First aid kit

It’s essential to have a first aid kit at home, stocked with all the things you’ll need to treat minor injuries such as grazes and burns. Here’s a list of things you might want to include:

- An accurate digital thermometer (see our article on fever for more information on choosing and using thermometers for children).

- Children’s liquid pain reliever, such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

- Children’s oral syringe for administering correct doses of medicine.

- Antiseptic ointment or spray to clean cuts and grazes.

- Burns dressing – a sterile gel dressing which will cool and protect a minor burn

- Calamine lotion to soothe sunburn or insect stings.

- Assortment of bandages.

- Tweezers for removing splinters.

- Scissors.

Other items you may want to include:

- Oral rehydration solution for treating dehydration.

- Eyewash and eyebath.

- Sterile wound dressings.

- Bandages and adhesive tape.

- Cold pack.

- Foil blanket.

Pre-packed first aid kids are available to buy but tend to include a pretty basic selection of items. You may also want to prepare a travel first-aid kit to keep in the car.

It’s a good idea to store emergency numbers, such as that of your pediatrician or local ER with your first aid kit. Watch gurgle's step-by-step guide to basic health checks for more information on what to do if your child is ill.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.