A good first-aid kit is a necessity for every household that has children in it. Because some injuries need immediate attention. Keeping a first-aid kit at home gives you the assurance that things will not slip out of your hands right away. Children are born curious and tend to do things that are dangerous and lead to internal or external injuries. A first-aid kit comes to their rescue and minimises the risks. It’s a very good thing if you have a first-aid kit at your home. If not, here’s a list of the ten most important things that you need to keep in it to keep your children safe.
- Bandages: Cuts and scrapes are normal injuries. But leaving them open is not good. So fill your first aid kit with lots of adhesive bandages. They not only help the wound to heal but also keep it safe from any infection. Try buying them in different sizes to cater to small or large cuts and scrapes.
Antiseptics: Antiseptics come in the form of creams and lotions. They are used to clean the wound before a bandage is put on it. Always buy a good antiseptic that can rinse the wound thoroughly without increasing the pain.- Sprays: Children are more active than adults. They are always running around and are more prone to sprains. It’s always advisable to keep a good muscle spray in your first aid kit that can provide them with quick relief. If you want, you can also opt for a heating pad as it increases the effect of the spray.
- Tapes and gauze: Some home injuries cannot be managed with bandages and antiseptics alone. Especially the ones that lead to the loss of blood. For them, you need sterile gauzes and medical tapes handy. Where antiseptics will help clean the wound, the gauze and tape will cover it fully and keep it safe.
- Pain relievers: Any injury, be it small or big, leads to pain. Keeping a few pain relievers like Paracetamol is a must. Taking a pain reliever might not eliminate the pain completely, but it can certainly keep it under control until your child gets to meet the doctor.
- Antihistamines: Air pollution gives birth to many allergic reactions and you never know how it is going to affect your child. Until it actually does! Antihistamine is very good when it comes to taking care of allergies. Especially the ones that don’t need medical attention. Although, we would advise you to speak to your child’s doctor before administering antihistamines.
- Tweezers: Never underestimate the importance of a fine-tipped pair of tweezers. They prove to be very helpful in more ways than one. Children have a tendency to play around bushes and trees. A lot many things, like splinters, can get lodged in their skin from there. That’s where tweezers come to the rescue! Always sterilise the tweezers with an antiseptic liquid before using them.
- Fungal medicines: If your child is exposed to a hot and humid climate, then your first-aid kit must have fungal medicines in it. Fungal infections are very itchy and can’t be managed without medication. They can attack any part of the body and can get very embarrassing. Anti-fungal creams, powder or pills can provide timely relief from them.
- Fever medication and thermometer: The all year round changing weather and winds make children very prone to fever. Which can easily be detected with a good digital thermometer as they are the most accurate. So always keep one in your first-aid kit. Also, not all fevers need a doctor’s advice. Since fevers are very common, giving paracetamol or any other medicine can make your child feel better.
- Nail clippers: A little unusual for the first-aid kit, but necessary. Because paying attention to your child’s nails is also important. Ingrown toenails can be a very painful experience for your child. Also, since children play outside a lot, dirt stuck in their nails can lead to many infections. So always keep a nail clipper in your first-aid kit. You are certainly going to need it from time to time.
None of us wants to have to use a first-aid kit, of course. But it’s a tool that can help us handle an emergency better. So even if you think that you don’t need one, get out of the house and buy one. It will only make you more responsible towards your children and keep them safe. After all, your children’s safety is your first concern.