How Many Kits do You Need?
To properly build a baby emergency kit, you need to understand that one is rarely enough, and all kits will be different. Of course, your most extensive kit will be kept at home, but a smaller, much more condensed one should be in your bag or stroller; sometimes both. On top of that, you need one in your vehicle, which will be quite different than the rest. Therefore, the best place to begin is by deciding how many kits that you are building and then fill them appropriately.
In the Bag and Stroller
A small emergency kit should be on you at all times. This will include things that will come in handy whether there is a fall at the playground, a sting from a bee or sand in the eye at the beach. In this small kit, make sure that you include:
- Adhesive bandages, dressings and tape
- Small scissors and tweezers (for splinters)
- Itch relief for bites and rashes
- An epinephrine pen, if your child has a fatal allergy
- Saline solution to clean eyes and wounds
- Instant cold pack
- Plastic face shield to use for resuscitation
- Something sweet such as dried fruit or jelly beans, as glucose is helpful as a pain reliever
Baby Emergency Kit for the Home
- Emergency numbers: including pediatrician, local hospital, poison control, police and fire department, close friends and relatives
- Infant and child thermometers
- Pediatrician approved antihistamines, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Remember to never give a child Aspirin!
- Hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion for rashes and bites
- First-aid manual
- Small flashlight to use to check eyes, ears, nose and throat
- Ice pack and hot water bottle
- Tongue depressors
- Calibrated spoons or cups, or an oral syringe to administer medicine
- Very mild liquid soap
- Cotton-tipped swabs, sterile cotton balls, gauze pads and rolls
- Adhesive bandages and medical tape
- Non latex gloves
- Scissors and tweezers
- Nasal aspirator bulb
- Child safe sunscreen and bug repellent
- Aloe vera for burns
- Saline nose drops and saline solution for eyes and wounds
- Antibiotic ointment and rubbing alcohol
- Rehydration fluids
- Asthma inhaler and epinephrine injector, if your child has a life-threatening allergy or asthma
Baby Emergency Kit for the Car
What do you do when you end up in the ditch on a snowy night? What happens if you break down in the desert or secluded highway on a hot summer day? If you were alone, you would probably be walking until you flagged someone down. Obviously, this is rarely a practical or safe option with a baby. In addition to the basics, such as bandages, ice packs, saline solution, etc., there are other important things you need in your emergency kit for the car.
- CPR one-way valve
- Medical canister with necessary medications
- Emergency blanket
- Spare phone battery
- Extra clothes for your baby and you
- Sterilizes bottles, food, water, spoons and snacks
- Flashlight and flares
- Baby book and toys
From a small scuff of the knee to dealing with a severe car accident, you can never be too prepared when it comes to the health and safety of your child. Building emergency kits may seem like a monumental task, but you will receive peace-of-mind knowing that you are always prepared, which is a really good feeling.
Author: Meet the modern nanny for the modern family at NannyNet.