Accidents will inevitably happen when you have a child, and a proper first-aid kit is a must-have for growing families! There are so many first-aid kits on the market, whether from your local pharmacy or ready to ship on Amazon. These pre-built kits range from cheap Band-Aids and antibiotic ointments to expensive prepper/survivalist-grade kits.
Depending on your family’s needs, most of the more affordable options come with low-quality products with poor organizational capabilities, making it hard to find what you need in an emergency.
So, sometimes, you must do it yourself!
Building a first aid kit is an important task that every family should tackle at some point in time. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you treat minor injuries and illnesses and may be a lifesaver in an emergency. This blog post will discuss how to build and maintain your family’s first aid kit when you don’t know where to start.
Step 1. Think about what your family needs first.
A single person’s first aid kit will look very different than one located in the house of a family of four. It can be tough to imagine the emergencies you could experience as a parent. So, before purchasing any supplies, consider any risks around your home.
Write down all the risks or hazards in your home for yourself, your spouse, children, or others that live with you. Examples in a home may include anything from paper cuts while sorting bills to burns while cooking dinner. Do the same for your garage, vehicle, and hobby/craft areas.
Step 2: Choose a container.
The first step in building a first aid kit is to choose a container. The container should be durable, lightweight, and easy to carry. A small plastic or metal box with a lid or a waterproof bag is a good option.
Step 3: Stock up on essentials
The next step is to stock up. Here are some items you should consider including when building a first aid kit for your family:
- Bandages and gauze: Include various sizes of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, and a roll of self-adhesive bandage tape.
- Antiseptic wipes or solution: Use antiseptic wipes to clean cuts and scrapes before applying a bandage.
- Pain relief medication: Include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for the appropriate dosage for your family members.
- Tweezers and scissors: Use tweezers to remove splinters or foreign objects from the skin. Include a pair of scissors for cutting gauze, tape, and clothing.
- Thermometer: A digital thermometer is a valuable tool for monitoring a family member’s temperature during an illness.
- Disposable gloves: Use disposable gloves when administering first aid to avoid the spread of germs.
- Hydrocortisone cream: Include hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching and rashes.
- Antihistamine medication: Include antihistamine medication to treat allergic reactions such as hives or swelling.
- CPR mask: Include a CPR mask with a one-way valve to protect yourself while administering CPR.
- Emergency contact information: Keep a list of emergency phone numbers such as your family doctor, poison control, and emergency services.
Step 4: Customize your kit.
Make your first aid kit your own. If you have allergies, you may want to include an epi-pen. Consider including sports tape or a knee brace if you are an athlete. You should also have children’s pain relievers and diaper rash cream.
Step 5: Keep your kit up to date.
It’s important to keep your first aid kit up to date. Check your kit regularly to ensure the contents are not expired or damaged. Replace any items that have been used or are no longer in good condition.
Following these simple steps, you can create a customized first aid kit to help you and your family treat minor injuries and illnesses.
At The Nest Schools, we keep your children’s safety and wellness in mind while away from home.
We prioritize wellness and safety in several ways:
- Physical Safety: The Nest Schools prioritize physical safety by ensuring that our facilities and equipment are up to standard and well-maintained. We conduct regular safety audits, implement safety procedures and policies, and train staff on emergency response protocols.
- Emotional Wellness: The Nest Schools prioritize emotional wellness by creating a warm and nurturing environment that supports children’s social and emotional development. We provide opportunities for children to engage in mindfulness activities, social-emotional learning, and play-based activities that promote emotional regulation.
- Nutrition: The Nest Schools prioritize nutrition by offering children healthy and nutritious meals and snacks (not all locations applicable, please check with your director). We work with parents to ensure that we go above and beyond in meeting their children’s dietary needs and that all children are getting the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
- Health and Hygiene: The Nest Schools prioritize health and hygiene by implementing strict protocols for handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting, and illness prevention. We also have state-of-the-art air purifiers installed throughout our schools.
- Safety Education: The Nest Schools prioritize safety education by teaching children about personal safety. We also teach children about healthy habits, such as proper hand hygiene, healthy eating, and exercise.
- Eco-Healthy Childcare Endorsed!
The Nest Schools aim to support the overall development of every child in our care by creating a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healthy habits and emotional well-being from the start.