By Dr. Kathleen Swayne, Pediatric Associates of Williamsburg

Accidents happen, especially with little ones around, but having the right items on hand can help your family be prepared. A well-stocked, easily accessible first-aid kit will help put your mind at ease when small injuries or illnesses occur. You can purchase childproof, pre-made kits from the store or online, but putting together your own first-aid kit ensures it will have everything your child could need in an emergency.

First, choose a container that is durable, like a plastic tackle box or a container for storing art supplies, since they're lightweight, have handles and offer a lot of space.

Items in your kit should include:

• Pediatric first-aid manual (You can purchase one online)
• Sterile gauze pads of different sizes
• Adhesive tape
• Kid’s adhesive bandages in several sizes
• Antiseptic wipes or solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• Splint
• Soap or hand sanitizer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream (1%)
• Children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen with dosing cup or syringe
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Disposable instant cold packs
• Calamine lotion
• Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• Infant or child thermometer
• Plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Mouthpiece for administering CPR (can be obtained from your local Red Cross)
• List of emergency phone numbers
• Sunscreen
• Antihistamine (like Benadryl)
• Insect repellent

After you've stocked your first-aid kit:

• Read the entire first-aid manual so you'll understand how to use the contents of your kit. You can also review the manual with your child.
• Store your first-aid kit in a place that is out of children's reach but easily accessible for adults.
• Make sure any person who watches your child knows where to find the first-aid kit and how to use it.
• Try to keep the contents of the first-aid kit at room temperature to avoid damaging medications.
• Check the kit regularly. Replace missing items or medicines that may have expired. Check that batteries for flashlight still work.
• Once you have a kit for your home, put together another for your car.

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About CHKD Medical Group

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters has been the region’s most trusted name in pediatric care for more than 50 years. As members of CHKD Health System, our pediatricians work closely with CHKD’s full range of pediatric specialists and surgeons. They also share a commitment to quality, excellence and child-centered care. With 18 practices in 29 locations throughout the region, a CHKD pediatrician is never far.