Every parent or parent-to-be should have a well-stocked and conveniently located first aid kit. You may never need it, but if you do, you will be happy that it is all right there at your fingertips.
A first aid kit should contain the following:
- Neosporin
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Antiseptic Wipes or Gel (such as Purell)
- Alcohol wipes
- Soap
- Tweezers
- Fingernail clippers
- Small Scissors
- Safety Pins
- sterile gauze
- adhesive tape
- Bandages in several sizes
- Self-sticking elastic bandage.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – infant, child, adult
- Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) – infant, child, adult
- instant cold packs (2)
- Benadryl (liquid and topical ointment)
- thermometer (digital)
- plastic non-latex gloves (2)
- flashlight and extra batteries
- A list of emergency contacts including poison control: 800-222-1222
- Small fleece blanket
- A first aid manual
You should choose a roomy container to keep your first aid kit in. I like to use a medium-sized plastic bin with latching handles as it is easy to store and transport and roomy enough for all the supplies, a nice-sized blanket and the book. In addition to the list of emergency contacts located within your kit, it is a good idea to tape an identical contact sheet to the outside of the box for easy reference along with a list of all the contents within the box.
You may note that ipecac is no longer on the recommended list for first aid kits as there is no evidence that it helps in the event of an accidental ingestion of poisons.
On the same day that you swap out your smoke alarm batteries every year, also do a routine once-over on your first aid kit to see that there are no expired medications, check that your batteries are still functional, make sure that all phone numbers are still up-to-date and restock supplies, as needed.
As with all medication, keep out of the reach of children but within easy access for adults.