When you have small children, there will be inevitable boo boos and possible trips to the ER. It’s important to be able to take care of small scrapes and cuts quickly and the most 
convenient and efficient way to do this is with a first aid kit. It has everything Dr. Mom will need in one place, so precious time isn’t wasted searching drawers and medicine cabinets for the right tool for the job.
There are many pre-packaged kits available, but it can sometimes be hard to find one that has everything you wish to include. Putting together your own supplies ensures that you’re totally prepared in case there’s an emergency.
Build a homemade first aid kit:
The Proper Container: Since a first aid kit will contain some medicines, it must be somewhat secure. It’s doesn’t have to be locked down like Fort Knox, but it should fasten tightly, so the items are safely secured. It should have several pockets or chambers, so you can categorize a wide assortment of items. Attach a list of contents to the outside of the kit for quick reference. Some suitable containers include duffle bags, tackle boxes, backpacks and brief cases.
The Essentials: The first aid kit should include basic medicine such as age appropriate pain relievers, sterile sanitizing wipes, antibiotic ointment, sun screen, mosquito repellent, and anti-itch cream. There should be various sizes of adhesive bandages to cover scrapes and cuts. Minor sprains will require the use of ankle or wrist wraps. Include a few hot and cold packs to reduce swelling and soothe sore muscles. Rubber gloves are also handy for mom and dad to keep their hands clean and fight the spread of bacteria to an open owie. You will also want to include medical gauze and tape for more major injuries and burns.
The Extras: If you’ve got some surplus room after the essentials, there are “extras” that may come in handy (especially if you‘re traveling). Spare clothes can be a life saver in the event of torn jeans or bloody shirts. Because of the limited space, choose items that are weather appropriate. A fleece blanket, or two, to keep the children warm in a winter emergency. A couple bottles of water or Gatorade for hot days and dehydration.
Replacement: Over the course of time, you will use up the various items and you may not even realize you are running low. It’s important to check the case on a monthly basis and replace any items that may have expired or running low. A first aid kit isn’t much use if its empty.
Placement: A first aid kit should be stored in a secure designated areas, away from young hands, perhaps inside a child-proof drawer or on a high shelf. You should have enough kits for placement on each level of the house and in each car. They should be easily accessible by adults, but impossible to get by children. Many of the medicines may harm little ones if ingested.
Check out more tips from the American Red Cross.
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/frotzed/452894948
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