Scraps, bumps, cuts and bruises are all part of being a kid.  There is no avoiding them, at some point in your child’s life you will most certainly need to break out the first aid kit.  Having the essentials around for dealing with your child’s little mishaps will make life a lot easier.  First aid kits are a must if you are a parent, and they’re pretty handy if you happen to need a little fixing up too!

There are quite a few ready-made first aid kits on the market or you can make your own.  I would recommend having one for your home and little one that travels with you.  The cuts and bruises don’t stop just cause you’re on the go (in fact they are probably more likely to happen when you’re not home!!!).

Here a some things you might want to make sure you include in your first aid kit.

• A list of phones numbers including your child’s pediatrician and your family doctor, the hospital, poison control, and emergency personnel (ie police, fire, ambulance).
• A thermometer (extra batteries if it is battery operated)
• Infant/Children’s non-aspirin pain reliever.
• Topical calamine or hydrocortisone cream for insect bites and rashes.
• Rubbing Alcohol to clean things like scissors, thermometers, etc.
• An antiseptic skin cleanser.
• A pair of tweezers.
• A pair of scissors.
• Children’s sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Nasal aspirator.
• An assortment of adhesive bandages in various sizes.
• Gauze pads.
• Gauze rolls.
• Medical tape.
• Cotton balls and Q-tips.
• Oral syringe or measured cup for administering liquid medication.
• Small hot water bottle and an ice pack.
• Neosporin
• Any medication your child is on especially if your child has allergies and requires epinephrine injector or an inhaler.
• Anything else you can think of that your child would need in a first aid situation.

If you purchase a pre-packaged first aid kit be sure to read the label to make sure it has everything you need.  Add to it if you need to.  If you aren’t sure what to include talk to your child’s pediatrician.

Be sure to go through your first aid kit regularly to make sure you have an adequate supply of everything and to make sure that nothing has expired (especially medication).