Master a Disaster by Organizing a Family First Aid Kit

Whether it’s a rash, hives, bee sting, or mosquito bite, whether you’re a parent of one or a parent of multiples, having a well-stocked, family-friendly first aid kit or medicine cabinet is essential for not only you but also babysitters who come into your home and take care of your children. Gathering essentials and being prepared is a necessity, plus it is an easy-to-assemble, thoughtful project, and loving gesture that will be greatly appreciated when needed. Getting necessities assembled in a fresh, clean, easy-to-find, yet out-of-reach place isn’t complicated or expensive—but does take a bit of planning.

Good news, no need to spend a fortune
The “kit” can be a recycled backpack or tote bag, a plastic dishpan, or a wooden wine crate. It doesn’t have to be a brand new box designed especially for this purpose. Look around your home; chances are, you will have a container that can be “repurposed.”

More good news
All “ingredients” can be purchased in one shopping trip from any drug store and can be budget friendly if generic brands are purchased.

Below is a list of essentials to print and take with you to the drug store.

If anyone in your home is allergic to bee stings, peanuts, or shellfish, make sure an epinephrine pen is easily accessible in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit. Mark the expiration date on your calendar and replace as necessary.

• An oral syringe, or calibrated cup and spoon for administering liquid medicines
• Children's strength liquid acetaminophen or ibuprofen (must be non-aspirin)
• Pediatrician-approved children's-strength liquid decongestant
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Digital thermometer (oral)
• Rectal thermometer and personal lubricant
• Tweezers and a pair of sharp scissors
• Latex gloves
• Safety pins
• Needle
• Antibacterial ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream (1/2 percent)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Nasal aspirator bulb syringe (there is another type of aspirator bulb syringe for the ears; the nasal aspirator is more round and less pointy than the bulb syringe used for ears)
• Various adhesive bandage strips
• Gauze rolls, sterile
• Gauze pads, sterile
• Adhesive tape
• Cotton pads and cotton swabs
• Heating pad
• Hot-water bottle
• Ice pack
• Pedialyte

In addition to the above items may I suggest including an index card with the following information:
• Both parent’s mobile phone numbers and your home address (in the event the sitter can’t recall your home address)
• Your children’s birthdates
• A copy of The American Red Cross's Book: Standard First Aid & Personal Safety*