Baby boo-boo kit
Accidents do happen, and when they involve your baby, you will want to
be prepared. Having some essential items on hand can make a big
difference when accidents and illnesses occur.
Create a list of emergency phone numbers to tape to the inside of your
kit.
(Keeping a list near all phones in your house and on your mobile is not
a bad idea either.)...continued below
The list includes:
* Local emergency numbers
(i.e. local healthcare provider, the nearest hospital)
* Poison Control
Center, 800-222-1222
* Your contact numbers incase a babysitter is taking
care of your child
You can purchase commercial first-aid kits, but assembling your own will
help to familiarize you with its contents. Choose a durable container,
like a plastic tackle box, that's easy to open and close, and easy to
carry. Keep a kit at home and a portable kit for your diaper bag.
Essential items for your baby first aid kit include:
Thermometer - There are a variety of thermometers available: rectal
(this is the most accurate; keep Vaseline on hand for application),
digital plastic (for under the arm), digital pacifier, and ear (can be
used after 3 months of age).
Pain reliever/fever/teething inflammation reducer medicine - Do not use
aspirin! Infants' or childs' strength acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
infant drops, or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow the doctor recommended
dosages carefully.
Calibrated cup, spoon, oral syringe or dropper - To administer liquid
medication.
Antihistamine - In case of allergic reaction to a sting (i.e. Benadryl).
Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal - Use in cases of accidental
poisoning but
contact the Poison Control Center before use.
Hydrogen peroxide -
To clean cuts and scrapes.
Antibacterial cream - Apply to cuts and scrapes after cleansing.
Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream - To soothe itching caused by
insect bites or rashes due by poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac.
Rehydration fluids - For dehydration (Pedialyte).
Mylicon drops- To relieve gas.
Sterile cotton balls - To cleanse small cuts and bruises.
Gauze (rolls and pads) - For dressing wounds. Adhesive tape - To apply
the gauze.
Band-aids - Keep a variety of sizes and shapes on hand, but don't put
band-aids on a baby's hands as it is a choking hazard.
Ace bandage - Include sharp scissors to cut the bandage.
Tweezers - To remove splinters and ticks.
Heating pad/hot-water bottle - For upset tummies.
Ice pack - For
bruises and sprains.
Small high-beam flashlight - To check sore throat, eyes, ears, noses
and splinter areas.
Tongue depressors - To check sore throats.
Nasal bulb syringe - To unclog stuffed noses.
Rubbing alcohol - to sterilize thermometer and other tools.Gloves for
handling blood.
First Aid Manual - Familiarize yourself with emergency care, including
CPR.
Store your kit in an easily accessible spot that is out of the reach of
children, and make sure that whoever looks after your child knows where
the first-aid kit is located and is familiar with its contents. Don't
forget to check the contents
regularly and discard of any outdated items.
