Life with kids means dealing with cuts, scrapes, fever and any number of childhood illnesses from coughs to chicken pox. Having a well-equipped first aid kit at home is essential, but do you know what’s needed?
Download your FREE family first aid kit checklist now and find out!
First Aid Kit Checklist: What Do I Need?
We have compiled a comprehensive first aid kit checklist to make sure you have everything you need to hand, and you can download it here for free! Then just print it off and get checking – it will make life so much easier.
After going to the effort of stocking your first aid kit, you will want to make sure that all the products in it are as effective as possible. One great tip is to write the date you opened a product on the label. Many products, such as medicines, will have a best before date to adhere to, but creams and ointments may have a 12M or 24M on the back to signify how many months from opening the product can be used. If you write the date on the front, you can easily see whether you need to replace anything.
All medicines should be checked regularly to ensure they are in date, and make sure to keep your first aid box out of reach of children, ideally in a cool place.
Creams and Ointments
Topical applications are important for everything from bumps and bruises to itches and scratches.
- Calamine lotion
- Vaseline
- Bonjela
- Arnica
- Antiseptic cream
- Cortisone cream
- Eye drops / ointment
Colds and Flu
Having all you need to ease the sniffles, runny noses, blocked sinuses and discomfort of a headcold is essential.
- Honey and glycerine
- Decongestant
- Cough medicine
- Nasal spray
- Nasal aspirator
Fever and Pain
Fever, particularly in children, can escalate easily and quickly – and often in the middle of the night. Make sure you have everything you need to deal with sudden spikes and pains.
- Thermometer (preferably digital)
- Paracetamol
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin (not for under 16s)
- Pain relieving spray
- Rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
Bleeding and Wounds
Cuts and scrapes are an everyday occurence in childhood, and more often than not your child will demand a plaster (characters essential!). For more severe injuries, sterile dressings and bandages may be required.
- Plasters, in various sizes
- Antiseptic wipes (alcohol-free)
- Sterile gauze dressings
- Rolled bandages, in various sizes
- Arm sling
- Eye pad
Burns
Burns should be checked over by your GP to ensure there is no risk of infection, so treat swiftly at home and seek advice as soon as possible.
- Burn relief ointment
- Burnsheild
- Aloe vera cream
- Vitamin E cream
Skin Care
It’s not just in summer that we need to protect our skin from sun and bites, so ensuring you have the necessary supplies can save any last-minute panic.
- Bug spray
- Sting / bite soothing cream
- Antihistamine
- Sunscreen
- After sun
- Aloe vera
- Wet wipes
- Ice pack
Miscellaneous Supplies
These first aid box essentials will come in handy on a regular basis.
- Hand sanitizer
- Cotton swabs
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Adhesive tape
- Safety pins
- Nit comb
- Disposable sterile gloves
- Any prescription medications
About the Author: Emily Manning
