In an ideal world, nobody would ever get sick, scrape a knee or suffer the pain of a wasp sting on a hot summer’s day. Sadly, most parents have to deal with a wide variety of ailments and injuries on a regular basis, so it pays to have a comprehensive first aid kit handy.
You may already have useful items such as a microwave heating pad in your cupboard. These are great for soothing aching muscles or back pain, but when kids come along, you have to be prepared for every eventuality. Kids get into all kinds of scrapes while they are growing up. They fall out of trees, bang into furniture, and take a tumble from their bicycle with alarming regularity. A lot of the time, a first aid kit is all you need to patch them up and send them away with a promise to be more careful next time.
Here are some of the items you should consider keeping in handy location somewhere in your home (preferably out of reach of younger children).
Antiseptic Wipes
Antiseptic wipes are a multi-purpose wipe for all kinds of bumps, scrapes, cuts and scratches. Use antiseptic wipes to clean up a scraped knee or a pet scratch. Soap and water is best for cleaning wounds, but if you are outdoors, use antiseptic wipes to clean dirt from the wound and prevent infection from setting in.
Antiseptic Cream
Antiseptic cream is useful for scratches, cuts, spots and insect bites. Apply liberally and keep infection at bay. Look for an antiseptic cream with some local anesthetic in it, so it soothes the pain.
Sticking Plasters
A first aid kit would not be complete without a pack of sticking plasters. Simple plasters are ideal for covering cuts and other areas of broken skin. Use a sticking plaster to keep the area clean and prevent infection. Waterproof plasters are good if your child is in and out of the water.
Absorbent Compress
Use an absorbent compress if the wound is bleeding a lot. Some areas do bleed more than others do, which can be rather alarming. Press an absorbent compress on to the wound and leave it to staunch the flow of blood. Once the wound has clotted, you can replace the compress with a clean plaster, but if the wound is large, it may need stitches.
Bandage
A bandage is essential if a broken bone is suspected. Use a bandage with a split to stabilize the limb. This should keep the broken limb immobile until you can get it treated at hospital.
Antihistamine
Antihistamine will control an allergic reaction to insect bites, pollen, or anything else your child is allergic to. Antihistamine medicines are also useful if your child has chicken pox, as they dampen down the itching response. If allergies run in the family, always keep antihistamines within easy reach.
Soluble Paracetamol
Soluble paracetamol is essential if you have younger children. You can give a child the recommended dose of soluble paracetamol if they have a fever, toothache, a headache, or any general aches and pains. However, read the dosage instructions very carefully and never give more than the recommended dose.
Oral Thermometer
An oral thermometer is essential if you need to check whether your child has a fever. Digital oral thermometers are fine for older children, but if you have a toddler or baby, consider investing in an aural thermometer, where the reader is gently inserted in the ear to get a reading. These are easier to use with babies and toddlers, and more accurate than forehead thermometer strips.
Tweezers and Scissors
If you have ever had a painful splinter, you will know how useful a pair of tweezers is. Use a pair of tweezers to remove a sharp splinter. Scissors are useful for trimming sticking plaster to size or cutting a bandage into strips.
Flashlight
It is wise to keep a flashlight in your first aid kit if you keep it in the car. Accidents and injuries do not always happen during the day, so a flashlight will be of enormous use should you need to deal with any problems after dark, when camping or on a road trip.
First Aid Manual
Unless you are a qualified first aider, keep a manual in your kit as a reference aid.
Always check the expiration of any medicines you carry in your first aid kit and replace where necessary. Replace items when they are used, so your first aid kit remains fully stocked at all times.