Put together a first aid kit for your baby

A great way to be prepared for any accidents is to carry your own first aid kit for your baby. No one ever wants to think about it, but small accidents do happen, especially when curious babies start walking and exploring. That happens when walking is a brand new experience. The big wide world is an interesting place to discover, so accidents can happen when you least expect it. They could trip while running after the dog and scrap their tiny knee. Or your baby could get a splinter in their hand while crawling around on the beach boardwalk.

The key to dealing with these small accidents is to remain calm and take out your trusty first aid kit. If you’re a parent, or soon-to-be parent, you should always have a first aid kit handy. Here are some important items you may want to include.

It's important to have at least one first aid kit when you have a baby. This is the kit you will have at home, and the same kit you will bring with you on your everyday trips. For some parents, they like to have two first aid kits. They keep one at home and another in the car or in their diaper bag. Having more than one first aid kit may be convenient when dropping off baby with the grandparents.

There’s no need to panic. If you’ve already brought baby home and don’t have a first aid kit ready, it’s quite easy to put your own together. If you’re really in a pinch, there are ready-made first aid kits available. Here is a list of first aid items you might want to pack in yours. Most items can be easily found at your local pharmacy or big box department store.

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Baby allergy medication or antihistamines
• Baby pain reliever
• Gel to relieve teething pain
• Topical antibiotic
• Calamine lotion for bug bites or rashes
• Sterile bandages, gauze, cotton
• Rubbing alcohol or disinfectant wipes
• Aloe gel for burns
• Nasal aspirator
• Oral syringe

You don’t have to limit your first aid kit to the items listed. You can include important information:

• Local police and fire department numbers
• Emergency contact information of close relatives, friends and neighbours
• Baby’s age and weight
• Family doctor’s number

These are just a few of the most common items included in a first aid kit for a baby. You can always include items that make sense for your baby, like medication or a lollipop. You can use a simple sandwich bag, Tupperware or small zippered pencil case. So with just a little preparation, you can have your own first aid kit.