While having a first-aid kit on hand at all times is a great idea, it's perhaps more so in the warmer weather months. Spring and summer, when you're outdoors more frequently and generally being more active, often bring more injuries — cuts, scrapes, bruises and bug bites topping the list of “owies” that may require the supplies found in a first-aid kit. So ensure you're ready for whatever ails your family with a well-stocked kit, making sure to throw out any expired products and replenish with new items as needed. Here is your first-aid checklist, courtesy of MomsWhoThink (and moms who have been there!).
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Basic First-Aid Supplies
- Alcohol or antiseptic wipes
- Elastic bandage
- Adhesive cloth tape
- Antiobiotic ointment, such as Neosporin
- Children's Tylenol or Children's Motrin (& adult and infant versions as well/as needed!)
- Band-Aids
- Burn cream or aloe vera gel for minor burns
- Hydrocortisone cream for itchy bites
- Calamine or Caladryl for poison ivy, oak and sumac rashes
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- Eye wash kit
- Instant cold pack
- Insect sting stick
- Scissors
- Sterile gauze pads
- Tweezers
- Tick removal kit
OPTIONAL/AS-NEEDED EXTRAS:
- CPR instruction card
- Disposable gloves
- EpiPen for severe allergies
- First-aid guide
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
RELATED: Baby Safety Checklist