Building a First Aid Toolbox for Summer
It’s nearly summer! Time for fun at the beach, the playground and the ball field… and unfortunately, also time for bug bites, cuts, scrapes and sunburn. To make sure your children enjoy summer as safely as possible, stock your first aid toolbox so you’re ready for anything summer can dish out. Keep it in your car so it’s always available and consider stocking separate kits for each family vehicle. If you haven’t checked your kit recently, be sure you have plenty of the most-used items, like adhesive bandages, and that none of the medications have expired. Replace and replenish as necessary.
Starting from scratch?
We’ve put together a list of things to keep stocked and handy. Naturally, if your child has special medical considerations, such as severe allergies or a chronic illness, you’ll also want to make sure you’re equipped to handle those situations. Check with your doctor if you’re not sure. Ready-made first aid kits are available too. Check to see what items are included, and be prepared to add items as needed.
Start with this list and customize to fit your family’s needs:
- Gauze, tape, adhesive bandage assortment
- Antibiotic ointment
- Benadryl
- EpiPen (for those with a history of severe allergic reactions)
- Extra prescription medications, such as an inhaler, where needed
- Ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen. (If you have a child young enough to require liquid, make sure you have it in that form, along with tablets for older children.)
- Dramamine
- Sunblock
- Bug spray
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Baby wipes (handy for quick clean-ups for any age)
- Lip balm
- Alcohol wipes
- ACE bandage
- Small scissors
- Tweezers