The Paediatrician-Approved Travel First Aid Kit
Travelling with kids means packing lots of items. Here are some tips from our paediatricians on what to pack in your first aid kit when away from home for the holidays.
Always store your first aid kit away from children and out of reach, ideally in child proof container and do not forget child proof locks, for those exploring babies starting to crawl and walk.
First-Aid Items
– Thermometers
– Plasters
– 2-; 5-; and 10 ml syringes for administration of medications
– Burnshield dressing
Creams and Ointments
– Sunscreen: SPF 50: although babies should be kept out of the direct sun for sunburn prevention always use SPF when outside. Re-apply after swimming. Choose a brand that is safe for babies
– Aqueous Cream: general moisturiser can also be used as after sun, mild soap and in the bath – safe for newborns and babies
– Hydrocortisone cream – 2% (e.g Stopitch) for Insect bites (can also use Anthisan cream) and eczema
– Antifungal cream (e.g Nystatin): for nappy rashes
– “Bum cream”: for nappy area
– Mozzie repellent: choose a brand that is safe for newborn and babies
Medications
– Remember to pack any prescription medications currently using, when traveling internationally, bring a copy of your script along with you for reference.
– Paracetamol (e.g. Calpol) – make sure you purchase one that is NOT colourless and has a safety cap to prevent unintended ingestion. For pains and fevers. Safe for newborns and babies. Follow dosing guide or ask your paediatrician before you go away which dose is correct for your child’s weight.
– Normal saline nasal spray: for general nasal hygiene and in cares of blocked nose. Safe for newborns and babies. Do not use the hypertonic solutions.
– Rehydration Solution (e.g. Rehydrate) for mild cases of diarrhoea and vomiting. Mix according to instruction and give in small sips using a syringe if needed.
Generic names have been used where possible. Use of a brand name is not to be considered an endorsement of a particular product but is used mainly to illustrate an example.
Disclaimer: this post is not intended to provide medical advice. Advice on treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a doctor or other health professional that has examined the patient and is familiar with the patient’s medical history.
