Every mom needs a first-aid kit — several first-aid kits, actually. You’ll want to keep one at home, one in the car, and a small one in your diaper bag so it’s always with you. Don’t forget to revisit them a couple times a year to discard anything that’s expired and restock anything you’ve used. When putting your kit together, you can start with a premade kit and add more things, or just try to think of what mishaps might be most common.
Don’t forget to arm yourself with information too! Make a card for your first-aid kit with emergency contact numbers like the poison control center, your child’s doctor, parents’ and grandparents’ phone numbers, and so on.
Cuts & Scrapes
Start with adorable adhesive bandages, but don’t forget some antibiotic ointment or antiseptic spray. Premade first-aid kits often come with lots of different sized bandages and gauze pads for dressing cuts, but a regular pack of bandages might be enough.
Splinters
Tiny tweezers that are meant for travel are great for a kids' first-aid kit. (While you’re packing tweezers, get a small pair of sharp scissors, too, for cutting bandages or gauze.) Kids seem to find splinters everywhere, so keep a set of tweezers and a pain-relieving spray handy.
Fevers & Teething Pain
A thermometer is a must-have for a baby first-aid kit, especially since some kids run a low fever when they’re teething. Infant pain relievers can ease the fever and the discomfort so everyone can get some sleep. Some moms also love topical pain relievers that they can apply directly to the gums.
Stuffy & Runny Noses
When your baby’s nose won’t stop running, booger wipes (or even baby wipes) will keep it clean without drying it out like tissues can. For really stuffed-up noses, nasal aspirators let you suck mucous right out, since babies can’t blow their noses — they work better than bulb-shaped aspirators, and the filters keep everything sanitary on your end.
Tummy Problems
If burping the baby isn’t enough to keep gas pain away, there are a few over-the-counter options that may help. Find what works best for your baby, then include that in your first-aid kit.
Bug Bites & Rashes
Gentle healing ointments are great for mild rashes (and they can also help with little cuts or scrapes). Children’s anti-itch cream is also handy for itchy bug bites, and keep some children's oral antihistamines on hand in case of an allergic reaction to a bite or sting.
Bumps & Bruises
A hot and cold gel bead compress is perfect for a first-aid kit because it can work as an ice pack to keep swelling down — just keep it in the freezer. Alternatively, you can warm it in the microwave if you need a hot pack, but the ice pack will probably come in handy more often.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
