Last Updated on June 25, 2024
Theoretically, you shouldn’t need a baby first aid kit as infants require your constant supervision. In reality, accidents are called accidents for a reason. It’s better to have a first aid kit and never have to use it than finding yourself without one when in need. Trying to find the best baby first aid kit? So did I. I created a list of items I would like to see in the best baby first aid kit. After that, I went searching…
DadProgress Top Pick: PreparaKit: Small Travel First Aid Kit (Click for Latest Price on Amazon)
The Best Baby First Aid Kit- What Should it Hold?
I’ve made a list of six essential things that, for me, would make the best baby first aid kit. All first aid kits contain a lot of stuff, but I’ll explain why I picked these six.
I’ve worked in Finland for ten years as a part-time ER doctor. Many different emergencies can occur, but infections, small wounds, and small burns are most common.
When I became a first-time dad, I discovered that I didn’t own everything needed to deal with these minor emergencies.
Antiseptic Wipes and Bandages
Wounds are not uncommon. Your baby may fall against a sharp corner of a table. If there are bigger children in the house, then your 1-year-old may get hit by a thrown toy.
If it’s not a deep wound, then you should first clean the wound. Running water is enough in most developed countries. Antiseptic wipes come in handy when in outdoors.
While minor wounds heal on their own, a bandage may be helpful. A dressing protects the wound from contamination and reduces tissue movement so it can heal quicker. A bandage also protects your clothes if the injury is bleeding. If you’re not sure if the wound is deep or not, it’s better to seek medical advice because deeper wounds are treated with glue or stitches.
Burn Cream
Burns are common childhood accidents. After a burn, you should use cold (cold water, for example) to relieve the pain. The best baby health care kit would now provide you with burn cream. Burn creams soothe the skin and reduce the risk of infections.
In Finland, you can treat a burn of your baby at home if:
- The affected area is small, less than the hand size of the baby
- Skin is only red, no blisters
- Not a difficult area: face, palmar aspects of hands, feet, groin
If you are not sure if it’s a superficial burn, then seek medical advice.
Thermometer and Nasal Aspirator
If your baby falls ill, use a thermometer to ensure that she doesn’t have a fever. The best baby first aid kit should hold one.
Fever for babies is usually considered body temperature above 38 C (100 Fahrenheit). Fast digital thermometers for underarm use or tympanic thermometers are reliable enough for screening.
Younger than 6-month-olds seldom have fewer. Further tests are needed- seek medical advice.
Please don’t measure body temperature rectally. It used to be the gold standard. For home use, it’s not the easiest or safest method, though (source). Imagine how you would feel.
The best baby first aid kits should have a nasal aspirator. Babies don’t know how to breathe through the mouth. Their tiny noses may get stuffed up when they have a respiratory infection. Then it’s your disgusting job to suck the mucus out with a nasal aspirator.
Sting Relief Pads
If an insect stings your baby, then sting relief pads are a great way to sooth skin. Most people get a local reaction, and baby’s skin is exceptionally tender.
Scissors
In U.S scissors must be less than 4 inches from “pivot point” if packed in a carry-on (source). In Europe, the same number is 2,4 inches /6 cm (source). Many airports in Europe have adopted stricter rules and are not allowing sharp objects to airplanes. It may be easier to pack your scissors to checked luggage. Many museums have strict rules about sharp objects.
Did I Find the Best Baby First Aid Kit?
I’ve not been able to find a kit that contains all these items. A thermometer and a nasal aspirator are sold separately or are included in grooming kits. All other things are included in most regular first-aid kits.
You may want to buy a regular first aid kit to be prepared for every accident. Another thing to consider is size. You may want to buy a lightweight version- have it with you wherever you go with your baby.
Three First Aid Kits Reviewed
I’ve reviewed three first aid kits. One of them is a comprehensive regular first aid kit that comes with a mini kit as a bonus. The other two are lightweight versions, easy to take with you wherever you go (with a stroller:)
PreparaKit: Small Travel First Aid Kit (Check The Latest Price on Amazon)
Weight: 6,1oz (~173g)
PROS:
- Different bandages are included. The bandages have kid friendly designs and stickers are included
- You get antiseptic wipes
- Burn-gel is included
- Hydrocortisone cream
- It also has other useful items (click on an Amazon link to see a full list)
- Alternate Arrow UpYou can choose between three designs
- Alternate Arrow UpScissors are less than 4 inches, theoretically you can take them on an airplane (more information under the reviews)
CONS:
- Thermometer strips (included) may not give an accurate reading. I would be more happy with a regular thermometer
- Alternate Arrow DownNon of the reviewed first aid kits included a nasal aspirator
Adventure Medical Kits: Sportsman Series First Aid Kit (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight: 1lb (454g)
PROS:
- Different bandages are included
- You also get antiseptic wipes
- Burn-gel is included
- Sting relief pads are included
- It also has other useful items (click on an Amazon link to see a full list)
- Alternate Arrow UpEMT shears are 4″, theoretically you can take them on an airplane (more information under the reviews)
CONS:
- It holds no thermometer, nasal aspirator or burn-gel so I wouldn’t call it the best baby first aid kit. It’s still a great product though and worth buying if you want a more comprehensive lightweight first aid kit
Swiss Safe: 2-in-1 First Aid Kit (Check The Latest Price On Amazon)
Weight: 1.2lb (544g)
PROS:
- Different bandages are included
- You also get antiseptic wipes
- Sting relief pads are included
- It has a big main kit and a smaller mini kit. You can click on an Amazon link to see a full list of items
- Alternate Arrow UpYou can take the mini kit on an airplane. Scissors are included in the main kit
CONS:
- It holds no thermometer, nasal aspirator or burn-gel so I wouldn’t call it the best baby first aid kit. It’s a good basic first aid kit though. I like this 2 in 1 feature as you’ll get a mini kit as a bonus
To Sum Up
I‘ve created a list of six items that are commonly needed when dealing with baby emergencies. I was unable to find an emergency kit that holds them all. If you happen to find one, then just let me know. I’ve reviewed three great first-aid kits. Want a basic package to help you deal with emergencies of your baby? Then, the Small Travel First Aid Kit by PreparaKit (check the latest price on Amazon) is probably the best baby first aid kit for you.