As a parent, grandparent or nanny, you must be prepared to handle unexpected situations regarding your baby’s health. You should always know how to react, appropriate and fast, in the event of emergency.
First of all, you must remain calm, think quickly and act with confidence. Secondly, you should always have a handy first-aid kit for babies.
First-aid kits for babies come in various sizes and have different content, so you should choose it according to your needs. You may need a larger one to keep it at home, a smaller one to put in your backpack or diaper bag, or a kit to keep in your car. More than that, you have to be sure that the items inside your first-aid kit is stored at the right temperature (some medications become ineffective if they are not correctly preserved). You should never leave your first-aid kit within reach of your baby, because babies are curious and this can endanger them.
A good idea is to keep names and numbers in your baby’s first-aid kit. For example, the name and number of your pediatrician or those of your local hospital.
Regardless of what type of baby first-aid kit you choose, there are some must-have items:
- Baby thermometer
- Paracetamol or/and ibuprofen, as recommended by your doctor, to relieve fever and mild pain
- Antihistamines, as recommended by your doctor, for insect bites, hives, and allergic reactions
- Rubbing alcohol for sterilizing thermometer and other tools
- Saline nose drops for unclogging stuffy nose
- Irrigating eye wash to rinse irritants from eyes
- Aloe gel for burns
- Tweezers for removing splinters and ticks
- Sharp scissors for cutting bandages
- Child-safe sunscreen
- Child-safe insect repellent
- Nasal aspirator bulb
- Hydrogen peroxide to clean cuts and scrapes
- Adhesive bandage strips in various sizes and shapes
- Adhesive tape for applying gauze
- Gauze rolls and pads
- Sterile cotton balls to wash small cuts and bruises
- Cotton swabs for cleaning the outside areas of noses and ears.
- Mild liquid soap
- Antibacterial cream for applying to cuts and scrapes after cleansing
- An oral syringe, calibrated cup or spoon for administering medicines
- A package of tongue depressors for checking sore throats
- A hot water bottle and an ice pack
- A small flashlight to check ears, nose, throat, and eyes
- Non-latex disposable, sterile gloves for handling blood
- First-aid manual
Always make sure you are prepared for all of baby’s minor aches and illnesses.
Be a responsible parent!
