First-aid kit for babies

Why do I need a first-aid kit?

First-aid kits are useful to have at home so that if your baby falls ill or gets injured, you have the necessary supplies to give him immediate relief.

Babies tend to get minor injuries often, especially once they start crawling, cruising and walking. Having the necessary first aid supplies at home will help you feel prepared to deal with these injuries.

It also helps to have a few medicines that will see your baby through the most common infections such as a cold, cough or minor stomach bug.

Most of the time, all your baby needs is the treatment you can administer at home and some tender loving care. But at other times he might need medical attention.

It is important that you know when the injury or illness is serious and needs the care of a doctor, and when it’s fine to just treat him at home. We can help you tell the difference with our article on when to see the doctor.

How should I assemble and keep a first-aid kit?

Some packaged first-aid kits available in the market or online are economical and contain many of the medical supplies for injuries you will find essential. But it is unlikely that you will find all the emergency supplies your family might need in one package. So you could start with a pre-packaged kit and add any extra items you require or you can build one from scratch.

Keep the first-aid kit in a locked cupboard out of the reach of your children. Remember to check it every few months to ensure no medicines or ointments are nearing their expiry date. If they are, take them out and replace them with newer products that have a longer shelf life.

Medicines that come in syrups need to be measured before giving it to your child. You need to give the right dose for your baby’s age and weight for the medicine to be effective. Make sure you talk to your doctor and are aware of the exact dosage for your child for the most common medicines you store in your kit.

Keep your emergency first-aid kit away from direct sunlight and heat. Some medicines may need to be stored in the fridge or they may spoil or lose their effect. If this is necessary, it will be mentioned on the packaging.

What should I keep in my first-aid kit?

To be prepared to handle most of the common home accidents and illnesses, here are some things you should always have in your first-aid kit:

• Baby thermometer. A digital baby thermometer is the easiest way to take your baby’s temperature. For babies under three months, rectal thermometers will give you the most accurate reading. If you are uncomfortable using a rectal thermometer, taking the temperature under the arm (also known as axillary temperature) will give you a good enough idea about whether your baby just needs medicine or a visit to the doctor. For babies over three months, you can take their temperature under the arm or with an ear thermometer.
  
• Baby liquid pain reliever and fever medicine. You can use paracetamol but always give doses as recommended by your doctor. Don't give your baby aspirin as it can trigger Reye's syndrome which is rare but potentially fatal.
  
• Measuring cups and droppers. Most medicine syrups come with a calibrated cup. If you don’t have one, you should keep a measuring cup, spoon, syringe or dropper.
  
• A decongestant or cough syrup recommended by your doctor.
  
• Saline solution. This is useful for washing specks of dirt out of sore eyes or decongesting blocked noses.
  
• ORS solution or powdered sachets recommended by your doctor in case of diarrhoea or dehydration. Keep in mind that if your baby is on formula, he is more at risk of getting a stomach bug than if he is exclusively breastfed.
  
• Children's insect repellent. Your pharmacist or chemist might be able to recommend the one most suitable for your baby. You could also check with your doctor.
  
• Antihistamine cream to help soothe insect bites and stings.
  
• Calamine lotion for soothing itchy rashes or bites.
  
• Ointment for burns. You could use this if your baby gets a burn or scald.
  
• Ice or gel packs for preventing and relieving inflammation. If your baby falls and hurts himself, an ice pack can numb the pain and reduce the swelling in the area. The ice pack can be kept in the fridge. A packet of frozen peas is just as good, but wrap it in a clean tea towel as direct contact with ice can cause a cold burn on skin.
  
• Sticky plasters, sterile gauze, and bandages. Sticky plasters can be used for cuts and scrapes. Sterile gauze can be used to cover a wound after applying antiseptic medicine. Include adhesive tapes for holding dressings and compresses in place. You could also have a few waterproof plasters. Some children's bandages come with cartoon characters prints -- these may come handy when you try to calm an older child.
  
• A pair of sharp scissors for cutting plasters and tapes to size.
  
• Cotton wool for wiping off dirt or blood from a wound and dabbing on antiseptic solution.
  
• Antiseptic wipes or solution to clean cuts and grazes. Always clean a wound from the centre out. Wipes might be practical if you are out an about. But cotton dipped in solution works just as well.
  
• Antiseptic or antibacterial cream. Once the cuts are cleaned with an antiseptic solution, apply antiseptic cream. Antiseptic creams can be used on cuts, grazes, scrapes or minor burns to help prevent infection. Some antibacterial creams may also contain a mild local anaesthetic to numb the pain.
  
• Tweezers to remove splinters and thorns.
  
• Disposable sterile gloves. These can help prevent yourself and others from germs.
  
• A first-aid manual. Read it before you have a need to use it.

If your child has asthma, or is allergic to bee stings, peanuts, or shellfish -- or if he has some other type of life-threatening allergy -- carry his medication on you and keep a spare set in your first-aid kit.

Do I need more than one first-aid kit?

It all depends on your needs and your lifestyle. You might want to have a separate first-aid kit for the babies and a separate one for adults. You may want a mega-kit for home, a mini-kit for your handbag, backpack or nappy bag, and one for the car.

Whatever be the case, it is important to store all kits in a box or bag which can be fastened securely and kept out of reach of curious babies and children. Any item in a first-aid kit can be dangerous in a child's hands.

What emergency names and numbers should I have?

The most important items in your family's first-aid kit may actually be names and numbers. You can securely tape, glue, or sew the following contact information inside your kit:

• Your family doctor.
• Your hospital along with the emergency ambulance number.
• Your husband's and a close relative's telephone number.
• Blood group of each member of your family.
• Your two closest neighbours or friends. You may need to call them if you need them to care for your other child or children, or for a lift to the hospital.
  
  

You could put these numbers by the telephone or in an obvious place in the house, like the fridge door. This way your family and household help can easily access the information.


Read more on:

• Bites and scratches
• Burns
• Food allergies