It’s likely that if you’ve done a fair amount of travel with kids or outdoor adventure, you’ve needed a medicine kit. My son especially has used everything on our first aid kit list because of scrapes, bug bites or even sunburn. He loves to explore and touches everything, which makes me even more prepared for the inevitable ouchies.
Unless you’re hiking into the backcountry for days, these ideas basic first aid kit will have you ready for this summer – from both a prevention and treatment perspective! As an ambassador for CHPA Educational Foundation’s KnowYourOTCs.org, who is sponsoring this post, I’m happy to share our First Aid Kit List – including our Medicine List that we always have on hand – as well as some great prevention tips for big bug bites.
First Aid Kit List
Unless you’re hiking into the backcountry for days, these ideas for a basic first aid kit will have you ready for this summer – from both a prevention and treatment perspective! The video below shows how easy it is to make a DIY first aid kit that prepares us for bugs and blisters! Our list of first aid kit supplies list includes:
- Anti-itch cream
- Bug spray
- Anti-bacterial bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Sunscreen
- Antiseptic wipes
- Allergy medicine
- Pain reliever
- Tools: small scissors, tweezers, cotton swabs, etc
Medicine Kit
Related: Do Black Kids Need Sunscreen? YES!
How to Get Rid of Bug Bites Fast
For tips on how to get rid of bug bites fast, this post on Skin Health from KnowYourOTCs.org is fantastic as a resource. It lists all the active ingredients you’ll need to have on hand to clean and treat scrapes and bumps… like big bites.
And for the kids who can’t stop scratching bug bites, these three tips may also come in handy!
- Consider OTC allergy medicines, including medicines containing diphenhydramine, to find relief from itchiness. It’s also safe to use OTC hydrocortisone cream/ointment on bites that aren’t scratched open.
- Use an emery board to soften your child’s nails so that when they scratch in their sleep, their nails will be soft and less likely to break the skin.
- Cover up bites that drive kids crazy with bandages or clothing as a cue for them not to scratch (the cycle of scratching and itchy can go on and on — avoiding the scratch helps them calm down).
Related: How to Dispose of Medications Properly
Prevention Tips for Huge Mosquito Bites
For prevention of huge mosquito bites, be sure to follow the tips below. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported illnesses from mosquitos, ticks, and fleas have tripled in the U.S. since 2004! Here are four great summer bug tips for parents from Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson of Seattle Children’s Hospital:
- Don’t use bug repellent on young infants
- Only apply bug repellent to healthy skin and on the outside of clothes
- Apply bug spray 15-20 minutes before going outdoors
- DEET is safe to use and VERY effective
First Aid Kit Supplies
First Aid Kit Supplies List
We love this DIY video and think it’s a fun and helpful way to showcase the importance of prevention and preparation while offering a first aid kid supplies list that every parent needs! The video provides step-by-step instructions to packing a first-aid kit.
Related: Mom’s Guide to the Common Cold
