International Adoption Supplies
The following list is intended for persons traveling for reasons of adoption.
Travelers should consult a travel physician at least 6 weeks before travel in order to prepare themselves for travel to developing countries.
Syringes
Some countries do not have access to sterile needles for each injection or blood draw. We recommend you take three 3cc syringes and one 5cc syringe and two 5/8 inch 25 gauge needles, two 1 inch 21 gauge needles in case injections are needed when you are traveling abroad.
Ear or rectal thermometer, oral thermometer for older children
To take a rectal temperature in an infant or young child, insert the thermometer less than an inch into the rectum. The child should be on the back with knees bent, or can be held over your knees on his or her stomach. A glass thermometer should be left in for 5 minutes; a digital thermometer will beep when it is finished.
If the temperature taken is 101 degrees of higher, you should watch for signs or symptoms of infection such as pulling at ears, thick discharge form the nose, blood in the stool, pain with urination.
If your child has a fever for three days, or the symptoms listed above, have them see a physician. If there is not a physician available, you may want to start antibiotics (we will supply you with an antibiotic such as Zithromax during your visit).
A low grade fever is not harmful in itself but you may also notice that your child is less active, may sleep more, have decreased appetite and be more irritable.
If your child has a temperature of over 104 degrees or has a rash with fever, you may want to seek medical attention to determine the reason.
Dosage spoon
Calibrated in cc or ml. There are 5 ml in a teaspoon.
Medications
Tylenol, infant suspension
The dose is 15 mg per kg per dose. Tylenol can be given safely every 4 – 6 hours.
Children's Ibuprofen or Motrin
Motrin and Advil are available in pediatric formulations. Follow the instructions on the package.
Polyvisol with iron (multivitamin)
Be sure to give only the recommended dosage of this liquid multivitamin on the package.
For Lice: Nix., two boxes
Lice are small hopping bugs in the hair. Sometimes you can only see the eggs or nits, on the hair shafts. Nix is safe for all children. After shampooing the hair apply the nix rinse for 10 minutes, then rinse out. The nits must be removed with the comb or by hand.
For Scabies: Nix Lotion
Scabies is caused by a skin mite. Scabies looks like small red bumps that are very itchy. The bumps typically occur on the face or head (esp. in infants), hands or feet. It is preferable to have medical professional look at the rash if this is possible.
Nix is applied from head to toe and left on for 8 – 12 hours, then washed off. All bedding and clothing, including your clothes that have come in contact with the child, should be washed in very hot water to eliminate this highly contagious mite.
For Eczema and Contact Dermatitis: Hydrocortisone cream 1%
In Prevex lotion or Prevex Cortisone cream Eczema is a skin condition that consists of dry red scaly patches. On many infants, these patches occur on the cheeks and at the creases of the elbows and knees. Application of these preparations 2 to 3 times a day often improves this condition.
Contact dermatitis shows up as a red rash or small blisters at the site of skin irritation. New soaps or lotions or powders are common cause of this condition. Again, an unscented moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream can help clear this up.
For hives or itching: Benadryl elixir (12.5 mg/5ml)
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can relieve itching due to hives or rashes. Some people also use it for its mild sedative effects for airplane flights. It is safe to give 2.5 to 5 mls to children every 6 hours if your child is inconsolable. Try some out a few days before your flight, however, as some children have a paradoxical reaction to the sedative properties of benadryl and may be become more irritable.
For diaper rash: Mycostatin or Nizoral cream
These anti fungal creams are useful for yeast diaper rashes that characteristically have a red, blistery appearance. Use it three to four times daily for these rashes. A diaper cream can be used for irritant diaper rashes, such as those seen around the anus caused by diarrhea.
For skin infections (impetigo): Bactroban - Fucidin
Impetigo is a bacterial rash in children that often occurs around the mouth and nose, or on the hands. It characteristically has a honey – colored, oozing appearance. It can be cleared with a small amount of bactroban, applied topically, to the sore 3 times a day for 5 days.
For ear infections: zithromax (powder)
It is optimal to have your child’s ears examined by a physician before starting antibiotics. However, as it may be impossible to get your child examined for one or two weeks, it is reasonable in certain circumstances to start antibiotics for the following symptoms: fever of less than 103 degrees for three days, thick persistent nasal discharge, and irritability in a child who is pilling at his or her ears. Zithromax should be packed as a powder, and reconstituted with boiled or bottled water. Ask the pharmacist before you leave how much water should be added and ask the travel physician to give you an approximate dosage.
For conjunctivitis (pink eye with yellow crusting): erythromycin ophthalmic ointment
Most “pink eye” is caused by viruses and will resolve without treatments in 3 to 5 days. If the eye discharge persists, use the erythromycin ointment, ¼ inch ribbon, in the infected eye, 4 times for 5 days. Seek medical care id the child’s eyelid becomes swollen.
Orabase for canker sores
This topical tincture can be used sparingly for sores in the mouth and on the gums of infants and children before feeding to help relieve pain.
Pedialyte for diarrhea
Pedialyte is a solution used to help replace salt and other electrolyte losses seen in vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea is defined as more than 4 watery bowel movements. If you have plenty of room in your luggage, pack some, otherwise, you can use rice cereal and salt mixture [mix 2 cups of water with ¼ tsp of salt and ½ to one cup of rice to form a slurry ]. Feed infants ½ cup and children 1 cup of this mixture after each diarrheal stool. If your child develops bloody diarrhea, or cannot maintain enough fluid for 3 urinations in 24 hours, a medical evaluation for dehydration is necessary.
For adults traveling
The Travel Clinic physician will give you these prescriptions. Diflucan (oral medication) or a non – prescription vaginal cream for woman with yeast infections, Ciprofloxacin for bloody diarrhea or for urinary tract infections; Pepto-Bismol and Imodium D for diarrhea; Maalox for upset stomach; Robitussin DM for cough suppression: Sudafed for nasal congestion: Tylenol and Motrin for pain/fever.
We recommend an Epi-Pen for allergic reaction for those with a known allergy to bee sting, shellfish or medications.