Are You Kidding?

According to Pregnancy Weekly, an e-newsletter I endure since I threw away What to Expect and would like some regular information source on Pokie's growth and other informtaion, here are the "absolute must haves" for a baby's first aid kit:


Infant/child thermometer (digital, ear or rectal)
Children and infants non-aspirin liquid pain reliever (Children's Tylenol or Advil), as recommended by your pediatrician
Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and rashes
Rubbing alcohol to clean thermometers, tweezers, and scissors
Petroleum jelly to lubricate rectal thermometers
Hydrogen peroxide to clean cuts and scrapes
Antibacterial cream (Neosporin) for cuts and for scrapes
Tweezers for splinters and ticks; you can buy long very-pointy tweezers made specifically for removing splinters
A pair of sharp scissors
Child safe insect repellent
Children's strength liquid decongestant
Nasal aspirator bulb (not the long, pointy ear syringe)
An assortment of band-aids in various sizes and shapes (cartoon characters can really help take the sting out of a boo-boo)
Gauze rolls (1/2 to 2 inches wide)
Gauze pads (2x2 and 4x4 inches)
Adhesive tape
Sterilized cotton balls
Cotton tipped swabs
Mild liquid soap
An oral syringe or calibrated cup or spoon for administering medicines
A package of tongue depressors to check sore throats
A heating pad
A hot water bottle and ice pack
A small flashlight to check ears, nose, throat, and eyes
First-Aid manual: Pick one that's easy to read with step by step instructions and gives advice for handling a wide range of emergencies
Syrup of Ipecac and Activated Charcoal: Keep each of these on hand in case of accidental poisoning, but do not use either one without first calling the local poison control center or your baby's pediatrician.

I am supposed to carry one of these kits in my purse, diaper bag, and car.

My only question is Are You Fucking Kidding Me? What, are we about to be bombed or something? I can certainly see carrying some of this (like 3-4 items or so) in my car and in my purse--sure--but come on! I'm supposed to carry Ipecac and Charcoal and peroxide and alcohol with me everywhere, along with a heating pad and a flashlight? Who are these people? Are they crazy? Are they paranoid? Do they want me to become more paranoid than I already will be?

I can't help but wonder if the answer to that last question is yes. So much of everything having to do with the motherhood industry is fear-based that I don't know why I'm surprised--but I tell you, if the Pokie gets bitten by a flea, I think waiting to apply Calamine until we arrive home from the grocery store is likely something she'll be able to endure. For Christ's sake.