Guest Author - Kimberly Misra

A small travel first aid kit can be worth its weight in gold. While most places you visit will have the basic necessities, it’s nice to have what you need on hand when your child comes down with a fever in a strange city or scrapes his knee in the hotel parking lot. Pack supplies inside a small plastic container, a gallon size Ziploc bag, or a soft-sided zippered bag. Be sure to check airline regulations if you want to pack your kit in your carry-on bag since some items may not be allowed. What supplies should you consider?

1. Prescription medications. Take whatever your family needs for the time you’ll be away, plus extra in case you get stranded. Also pack a copy of prescriptions, including prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses. These should always go in your carry-on bags if you’re flying.

2. Bandages. Lots of them. Pack an assortment of sizes and shapes, plus some with kid-friendly designs. Bring thicker bandages and a roll of waterproof tape for bigger wounds. A small sheet of moleskin comes in handy for blisters.

3. A pair of scissors. They’re useful for trimming bandages to size, cutting adhesive tape, or just snipping tags off the kids’ souvenirs.

4. Cotton balls and Q-tips. Stick a few in a small plastic bag. You can use them to apply topical medications and antiseptics.

5. Pain relievers. Bring something for each member of the family, including the baby. It’s best to leave these in their original bottle rather than transferring them to a travel container. Get the smallest size possible.

6. A small first aid book. To coach you on how to treat wounds, administer CPR, and more.

7. A thermometer. If you’ve got little kids you’ll probably want an ear thermometer; they’re quick and fairly accurate. For infants, you’ll need to use a rectal thermometer. Older kids do fine with a regular electronic thermometer under the tongue.

8. Antiseptic wipes and creams. Individually packaged antiseptic wipes are great to have in your kit; they pack small and stay moist. Also pack a tube of antibiotic cream to use on wounds.

9. Calamine lotion. Bring a small container if you’ll be going somewhere where mosquitoes or poison ivy may be a problem.

10. Tweezers. Pack a good pair to aid in removing splinters.

11. Sunscreen. Look for a waterproof children’s formula. Also pack a tube of stick sunscreen with zinc oxide for faces and ears.

12. Diaper rash cream. Babies are more rash-prone while traveling, so bring some even if your child doesn’t usually get rashes.