First Aid Kits for Kids

Parents have a lot to remember. Homework, lunch boxes, togs for after-school swimming, sign forms, pay bills, dress (and re-dress) your little ones – and that’s all before you walk out of the house in the morning. That’s why, when it comes to safety, it’s best to be prepared.

Having a first aid kit is essential for raising children. In the event of an emergency – be it sickness or an accident – you don’t want to waste time looking for medication or bandages. Everything should be together in one place – your kids first aid kit – for easy access.

Why is it important to have a first aid kit?

There are countless reasons why you should have a first aid kit for kids. For one, it gives you much-needed peace of mind. Family life can get crazy, but it’s helpful to know that you have everything you need for a potential emergency close at hand should anything happen.

Without sounding too serious, being prepared for accidents and emergencies can be a matter of life and death. Tailoring your first aid kit to any allergies or health conditions that may be present in your family is essential, especially when you’re out and about. That’s right – in addition to having a comprehensive kit at home, you should also have a travel first aid for kids.

Finally, it’s important to have a first aid kit to help you care for any visitors who may be in your home. Perhaps your child’s friend falls over in your backyard or someone experiences a sudden headache or allergic reaction – you don’t want to be caught out without the proper medical supplies.

What should a first aid kit include?

Now that you know why you should have one, you’re probably wondering what to put in a first aid kit for kids. While every kit will look different depending on that family’s medical needs, some important universal items to put in your first aid kit include…

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze
• Scissors
• Alcohol and alcohol wipes
• Antihistamine medication
• Painkillers
• Aloe vera/burn cream
• A thermometer
• Ice packs

Another good idea is to define your ‘essentials’ and create a mini first aid kit kids can pop in their school bags – especially your high school children. You could also make one to have on hand in the car or for travelling. It’s better to be safe than sorry, after all. These essentials could include:

• Adhesive bandages
• Alcohol wipes
• Painkillers
• Aloe vera/burn cream

What to do next

Once you’ve assembled your first aid kit, it’s important to know where to store it. You may have made on-the-go first aid kits for your car or your child’s school bag, so they should be put there as soon as possible – you would hate to forget to pack them and have something happen. If your child is too young to understand the dangers associated with first aid kits (ingesting medication or creams could make them very sick) don’t send them to school with one. A first aid kit is a big responsibility.

On that note, make sure your at-home first aid kit is locked and kept in a cool, dry place that’s out of reach of your children. Check it regularly to make sure nothing needs to be repurchased or replaced due to expiring or breaking.