Having a well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity especially when you have children. First-aid kits can be bought at drugstores or your local Red Cross office or you can make one of your own. If you decide to make one, make sure you stock up on these following essentials.

A Small Container

First, you need storage for your first-aid kit supplies. You may buy a small plastic or metal lunchbox if you do not have one at home. A lunchbox has a handle which makes the kit easy to tote around. A medium-sized plastic, resealable container (Ziploc) will also work for a first-aid kit.

Dressings

A properly stocked first-aid kit needs a variety of dressings for covering different types of wounds. Store at least five of each items – adhesive bandages, compress dressings, gauze pads, roller bandages, triangular bandages, antiseptic wipes (for sanitizing the wound area before bandaging it), antibiotic wipes and first-aid tape.

Sterile Medical Supplies

Always keep 2 pairs of latex gloves (large) in your first-aid kit. You need to also have a CPR mask with a one-way valve to help a victim who has ceased breathing. Other sterilized medical supplies that should be in your first-aid kit include - scissors, tweezers (to remove splinter and dirt from a wound), soap, topical antiseptic (e.g. Betadine), rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer.

Digital Thermometer

Go for a digital thermometer instead of a glass thermometer so you do not have to deal with mercury contamination in case it breaks. Digital thermometers are the easiest to use for fever detection and monitoring.

Secondary Items

Add items such as children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen, Tylenol, calamine lotion, cortisone cream, bug spray, a lightweight blanket, cotton, cotton swabs, tissues, safety pins, compression wraps (for controlling the spread of swelling and treating muscle pulls) and an ice pack or instant cold pack (to relieve burns, bumps and inflammation).

List of Emergency Numbers

Include the phone numbers of your toddler’s doctor, local Poison Control Center, fire, ambulance, hospital and police services, the home and work numbers of family members, friends and neighbours who can help in an emergency situation.

Child CPR Booklet

Attach a brochure to the inside lid of the kit on how to perform child CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). You can get a free booklet at your local fire station. As much as possible, take a child CPR or emergency training course so you know how to handle an emergency while waiting for medical help to arrive.

Survival Supplies

This one is optional. But, stocking your first-aid kit with survival supplies will be very beneficial especially during larger emergencies such as earthquakes or hurricanes. You do not have to pack a lot, just keep basic survival supplies on hand such as bottled water, non-perishable foods (e.g. canned goods, dry goods like cereal, crackers, trail mix and candies), flashlight, spare batteries, a whistle, can opener and a small radio).

Store your first-aid kit in a place that is out of your toddler’s reach and make sure you regularly check the kit so you can replace missing items or items that may have expired.