Traveling with a Baby: First-aid Kit
When traveling with a baby, it's important to always be prepared. Whether you buy a first-aid kit that's already been packed or you put together your own supplies, these are the things you might need for dealing with minor medical problems while traveling with a baby. Keep in mind that at the location you're traveling to may be a language barrier or brand names in the local pharmacy might be entirely different from the ones you use at home. Always check the packaging of each medicine to make sure it's suitable for your baby. If you're not sure, you should ask the pharmacist or phone your doctor.
Prescription medications - If your baby is taking any prescribed medicine, you should bring enough to last until you come home and go to see the doctor. You might bring the copy of the prescription, as well.
Medicine dropper, medicine spoon and medicine syringe - You should always bring some spare parts with you.
Thermometer - It's important that you measure your baby's exact body temperature if she seems ill or feels hot to touch.
Pain reliever/fever reducer - Before rushing to the doctor, you should try to lower your baby's temperature by yourself with an over-the-counter medicine. Baby acetaminophen or ibuprofen could also be used to relieve the pain.
Electrolyte replacement solution - If your baby gets diarrhea or starts vomiting, it's important to prevent dehydration. These rehydration powders are available in most pharmacies. Look for the ones suitable for babies.
Teething gel - It can help your baby relieve the teething pain. You might also bring a teething ring.
Cotton balls, strips and swabs - You might need them to clean the wounds.
Hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes - Sometimes you won’t be able to use soap and warm running water to wash your hands, so it’s important to have some adequate alternatives for hand-cleaning.
Rubbing alcohol - Rubbing alcohol is a handy chemical that can be used for various purposes (as a disinfectant or as a sterilizer).
Antiseptic cream or spray - If your baby gets any cuts or scrapes it's important to clean them and to treat them properly so that they don't become infected. Some antiseptic cream or spray may also contain a mild local anesthetic to ease the pain.
Sticky plasters - You'll need sticky plasters in different sizes and shapes to cover your baby's cuts or scrapes. There are even the decorative ones which will make your baby feel better in a second.
Sterile gauze bandages and adhesive tape - If there are any larger cuts or scrapes you should bandage them up with a sterile gauze bandage.
High factor sunscreen - It would be the best if you could keep your baby away from the sun, but if that's not possible, be sure to protect your child's skin from the sun. You should check with your pediatrician when can you start using sunscreen for your newborn baby.
Ice or gel packs - These cold packs should be applied to bumps and bruises to prevent or reduce swelling. Insect repellent - Be careful, since not every insect repellent is suitable for a baby.
Antihistamine cream or spray - You might need this cream or spray to soothe insect bites and stings and to reduce pain, heat, itching, redness or swelling.
Calamine cream or lotion - You might need this cream or lotion for soothing rashes, sunburns or any other minor skin irritations.
Saline solution and an eye-washer - You should use it to wash specks of dust or foreign bodies out of your baby’s sore eyes.
Tweezers - You might need them to remove splinters, thorns or ticks.
This is only a brief guideline for the healthy children. If your child has any medical problems that should be considered, you should consult your child's pediatrician for any additional information. What you’ll pack in your first-aid kit will also depend on the type of your vacation and the destinations you’re planning to visit. Cold or hot climates, malaria regions, countries where there are snakes or any other poisonous animals may require special medications or supplies.
