no wet nappy for 12 hours.

Common questions about baby & child

Which formula helps colic or reflux?

For most babies, no change of formula is needed; colic improves on its own by three to four months. If a GP has diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy, Aptamil Pepti or Nutramigen are the usual choices. Carobel can thicken feeds for reflux. Talk to your GP or public health nurse before switching to a medical formula.

From what age can I give Calpol?

Calpol Infant Suspension can be given from two months for pain or fever, following the dose on the pack for your baby's age and weight. Nurofen for Children is suitable from three months if your baby weighs over 5 kg.

Do breastfed babies need vitamin D?

Yes. The HSE advises 5 micrograms of vitamin D3 a day for every baby from birth to one year, including breastfed babies, because breast milk does not contain enough and Ireland gets too little sun.

Sudocrem or Bepanthen for nappy rash?

Bepanthen is a light, fragrance-free barrier ointment for everyday prevention. Sudocrem is thicker and slightly antiseptic, better once a rash has appeared. Many parents keep both. If the rash is bright red with satellite spots, it may be thrush and needs an antifungal cream.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.