Baby Medical Kit: Here’s What All Should Be in- It!
Being a parent, you are always on high alert, especially when it comes to the safety and protection of your little one. But from time to time, your mischievous little one gets away and accidentally gets minor cuts and scrapes or catches a slight cold. In such cases, heading to the doctor isn’t always required. Rather having a baby medical kit in your cabinet seems like a wise choice. But the question persists, what should a first aid kit for babies include? Well, let’s find out along with the tips for storing it and keeping it replenished.
What Is A Baby First-Aid Kit?
A first-aid kit is a bag, or a box filled with those essentials you might need in case of a mild illness or minor emergencies such as a small cut or scrape. Essentially, a baby first-aid kit is like a regular first-aid kit but with a few extras specifically for babies.
For example, certain medications and devices (such as infant thermometers) are designed specifically for babies and young children, so you'll want to include these in your first-aid kit.
Whether you have a newborn, older baby, or toddler, make sure you have items to your first-aid kit that are suited to your little one’s needs.
What Should Be Added To The Baby Medical Kit?
Here are some basic supplies and medicines you may like to add to your baby’s first-aid kit. Many of these items can work for your entire family, while others are more appropriate for your little one. Feel free to add more items as you see fit.
Basics
Up-to-date First-aid manual with instructions on basic wound care
Phone numbers for your baby’s healthcare providers and emergency contacts
Record of your baby’s medical history and any known allergies
Bandages in different shapes and sizes
Elastic wrap bandage
Adhesive tape
Sterile gauze pads in different sizes
Eye shield or pad
Aluminum finger splint
Instant cold packs
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
Disposable non-latex gloves
Surgical face masks
Petroleum jelly
Safety pins in different sizes
Scissors
Tweezers
Hand sanitizer
Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptic solution (such as hydrogen peroxide)
Eyewash solution
Baby thermometer
Bulb syringe
Sterile saline
Medicines
Make sure to check with your healthcare provider as to which medicines are ok to give your baby. The following are some medicines you might consider keeping in your first-aid kit or in your home medicine cabinet:
Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibiotic ointment
Aloe vera gel
Calamine lotion
Epinephrine auto-injector (if your baby’s healthcare provider has prescribed it)
Any prescription medications your little one takes (for travel)
How to Store the Items In A Medical Kit?
Aside from one of those red first-aid pouches or boxes, you could also store all of these items in a clean bin with a lid, a tackle box, or an art supply box.
Keeping all your medical supplies in one place and well organized ensures you won’t be searching for the items in an emergency and makes it easier to see when you need to stock up on certain items.
For air travel, you may want to pack your first-aid kit in your checked bag, as some of the items may not be allowed in carry-on. Be sure to keep any necessary medications with you, though, in case the bag goes missing.
Where Can You Buy A Baby Medicine Kit?
You can buy a first-aid kit as well as the individual items that go in the kit at most pharmacies, supermarkets, and big-box stores. Although some kits come filled with the essentials, you might find it’s better to put one together yourself. This way, you can assemble exactly what you need for your baby, which may be different from what a store-bought kit contains.
Keeping a first-aid kit in your car is also recommended. In that case, auto stores or sports stores may have travel versions of a first-aid kit, which you can keep in your glove compartment. Of course, feel free to include any additional items you may want for your baby.
Stock Up the Baby Medical Kit
Periodically your first-aid kit will need to be refreshed, which means removing medicines that have expired and tossing old bandages that have lost their stickiness.
It’s a good idea to make a list of the items that you are running low on so that you can stock up ahead of time. You don’t want to run out of something completely, because you never know when you’ll need it next.
Where to Keep The Baby First-Aid Kit?
For your child’s safety, make sure the first-aid kit is kept out of his reach—for example, stowed up high in a kitchen cabinet or on the top shelf of your linen closet, but not in a place that has fluctuations in temperature or humidity like your bathroom. You don’t want your baby, toddler, or a young child getting into medicine that is not meant for him or playing with sharp scissors—all important when making sure your home is baby-proofed.
Every adult and adolescent in your household should know where the first-aid kit is kept. Also, show anyone else who cares for your baby in your home, like a babysitter or grandparent, where it’s kept. Plus, give everyone instructions on how to use what’s in the kit.
When your child is old enough to understand, explain to him what the first-aid kit is and how to use what’s in it.
The Bottom Line
You may not be a doctor, but in case any emergency knocks at your door, having a full-proof medical kit by your side seems to be a wise choice. Overall, it will help you stay ahead of the situation and enable you to take good care of your little one. So, make sure to build a baby medical kit now and safeguard your baby’s health to the fullest!