Healthy Begins Here

Healthy Child Healthy World

A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential when you have children. To be prepared, keep one in your home and in your car. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following (and we’ve made note of some natural alternatives):

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) – If you have small children, make sure you have very small sizes on hand. Try Eco-Guard Bandages
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) All Terrain carries a natural, latex-free Tender Tape, but the dimensions are 5 yards by 2 inches.
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) – Try All Terrain Antiseptz Gel.
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets – Use a non-toxic baby wipe like Seventh Generation’s  to first clean the surface and then use a botanical-based antiseptic wipe like EO Sanitizing Hand Wipes or CleanWell Pocket Packs to sterilize the wound. Antiseptic wipes and sprays (whether they are natural or not) do not work on soiled surfaces. You must remove dirt first.
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) – Try Wally’s Itch Away Oil.
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide) – Try All Terrain Latex-Free Gauze Roll.
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches) – All Terrain has gauze pads, but only in a 2×2 size.
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

A couple other items you may want to include:

• Aloe vera gel to soothe the inflammation of sunburn and common kitchen scalds and burns.
• Electrolyte replacement like powdered Emergen-C packets or Coconut Water.

Don’t want to fuss with finding everything? Check out the Lifeline Green First Aid Kit (note: it does not include everything recommended above).?

In addition to the basic necessities, include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly to replace any missing items or products that have expired.

Consult a qualified practitioner before using any topical herbal applications. Some herbs, such as chamomile, are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis. For any treatment, watch carefully for any adverse reactions.

Do you know any additional substitutes for this list? Other ideas for items to include? Share with us in the Parenting Exchange.