Spring sports are here and summer adventures are just around the corner—and if your household is anything like mine, that means scraped knees, bug bites, mystery rashes, and the occasional dramatic injury that requires both medical attention and a popsicle. As a nurse and a mom of two active kids, being prepared with right first aid essentials is necessary.
Whether we’re on the sidelines of a soccer game, hiking a trail, or spending a day at the beach, my kit is ready for whatever bumps, bites, and bruises come our way. Here’s what I have on hand, and some practical tips I’ve picked up along the way:
What’s In My First Aid Kit :
- Adhesive bandages (all the basic sizes; forget the fancy knuckle bandaids)
- Steri-Strips/butterflies
- Gauze (roll, 2×2’s and 4×4’s) + medical tape ( I like waterproof or 3M Transpore)
- Antiseptic Spray (forget the wipes-they dry out before you even use them and it’s easier to spray the wound of a crying kid. I like Bactine or Dermoplast because they contain a topical analgesic to ease some of the pain.)
- Tweezers (for splinters or stingers)
- Small scissors
- Instant cold packs
- elastic bandage wrap
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Children’s (and adult) pain reliever
- Children’s Benadryl
- Allergy medication (Allegra, Zyrtec or Claratin)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Blister pads or moleskin (because cleats)
- Hand sanitizer + gloves
I started with a basic but well-rounded first aid kit, then built on it by adding and restocking individual supplies as needed. I like to buy items like bandages, ointments, and medications in their full-size boxes so I can easily replenish the kit without repurchasing a whole set. I stock up on instant cold packs in bulk since they’re great for everything from sports injuries and bug bites to cooling down someone who’s overheated. I keep my main kit in the car—because wherever my car is, I usually am too—and we also have one in my husband’s vehicle. All extra supplies are stored in our bathroom closet and I keep a stock of our favorite Welly bandages in the kitchen for easy access.
Some comprehensive kits include single-dose medications, but it’s important to check expiration dates regularly and replace them as needed. One thing I’ve noticed is that most kits don’t include Benadryl—and it’s actually one of the medications I reach for most often. Whether it’s food allergy reactions from soccer tournament snacks or environmental allergies during outdoor sports, I have been grateful to have an antihistamine on hand more than once.
