First Aid Kit For Babies

First Aid Kit For Babies
By: C.L. Hendricks

A first aid kit for babies is something often overlooked in emergency and disaster survival preparedness. All of the prep lists advise that you include a first aid kit in your plans, however standard first aid kits rarely include supplies that babies require in an emergency situation. Pre-planning and preparing will ensure that your baby will have the emergency medical supplies should the need arise.

Standard first aid kits contain many items that can be used by people of all ages. All kits should have a thermometer, a pair of tweezers, Bandaids, gauze, surgical or medical tape, elastic bandages in multiple sizes, disposable one time use heat and cold packs, disposable medical gloves, hand sanitizer, surgical masks and small splints.

Most quality first aid kits also contain a number of over the counter medications. These include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea medicines, antihistamines and anti-vomiting preparations. However, babies are smaller and require specific OTC medicines that are prepared especially for them. Infant fever reducers and anti-diarrhea preparations are just a couple of the baby specific OTC medicines to include.

A large diaper bag can be used to create a first aid kit for babies. Not only will it hold a modified first aid kit, but it will hold all of the other items necessary for an emergency preparedness kit for your baby.

Diaper rash cream, infant sunscreen and travel size bottles of baby wash with a few baby size washcloths in a Ziploc bag will keep your baby comfortable during an emergency where bathing may be difficult. Teething gels and rings are also good to have on hand during especially during and emergency. Nose tissues and paper towels are also quite handy to keep in a first aid kit for babies.

Dehydration is a serious but preventable condition. By keeping water, formula and dry electrolyte packs in your first aid kit you can reduce the chance of dehydration. Placing bottled water in your child’s first aid kit will allow you to make safe replacement fluids or formula. By using a fluid replacement instead of plain water you can reduce the concern of dehydration. Water that is safe for drinking is difficult to find in an emergency situation.

During an emergency everyone’s stress levels will be high. Stress will also affect your baby. The baby that rarely cries may whimper or cry for no apparent reason. Infant stress may also cause gas or colic to develop. There are herbal preparations available for infants and toddlers. Catnip will relieve the pain of gas and colic while chamomile will help calm and soothe a cranky baby. Both of these preparations can be found in infant and toddler strengths. They are safe to use and do not require a doctor’s prescription. Keeping these in your baby’s first aid kit may help everyone relax during a difficult and stressful time.

Including a few days worth of disposable diapers, baby wipes and a few changes of clothing in this kit allows you to grab and go if needed. You will not need to stop and gather these items. Natural disasters are unpredictable and too often occur without warning.

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body temperature drops and stays there. Footed blanket sleepers, hats, mittens, socks, long sleeve bottom snap t-shirts along with a few blankets into your baby’s first aid kit will keep your baby warm. Dressing your baby in layers will increase the baby’s ability to stay warm. Remember to include a hat along with spare clothes. This type of clothing is important even in temperate climates.

Sanitary facilities may not be available during an emergency or natural disaster. Keeping rolled plastic shopping bags, which are secured with a rubber band, will provide a sanitary way to dispose of used diapers. By placing each soiled diaper in a bag twisting and securing with the rubber band you can prevent contamination from the diaper. This practice will also reduce odor.

By planning ahead and updating your first aid kit for babies every three months, (babies grow quickly and you should change the clothing and OTC medications to fit your child’s age) you can eliminate many of the worries regarding natural disasters or emergency situations.

About the Author:C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She writes about survival preparedness and pregnancy, children, and weddings, and investment and precision casting.