DIY First Aid Kit Essentials

Your family is your number one priority and you’d do anything to keep them safe. That’s why building a family first-aid kit is so important. Store-bought, preassembled kits are typically budget-friendly and great for stocking up on the basics. But personalizing your kit to fit your family is the best way to make sure you’re getting the most protection. Check out this list of ideas for your kit:

• Thermometer
• Children’s and/or infants’ acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fevers or mild pain
• Antihistamines for allergic reactions, rashes, and insect bites
• Topical calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for rashes and bug bites
• Rubbing alcohol wipes to clean tweezers and thermometers
• Petroleum jelly
• Antibiotic ointment for cuts 
• Eye wash to help rinse irritants from eyes
• Nose drops in case of a stuffy nose
• Aloe gel for burns
• Tweezers for removing ticks and splinters
• Scissors
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Nasal aspirator bulb
• Adhesive bandage strips in various sizes and shapes
• Gauze rolls and pads
• Adhesive tape
• Sterile cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Non-latex gloves
• Mild liquid soap
• Oral syringe, cup or spoon for administering medicines
• Package of tongue depressors for checking sore throats
• Hot water bottle and ice pack
• Small flashlight for checking ears, nose, throat, and eyes
• Blanket
• First aid manual
• Phone numbers for your family doctor or pediatrician, your local hospital, the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ national emergency hotline (800-222-1222), your local police and fire departments, and your two closest neighbors in case of an emergency.

Remember, it’s important to always talk with your doctor to make sure these medicines are safe for you and your family. Also, consider talking with your doctor about adding any tools or medicines to your first-aid kit that help combat allergy symptoms, like asthma inhalers, epinephrine injectors, or other prescription medicines.

Even with a family first aid kit, it’s important to know when to call 911. If a situation is dangerous or beyond your control, it’s important to bring in the professionals. But by taking these proactive steps now, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve got the tools to keep your family protected.