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    Home » How to Create a Family First Aid Kit

    July 9, 2015 By Ruth V. 72 Comments

    How to Create a Family First Aid Kit

    This post may contain affiliate links. Click here for more information.

    First Aid Kit

    I'm proud to partner with 3M for this post.

    Maybe it's my background in healthcare, or maybe it's just because I like to be prepared, but I always like to have a first aid kit with us wherever we go. I've had to dig into my kit on several occasions. Thankfully, it's never been too serious, but I'm happy to know that I have a family friendly first aid kit available should we need it.

    How to create a family first aid kit

    Your supplies might vary depending on where you live and the ages of your family members, but here are my recommendations for some items you might want to consider picking up to assemble your own first aid kit:

    A container to store all of your supplies: I purchased a store-bought kit several years ago and it came nicely packaged in a plastic storage container. A preassembled kit is a great place to start since it already has many of the supplies you'd want, but I prefer to customize my kit a bit more.

    Gloves: Disposable gloves are a must-have. While you may not mind tending to your own child's scraped knee, you might run into a situation where you have to offer first aid to someone you don't know. Protecting yourself is essential, so pick up a few pairs of disposable gloves so you aren't potentially exposed.

    Cleaning solution and gauze: There are pre-moistened wipes that are available to cleanse wounds, but even having a simple bottle of water can go a long way to clean a scrape or cut. You'll also want to have some gauze on hand to dab away blood or dress a wound.

    Antibiotic ointment: Keep bacteria at bay with antibiotic ointment. This is a first aid staple and should definitely be included in your kit to help prevent infection and for temporary pain relief for minor injuries.

    first aid kit nexcare

    Bandages: You'll want a variety of sizes of bandages in your kit, but especially during the summer months when kids are constantly swimming or splashing around, you'll want waterproof bandages. Nexcare Waterproof Bandages utilize innovation and technology to create a barrier between wounds and everyday activities. They offer superior protection against water, dirt and germs by providing a 360 degree seal to help prevent against infection. Nexcare Waterproof Bandages stay in place and stand up to long-wear so they're an excellent choice for your first aid kit.

    Hydrocortisone cream: You never know when skin irritation, a rash, or an eczema flare up will strike, so hydrocortisone cream is great to have in your kit. This is especially helpful if you live in an area with poison ivy.

    Insect repellent and sunscreen: You know what they say about an ounce of prevention... protect yourself and your family from pesky insects and sun damage (and painful sunburns!).

    Anti-itch cream: The mosquitos here in Florida are unbearable, and even with wearing insect repellent we're bound to get a few bites here and there. Anti-itch cream is an absolute must-have for us!

    Aloe Vera: Hopefully you apply (and reapply!) sunscreen while you're outdoors, but just in case someone ends up with a sunburn, aloe can help soothe that tender skin.

    Antihistamine tablets (or liquid if you have small children): Used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching, hives and other symptoms of allergies, antihistamine medications should certainly be included in your first aid kit. If you have a family history of severe allergic reactions you should talk to your healthcare provider about allergy testing and possibly getting an injectable form of epinephrine for emergencies.

    Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) should also be included in your kit. You might want to consider having Aspirin on hand as well since it can be lifesaving in the event of a heart attack.

    Asthma medication: There is nothing scarier than watching a child struggle to breathe. If your child has asthma, ask your healthcare provider for an extra prescription for a back-up inhaler

    Scissors and Tweezers: These will come in handy for cutting bandages, opening supplies, and picking out splinters.

    Small Flashlight: Healthcare workers carry penlights to help them visualize injuries in low-light settings, so a flashlight is a great option to have in your kit.

    Disposable CPR mask: We never want to believe that the unthinkable could happen and that we'd be responsible for saving someone else's life, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. A disposable CPR mask offers a one-way valve that's designed to prevent cross contamination. That way, if you ever have to provide mouth to mouth resuscitation you don't have to worry about exposing yourself.

    first aid kit

    I'd also recommend keeping your family first aid kit in your vehicle. I keep ours in my SUV; that way if we're out and about I have access to it, but even if we're at home I can quickly run out to my vehicle and access my kit.

    Do you have a first aid kit for your family?
    Is there anything you'd add to my list?

     

    Disclosure: Special thanks to 3M for sponsoring this conversation. All opinions are my own.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Artadorned says

      July 09, 2015 at 11:08 am

      Good tips for the first aid kit! and the video of nana is so cute!

      Reply
    2. Amber Ludwig says

      July 10, 2015 at 9:46 am

      Great list!! I don't have one but should make one!! My son is so accident prone lol!! I would add one of those one time use ice packs 🙂 They are great and don't take up much space either!!

      Reply
    3. Melissa K says

      July 10, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      The pre-assembled kits never have everything you want. Building your own is a much better idea! Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Joanne Gregory says

      July 10, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      I love the tips on the first aid kit. The most important thing is to have the things you need together and in a place where even the kids can find it in case you are the one injured!

      Reply
    5. Marnie G (Derrick Todd) says

      July 11, 2015 at 12:00 am

      Great suggestions on what to put in the kit. It would be great to have one in the house and in each vehicle.

      Reply
    6. Ashley Chassereau Parks says

      July 12, 2015 at 1:24 am

      I have most of these items around the house, but they aren't in a kit form. I think making a little kit to keep in my car could be helpful when I am out with the kids!

      Reply
    7. Nicole W. says

      July 12, 2015 at 5:41 am

      I thought the flashlight item was a good one that I hadn't thought of. Thanks!

      Reply
    8. Nicole Anderson says

      July 12, 2015 at 9:57 am

      I love the recommendations for what to put in a kit. I would like to offer a suggestion that many do not think of. Medications will break down and be ineffective in extreme temperatures (too cold or too hot). I agree that medications for allergies or pain are an important part of a kit but if it is a kit to keep in the car maybe add some dollar bills to stop at a convenience store to get those medications if needed. If a kit is left in a car for more than a few hours on a hot summer day you might find the medications in it are no good because a car reaches over the temperature that is recommended. 🙂 Just a thoguht for people to think about.

      Reply
    9. Sue M. says

      July 12, 2015 at 11:30 am

      I'd never thought about the disposable CPR mask, that's a very good idea. This is a very helpful list, thanks for posting!

      Reply
    10. Natasha M. says

      July 12, 2015 at 11:46 am

      Great kit. and good ideas to start my own first aid kit.

      Reply
    11. Jo-Ann Brightman says

      July 12, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      These are very good tips. Some I always have on me and some Itry to make sure stay in the car.

      Reply
    12. Courtney Lane says

      July 12, 2015 at 7:55 pm

      This is an amazing idea! Definitely saving this to make for later!

      Reply
    13. Leela says

      July 12, 2015 at 8:50 pm

      I have all of that and neosporin.

      Reply
    14. kim vh says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:48 pm

      A great collection of necessities! I have a first aid kit in the house. You hope to never have to use it though!

      Reply
    15. Nikki Strong says

      July 13, 2015 at 1:49 pm

      This is a great list for a first aid kit! It helps to have these on hand when your kids (ah-hem - or mom) are having a melt down!

      Check me out at www.FrugalMomClub.com

      Reply
    16. Angie S. says

      July 13, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      I love the idea of disposable gloves! I work in healthcare so I could stop and help if someone needed it, but would definitely want gloves on hand if I did that. Thanks for the great ideas!

      Reply
    17. Thearry Loun says

      July 13, 2015 at 10:50 pm

      How cute is the video!

      Reply
    18. Paul says

      July 13, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      I always have first care kit in wife's car, my truck, one in the garage, and one per level of house.

      Reply
    19. Sarah B. says

      July 13, 2015 at 11:53 pm

      Ooooh, this is perfect for putting in exactly what we need!

      Reply
    20. Robin says

      July 14, 2015 at 12:44 am

      I don't have a first aid kit in my vehicle but after reading this I will be putting one together.

      Reply
    21. Deborah D says

      July 14, 2015 at 7:13 am

      I love these tips

      Reply
    22. Danielle G says

      July 14, 2015 at 7:52 am

      I think these are great suggestions and am happy you included asthma medication! It's something that is too often left out.

      Reply
    23. Kelly Marlow says

      July 14, 2015 at 5:41 pm

      I need to make a first aid kit for my family. I do have all the first aid supplies but they are in my bathroom cabinet. I want to make a simple one to keep in the car all the time too. Nothing like the kids getting a boo boo while you are out with them and you don't have a band-aid on you.

      Reply
    24. Sammi Rose says

      July 14, 2015 at 9:31 pm

      This is great and very helpful! Cheaper than buying a pre made one, and you can choose what to keep in the kit!

      Reply
    25. cassie says

      July 14, 2015 at 10:08 pm

      such a great idea. when we have first aid needs, i always find myself answering my husband's question as to where everything is. one central spot in a kit would be a great thing in our house

      Reply
    26. Elizabeth Johnson says

      July 15, 2015 at 12:47 am

      Our family loves bandaid but we go through cheap ones too fast. Nexcare seems to be one of the best brands especially when your kids love water like us

      Reply
    27. adriana says

      July 15, 2015 at 3:21 am

      Good idea, love the tips.

      Reply
    28. william gossage says

      July 15, 2015 at 7:20 am

      these are great tips. we had almost evert hing you mention in our first aid kit

      Reply
    29. Maryann says

      July 15, 2015 at 11:18 am

      Read this post yesterday, and actually went home and made a kit!

      Reply
    30. Linda Mannst says

      July 15, 2015 at 12:53 pm

      These are all such great things to carry with you for an emergency. I need to make a copy of your list and put a box together for me when I am on the go. Thank you so much for sharing

      Reply
    31. Melissa Gephart says

      July 15, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      What type of thermometer do you think is most accurate. Ear, mouth, head scanner? My mom had both ear and mouth thermometers, the ear sometimes hurt and the under the toungue isn't all that comfortable. . . thoughts?

      Reply
    32. Jeannette Mills says

      July 16, 2015 at 11:02 am

      I love these tips...the waterproof band aids are without a doubt the best with little ones. They seem to be more difficult for them to take off 😉 LOL......and they last through all the hand washing we do!

      Reply
    33. Shelley T says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:11 am

      This is such a good thing for every family to know.. Now if someone can give me tips on keeping the kids out of the bandaids that would be great! haha

      Reply
    34. Judy G says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:12 am

      very important to have all components in the first aid kit

      Reply
    35. Chelsea says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:43 am

      This is great to know! I need to make one. My son is 9 months old so he'll be walking soon and be getting lots of boo boos.

      Reply
    36. Carissa P says

      July 17, 2015 at 10:07 am

      I have a tiny first aid kit that fits in my purse but probably should make a bigger one for bigger first aid needs.
      I'd like to see Nana in a food fight. Want to make sure those can hold up to food the messes kids can make.

      Reply
    37. Mami says

      July 17, 2015 at 10:57 am

      Good idea!! I always have kit like this with me..no gloves,scissors though..

      Reply
    38. Wendy Mastin says

      July 17, 2015 at 1:43 pm

      First Aid kits are a plus for our family,

      Reply
    39. Lori Mahan says

      July 17, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I love the kit reminder and I would suggest a bottle of water and one of those breakable ice packs for dehydration. I think I would use up the ice packs this summer because it's just HOT!

      Reply
    40. Beverly Guajardo says

      July 17, 2015 at 8:08 pm

      It is always good to have a first aid kit around. I make sure ours is always ready when we need it.

      Reply
    41. Alicia Rhodes says

      July 17, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Love this post! I have a first-aid kit in the bathroom as well as a child friendly one in my daughters' and travel kits in each vehicle. However, I've noticed that you didn't list any disinfectant. I prefer Johnson's hurt free wash for kids.

      Reply
    42. MICHELLE ELIZONDO says

      July 17, 2015 at 8:47 pm

      Im glad you chose nexcare!! thats the brand my family uses and it has worked the best.

      Reply
    43. Richard Hicks says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      Good idea for a kit. We have one butt so many do not

      Reply
    44. Cheryll Shubert says

      July 17, 2015 at 11:11 pm

      Such a great idea...especially with little ones, you should always be prepared for an emergency. You'll never know when you are going to need a first aid kit! My little one just loves to run and climb everything! He falls a lot! This is a brilliant idea!!

      Reply
    45. Lily Kwan says

      July 18, 2015 at 2:32 am

      This list is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    46. serena says

      July 18, 2015 at 9:44 am

      This is such a great list. I try to keep a small version in my purse which has come in handy when we're out and about or at the playground.

      Reply
    47. Jennifer Gleaton says

      July 19, 2015 at 9:53 am

      I absolutely love this giveaway! I entered and I hope Nana chooses my suggestion to keep out dirt!

      Reply
    48. Jo-Ann Brightman says

      July 19, 2015 at 3:48 pm

      It is very important to have a first aid kit in the car as well as in the house. I just have to update some of,the emergency allergy items.

      Reply
    49. Anna K. says

      July 19, 2015 at 9:45 pm

      I'm so glad you posted about first aid kits. I think they are so important!

      Reply
    50. Deborah D says

      July 20, 2015 at 5:21 am

      These are some great ideas.

      Reply
    51. Casey B says

      July 20, 2015 at 12:47 pm

      This is great to have!

      Reply
    52. gina blades says

      July 20, 2015 at 1:35 pm

      Hydrocortisone cream and aloe vera are good ideas for a first aid kit.

      Reply
    53. Hillary says

      July 20, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      Great blog post!

      Reply
    54. Cassidy Ciazza-Morelli says

      July 20, 2015 at 5:51 pm

      I love the kit you put together, i need to make a more extensive one. You included antihistamine which is something I wish my had. My 14 year old had his first bad reaction to bee stings the other day, I am thankful we live close to the E.R but I would have liked to have given him benadryl before we left, and now that we know, carry an epi pen always. you never know when an allergy may develop

      Reply
    55. Helen says

      July 21, 2015 at 3:38 am

      First aid kits are so important to have. Thanks for all the great tips. It really is a big help.

      Reply
    56. Katherine Riley says

      July 21, 2015 at 11:12 am

      Great list, I would also put a small blanket near the first aid kit (or even a survival one). You can go into shock very easily and a blanket will help prevent that.

      Reply
    57. Nikki Strong says

      July 21, 2015 at 1:17 pm

      I think making your own kit is a great idea. A mom knows her children better than anyone. We are prone to know what our kids will get in to.

      Reply
    58. Dandi D says

      July 21, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      This is a really good idea, and I should really make some kits for my family!

      Reply
    59. Katy says

      July 22, 2015 at 3:18 am

      Thank you so much for reminding me to put a first aid kit in our diaper bag! I have one in each car and one at home, but with our baby turning into an active toddler this summer, I'm sure there will be many boo boos to treat and kiss! Thanks for the comprehensive lists!

      Reply
    60. Dagmar Moretti says

      July 22, 2015 at 11:12 am

      I have a first aid kit in the car now, but after reading this there are things that definitely need to be added!

      Reply
    61. rachel cartucci says

      July 23, 2015 at 11:57 am

      I actually need to look through my first aid kit...I bet I am missing lots and somethings are probably old and need replacing.

      Reply
    62. Cheryl says

      July 24, 2015 at 10:53 pm

      Great idea to make one instead of buying premade

      Reply
    63. Lesley F says

      July 26, 2015 at 12:59 pm

      Some of these I don't have in our car. I will have to do an update

      Reply
    64. Laura Emerson says

      July 26, 2015 at 9:31 pm

      I like how this kit has everything you need for an emergency. I never thought of putting Aloe Vera in one but it makes a lot of sense.

      Reply
    65. Dorothy Boucher says

      July 27, 2015 at 8:28 am

      I have to say these bandages are really well made, I have a couple and had to use one during my camping trip and I have already entered for what Nana is going to do next 🙂

      Reply
    66. April Beech says

      July 27, 2015 at 8:31 am

      We have put together our own first aid kit as well. They are a great idea to have because you never know when an accident, big or small, may happen.

      Reply
    67. Olivia Caswell says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      I keep all my liquids in individual baggies in case of spills.

      Reply
    68. Dorothy Boucher says

      July 30, 2015 at 10:22 am

      I have gotten to try these bandages and I love them, love the way they protect your cut and yes I can still do my dishes without them falling off..

      Reply
    69. Linda Mannst says

      August 01, 2015 at 5:44 pm

      I feel it is important to have a firstaid kid at home and on the go, especially with little ones. You have a great selection here. Thank you so much for sharing

      Reply
    70. Joanne Gregory says

      August 02, 2015 at 10:31 am

      It is always good to be prepared. Hard to run looking for things when someone is bleeding & crying!

      Reply
    71. Kathy Haury says

      August 02, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      I like the thought of keeping an extra inhaler in the first aid kit! I never had an extra when my kids were growing up, but it's good to know if I ever need it for the grand kids!

      Reply
    72. Elizabeth Johnson says

      August 03, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Water proof bandaids are such a good invention as bandaids are always coming off every time we bathe or wash our hands. And we always should have emergency kids in our car or small one in our purse or bags.

      Reply

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