Once you leave the hospital, a fair share of baby medical care duties suddenly falls on your shoulders. While it is certainly a big responsibility, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Read on for some tips for caring properly for your newborn, as well as recommendations of some great at-home medical supplies available for convenient purchase.

Unless your baby is special needs for whatever reason, a typical newborn baby is fairly simple to care for. However, a baby medical care kit should always be present in the home, and regularly updated with supplies and resources. No matter how careful you are, your young child is bound to catch a cold or flu bug eventually, and there's no telling when it might hit. For this reason, its vital you're prepared before your little one arrives, or shortly thereafter.

A thermometer that's capable of reporting accurate readings should be first on your shopping list. Bad news for baby - the most accurate of temperatures are taken rectally. A great rectal thermometer to try is Gentle Read by Safety 1st. With a digital screen and a non-threatening beep to alert you when the testing is done, this will become your best friend whenever you suspect illness in your child. Can't bear to go under the diaper to find that temperature? Then invest in an underarm thermometer designed by the experts, such as the American Red Cross Rapid Read , which has a quick sensor to get you the information you need before baby even catches on.

Hot and cold compresses are another item you would be wise to keep on hand, as babies often get tummy aches, gas pains and chills, while older children can get injured playing outdoors or helping out around the house. Prince Lionheart is a great, inexpensive combination pack that will get you ready for any situation that may arise.

General hygiene is also important for optimal health, so find a kit that includes nail clippers, a bulb syringe and everything else you need to keep noses from running and nails from scratching. Safety 1st makes a great collection with 9 essential items that you'll be glad to have on hand.

Having a child-focused first aid kit on hand is also a good idea, as you never know when you'll need a bandage or squeeze of ointment. An award winning, unbeatable choice is Medibag , which includes a tremendous amount of first aid supplies, as well as a mail-in offer for an extensive refill kit. The bag is designed to be inviting to young children, and equips them to actually use it themselves if they are old enough to do so.

Baby medical care doesn't have to be a huge concern, and with a little advance preparation, you're bound to feel calm and collected, ready to remedy whatever bump or bruise comes your way.