When preparing their home for a new baby, many parents realize they do not have a proper first aid kit. Every home should have a good first aid kit, and many parents also purchase additional kits to keep at work, in the car, or their baby’s diaper bag. Because babies are still developing their own immune systems, it is especially important to make sure any wound is quickly cleaned and bandaged to prevent infection.
- Picking a Baby First Aid Kit
- Top 10 Best Baby First Aid Kits 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby First Aid Kit: Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit
- 2. Best General-Purpose Baby First Aid Kit: Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit
- 3. Best Premium Baby First Aid Kit: M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit
- 4. Best Budget Baby First Aid Kit: Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit
- 5. Best Portable Baby First Aid Kit: PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit
- 6. Best First Aid Kit For Babies With Colds: Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby
- 7. Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit
- 8. Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit
- 9. First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
- 10. SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids
- Guide to Buying the Best Baby First Aid Kits
- Baby First Aid Kit FAQ
- First Aid: A Crucial Skill for Parents
Picking a Baby First Aid Kit
First aid is medical attention given immediately after an injury occurs. The most common injuries requiring first aid are cuts, scratches, scrapes, bruises, burns, and bug bites. For more serious injuries, administering first aid until medical care is available can make a big difference. A first aid kit is a collection of tools or supplies that are used for treating injuries or other conditions.
Because bandages and most other first aid supplies do not have age restrictions, most of the first aid kits on our list are not specifically designed for use only with babies. We recommend parents have at least one fully stocked first aid kit in their home at any time.
Choosing the Best First Aid Kit For Your Family
Because first aids come in all shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to pick favorites. In order to rank the first aid kits below and help you choose the best option for your family, here are the criteria we use.
What’s included?
The most important factor to consider before deciding which first aid kit to buy is the mix of tools and supplies. Kits with more advanced tools and supplies can be used to treat more serious injuries.
Convenience Factor
Even if your first aid kit has every supply you could need, it won’t do much good if you can’t find it in your kit. We’ll also let you know how often you can expect to have to replenish the supplies in each kit.
Carrying Case
A carrying case keeps all of the supplies in your first aid kit together and organized when not in use. Being able to find the right supplies quickly is important in a first aid situation. We’ll let you know how well the carrying case included with each kit performs.
Safety Factor
In this section of each review, we will let you know what injuries you are able to treat with the listed first aid kit. Some of the products on our list are only for dealing with basic scrapes and cuts while others have tools for treating more serious injuries. Families who will be spending lots of time outdoors may want to consider a first aid kit that also includes tools for surviving in the wilderness.
Value
We know having a baby around the house can be expensive! That’s why we make it a point to seek out budget-friendly options to recommend.
You have lots of choices when shopping for a first aid kit for your family. To help you decide which one to purchase, we compiled a list of the best baby first aid kits for 2021.
Top 10 Best Baby First Aid Kits 2023
1. Best Overall Baby First Aid Kit: Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
Inside the Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit, parents will find six products that are each designed to remedy a specific ailment common in babies. All the first aid products contained in this kit are safe to use on newborns. Inside the kit, the first thing you will find is saline spray and an aspirator for little noses. The saline spray is non-medicated and flushes out mucus while the nasal aspirator safely removes it.
There are two products included to help your little one with their tummy troubles. First is the Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops, a natural remedy to help remove excess gas from eating or swallowing. This product is safe to use up to 12 times per day. Also for stomach discomfort, the Little Remedies Gripe Water is a safe herbal remedy for stomach discomfort caused by colic, hiccups, and gas.
The next included essential is the Little Remedies Infant Fever medicine. Useful for minor aches associated with teething, the flu, or a common cold, this medicine is proven to safely reduce fever. It contains no ibuprofen or aspirin. Rounding out the package is a 2-ounce package of the original Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. This is one of our favorite treatments for diaper rash and begins soothing your little one’s symptoms on contact.
Carrying Case
The Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit does not come with a carrying case.
Convenience Factor
The major convenience provided by the Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit is that it is a well-thought-out set of remedies for problems that new parents may not anticipate before their baby begins suffering from an upset stomach or another ailment. Any parent can tell you being able to skip a trip to the pharmacy in the middle of the night is a big convenience. This makes this set an excellent baby shower gift.
Safety Factor
Even though the Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit does not provide bandages or other typical first aid supplies. The six included items all do an effective job of providing relief for their individual ailments.
Value
Buying the Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit gets you 6 excellent remedies for your baby at substantial savings compared to buying each product individually.
Overall
Parents will want to look elsewhere for bandages and other typical first aid supplies for their family, but the Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit is a great selection of baby-safe remedies that are guaranteed to save the day.
Pros
- Contains 6 highly-rated remedies for baby
- Helps relieve congestion, tummy problems, fevers, pain, and diaper rash
- Great gift for new parents
Cons
- Does not include a carrying case
- Does not include first aid essentials such as bandages
2. Best General-Purpose Baby First Aid Kit: Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
A complete first-aid kit for your baby as well as the rest of your family, the Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit contains a wide selection of supplies that is suitable as a primary first-aid kit for your home as well as a portable solution for family camping trips or hikes. With over 80 bandages of seven different types, this kit is well suited for patching up the occasional scrape and cut as well as more serious injuries.
In addition to the wide variety of first-aid supplies included, the Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit includes a selection of tools useful in a survival situation like a fire-starting kit, signaling mirror, and emergency blanket.
Carrying Case
The Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit is contained inside a lightweight and water-resistant bag. While this kit is too large for a diaper bag or most strollers, it’s a great option for parents to keep around the house, in the car, or on a boat. After unzipping, the case opens wide and allows easy visibility to help find the supplies you need quickly and easily.
Convenience Factor
With a comfortable handle, the Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit is easy to take along with you. It opens quickly and is well-organized.
Safety Factor
The Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit is one of our favorite family first aid kits for enjoying the great outdoors. When you are camping or hiking with babies or young children, having a well-equipped first aid kit is very important.
Value
Considering the number of tools and supplies provided with the Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit, the price is reasonable.
Overall
With a huge selection of bandages, the Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First Aid Kit is a great first aid kit for treating mild and moderate injuries to your baby, yourself, and your family. This kit would be handy to have around the house, but the addition of survival tools makes it a great fit for families who are camping and hiking.
Unless you need baby-specific tools or want a kit with a larger number of supplies, this is the first aid kit for you and your baby.
Pros
- Large selection of bandages and first aid supplies
- Lightweight and water-resistant carrying case
- Includes additional survival tools for camping, hiking, etc
Cons
- Survival tools may be overkill for home first aid kits
- Slightly too large for carrying in a diaper bag or stroller
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
With over 40 unique items included, the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit has a huge selection of supplies to help parents deal with any basic first aid situation, no matter where they are. There are 10 different kinds of bandages ensuring you’ll have the right size and shape to patch up any cuts or open wounds. There are also several rolls of sterile gauze and medical tape as well as sponges and pads.
As far as first aid tools are concerned, the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit comes with an impressive selection including a CPR mask, scissors, tourniquet, tweezers, and lots more. There are also five different kinds of wipes to help parents sterilize wounds and relieve itching from bug bites. There are 12 of each wipe included, so this kit can be used many times before the supplies need to be replaced.
Carrying Case
With a big, comfortable foam handle, the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit carrying case is lightweight and compact. When opened, there are several clear plastic compartments that make the supplies easy to see. However, because there are so many supplies in the kit, it can still be difficult to quickly locate the exact bandage you are looking for.
Convenience Factor
Great for anywhere your family goes, the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit contains all the tools and supplies needed to deal with a mild or moderate first aid situation. The supplies and tools are organized well in the case, but it can be difficult to keep everything in the correct places after using this kit a few times.
Safety Factor
With one of the widest selection of bandages, supplies, and first aid tools in any of the kits we reviewed, it’s hard to think of any situations that the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit won’t have you feeling prepared for. The huge selection of bandages makes sure that you’ll always have the right one for the job.
Value
It’s more expensive than most of the other family-friendly first aid kits we reviewed, but the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit packs so many supplies in its compact case that the price tag is justified.
Overall
For large families or anyone else who wants to stock up on first aid supplies, the M2 Basics 300-Piece First Aid Kit is a great choice. Parents willing to spend a little bit more on this kit will be rewarded with the peace of mind that they will not be caught unprepared in an emergency situation.
Pros
- Huge selection of bandages, gauze, and other first-aid supplies
- Great for home or keeping in the car
- Carrying case with large, clear pockets
Cons
- A large number of supplies makes this kit difficult to keep organized
4. Best Budget Baby First Aid Kit: Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
Parents are likely to recognize most of the brand names of the first aid supplies included with this kit. Starting with a wide selection of Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages of all shapes and sizes, the kit also includes Neosporin antiseptic cream, Benadryl anti-ich cream, and Tylenol.
While not every product included with the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit is made for use with babies and small children, the excellent quality of the Band-Aid bandages makes patching up your little one’s cuts and scrapes easy. Parents can be sure that these will not peel off easily or fray, even when worn by an active little one.
Carrying Case
The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit comes in a hard plastic case with a comfortable carrying handle. There are no dividers or compartments on the inside of this kit, instead, the supplies can be left in their boxes or placed loosely in the container.
Convenience Factor
While the case makes this kit easy to carry, once opened, a lack of organization makes keeping all the supplies in one place a challenge. Keeping the Band-Aids in their box is the easiest way to keep the sizes and types organized.
Safety Factor
The Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit does not contain many extras, but it has the perfect mix of high-quality first aid supplies to treat any scrape, cut, or bite your little one may end up with.
Value
Even before factoring in the carrying case, this kit offers over twenty dollars worth of medical supplies for a price that is barely half of that. That makes the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit our favorite value first aid kits for families with babies.
Overall
The plastic carrying case leaves a lot to be desired, but the excellent selection of high-quality, brand-name first aid products included with the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit makes it a smart buy for any family. If you plan to take your first aid kit on the go regularly, though, you may want to consider our premium pick instead.
Pros
- Large selection of Band-Aid bandages and other brand-name first aid supplies
- Substantial savings compared to buying each product individually
- Includes creams for sterilizing wounds and stopping itch
Cons
- The carrying case is difficult to organize
5. Best Portable Baby First Aid Kit: PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
Perfect for carrying along in a purse or a diaper bag, the PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit has everything a mom or dad needs to handle any minor first-aid situation while out and about. Included in the kit are 4 different sizes of high-quality fabric plaster bandages. There are also two sizes of sterile gauze, a roll of medical tape, and packets of four different creams and ointments useful for a variety of ailments.
As far as wipes, this kit has parents covered with both antibacterial wipes as well as antiseptic wipes for cleaning cuts and open wounds. This kit also includes two disposable thermometer strips for quickly checking your little one’s temperature quickly. The set also includes tweezers, nail clippers, and bandage scissors. Finally, there is a sheet of stickers to reward brave patients!
Carrying Case
Our favorite part of the PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit is the included expandable pouch that is small enough to carry with you anywhere. When needed, the case quickly unfolds and provides access to a bunch of well-organized compartments. There are even extra compartments to add any extra items you need. The carrying case looks great and is available in three different designs.
Convenience Factor
Because it folds up to be just 5.5” tall and 3.75” tall, the PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit is one of the most convenient first aid kits for parents to carry. It easily unfolds to provide quick access to the many compartments.
Safety Factor
Thanks to the wide variety of creams and ointments included, the PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit is a perfect grab-and-go solution that will make sure you are ready for most minor first-aid situations including scrapes, burns, bug bites, cuts and more.
Value
Even though you will need to refill the bandages, creams, and wipes after only a few uses, the PreparaKit Take-Along First Aid Kit’s excellent reusable carrying case makes it a good value.
Overall
Though this little first aid kit won’t let you take along enough supplies to last forever, it’s small size makes it a perfect case to bring with you on trips.
Pros
- Convenient compact carrying case
- Includes various wipes and ointments
- Available in 3 designs
Cons
- Needs to be refilled after every few uses
6. Best First Aid Kit For Babies With Colds: Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
Unlike many of the first aid kits for babies we reviewed, the Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby does not contain any bandages or gauze. Instead, it contains four essential products that any parent with a sick baby is sure to appreciate. First, the appropriately named “Snotsucker” aspirator helps parents keep their baby’s nasal passages clear. The accompanying “Snotwipes” also help with that purpose.
Also included with Baby Sick Day Kit is the Accu-Dose pacifier syringe that makes administering medicine to a sick baby a surprisingly painless experience. Rounding out the kit is a .5 ounce container of mild vapor rub that is safe for infants and will help your little one breathe when they are congested.
Carrying Case
The Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby comes with four great products, but it does not come with a carrying case.
Convenience Factor
The four products in this kit are absolutely essential for helping an infant with a cold relax and fall asleep. Having this kit in your medicine cabinet is really convenient when your baby comes down with a cold and helps everyone get a good night of sleep.
Safety Factor
The Baby Sick Day Prep Kit contains almost everything needed to soothe a baby with a cold, but you will need a traditional first aid kit to deal with cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Value
The Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby carries a premium price tag, but it’s the best kit on the market for soothing a baby with a cold.
Overall
Instead of a traditional first aid kit, the Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby focuses on products specifically for babies who are suffering from a cold. It’s more expensive than most other products we reviewed, but it does a great job of soothing a congested baby and helps everyone in the house sleep through the night.
Between the two best baby-specific first aid kits on the market, this one has more medicine suited for cold remedies, while the other is designed to handle a wide range of maladies—at the cost of some neat tools/
Pros
- Four essential products for babies with a cold
- “Snotsucker” and “Snotwipes” keep baby’s nasal passages open
- Pacifier style syringe for administering cold medicine
Cons
- Only contains cold remedy products
7. Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
The Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit is a compact set with a wide selection of first-aid tools you will be happy to have nearby in the event of a medical emergency. Good for home, the car, or the diaper bag, this kit contains over 50 bandages and gauze pads of all shapes and sizes. There are also antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds and an instant cold compress for applying cold to injuries.
The kit weighs less than one pound and also includes packets of antibacterial ointment as well as cotton swabs for applying it. There are four wooden finger splints and a pair of examination gloves. Also included is a first aid guide that offers simple and easy-to-understand guidance in first aid situations. While the selection of items included with this kit is impressive, many items are provided in small enough quantities that they will need to be replenished after a few uses.
Carrying Case
The Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit comes in a sturdy, high-density plastic case that is small enough for a backpack, diaper bag, or carry-on luggage. The easy-slide latches on the top of the case keep it securely closed when not in use. Once opened, the case has several interior compartments that help to keep it organized.
Convenience Factor
The sheer amount of different first-aid treatment included with the Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit makes it a good choice for parents who want a simple and complete first aid kit. Even if you don’t open it until you need to perform first aid on your child or someone else, you won’t have a problem finding whatever you need quickly.
Safety Factor
Even though there is a wide variety of treatment products included in this kit, the limited quantity of each item means that parents with larger families may want to look for a larger kit.
Price
At under $10, the Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit is an affordable option for parents who want a small but comprehensive first-aid kit. Some parents may want to purchase several in order to keep these handy kits in multiple locations.
Overall
A compact first-aid solution for parents looking for a kit for home, work, or travel. The Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece First Aid Kit has a wide variety of first-aid supplies and lots of bandages, but the antiseptic cream and other items are in short supply. This is a great kit to leave in a vehicle, diaper bag, or stroller.
Pros
- Compact, impact-resistant case
- 100 well-organized first aid supplies included
- Easy slide latches are easy to open and keep case secure
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited supplies of antiseptic cream, gloves, and instant cold compress
8. Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
The Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit contains many first aid supplies that can help you treat your baby in any situation. The products in this kit are particularly well suited to outdoor adventures. These supplies include an emergency blanket, CPR mask, and tourniquet. These items are sure to come in handy in situations where you or your child suffer a moderate injury while off the beaten path.
In addition to the usual assortment of bandages and sterile gauze, the Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit contains eyewash, tweezers, and medical scissors.
Carrying Case
The Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit comes with a lightweight pouch with two zippered pockets. The carrying case is made from tough fabric and the high-strength zippers stay intact even when tugged on. There is a fabric hook that can be used to hang the case.
Convenience Factor
While the case is light and small enough to carry anywhere, it can be difficult to find the correct bandage or supply without emptying the contents of the pouch that you are searching in.
Safety Factor
Because of the advanced supplies included, the Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit contains anything you need to attend to a mild or moderate injury to yourself or your baby. This is a good choice for long walks or hikes.
Value
The Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit is a little more expensive than other 100-piece first aid kits we reviewed, but the advanced supplies included make it well worth the price, especially for parents who will be taking their kids to more remote locations.
Overall
Designed more for serious injury than the everyday cuts and scrapes, the Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit will give parents peace of mind when enjoying the outdoors with their babies and small children.
Pros
- Lightweight pouch with high-strength zippers
- Contains supplies for mild and moderate first-aid situations
- Great for hiking or biking with your baby
Cons
- Difficult to find specific supplies without emptying the entire pouch
9. First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
The First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit has over 150 bandages for all size bodies and injuries. While it is not the most organized first aid kit we reviewed, there is no denying that there are a ton of supplies included. Inside the soft carrying case, there are lots of disposable patches containing creams and wipes for sterilizing wounds, treating burns and bug bites, and providing relief from bee stings.
The kit is mostly comprised of disposable supplies, which make it ideal for daycare centers or camps with lots of babies and young children. There are a limited number of tools included with this set. This includes a pair of scissors, tweezers, and a simple thermometer. There is also an instant cold compress for any situation where an injury needs to be treated with ice.
Carrying Case
The included carrying case is compact, lightweight, and opens easily. Unfortunately, once the First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit is open, the contents of the kit are not very well organized, this can be frustrating in a situation requiring immediate first aid.
Convenience Factor
The large number of bandages and other supplies included with this kit means that you will be able to keep the First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit around without needing to replenish it for some time. Unfortunately, the general lack of organization inside the kit makes it difficult to tell exactly what supplies are getting low.
Safety Factor
There are enough bandages in this kit to patch up your baby’s mild wounds including cuts and scrapes for a few years. Parents should note that the included pain relievers are not safe or properly dosed for babies or young children.
Value
The First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit offers a ton of useful first aid supplies for an excellent price.
Overall
Focusing mostly on disposable first aid supplies, the First Aid Only 298-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit is a great value for parents willing to work with the disorganized presentation. This product is also a good buy for parents looking to replenish the supplies in their existing first aid kid without overpaying.
Pros
- Huge selection and supply of adhesive bandages
- Excellent value
- Lightweight carrying case
Cons
- Disorganized compared to other first aid kits we reviewed
10. SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids
Editor’s Rating:
What’s Included
The SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids is a simple first aid kit with all the products needed to properly treat cuts and scrapes. There are 38 total bandages, most of which have pictures of Spongebob and other characters. Parents should note that there are 10 sheer bandages that do not have pictures or characters on them, which can lead to disappointment when an injured child has been promised a SpongeBob bandage!
Aside from the bandages themselves, there are six sterile pads, three antiseptic wipes, and 3 single-use packets of antibiotic ointment. All the fit nicely in the small, plastic carrying case featuring a colorful picture of SpongeBob Squarepants.
Carrying Case
The included carrying case is made from hard plastic and is divided into four compartments for storing each of the bandages, wipes, and ointments included with this kit. Little ones will love seeing SpongeBob on the cover of the case. This is helpful when trying to calm a scared baby after an accident but may encourage them to play with this kit if it is left within their reach.
Convenience Factor
The SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids is a simple and convenient kit that helps parents treat minor cuts and scrapes easily. With only three antiseptic wipes and ointment included, however, this kit can only be used a few times before needing a refill.
Safety Factor
While the SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids has everything needed to handle extremely minor first aid situations. There are no bandages for more serious injuries or ointments for burns or bug bites. Parents should make sure this is not the only first aid kit located in the house.
Value
At under $10, the SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids is a great pick for households with kids who love Spongebob.
Overall
While parents will want to also have a more robust first aid kit around the house for tending to injuries that are more severe than simple cuts and scrapes, the SpongeBob First Aid Kit for Kids is an inexpensive kit that can comfort your little one after an injury.
Pros
- Well-organized plastic carrying case featuring SpongeBob Squarepants
- Over 35 bandages with characters from the beloved cartoon
- Helps calm nervous patients while tending to cuts and scrapes
Cons
- Only suitable for minor injuries
- Contains several bandages with no character graphics
Guide to Buying the Best Baby First Aid Kits
Especially as your little one gets older and more capable, they will find lots of ways to hurt themselves. The most frequent injuries most parents will see will be minor scrapes and cuts. The most important part of treating open wounds is keeping them free from infection. This is done by cleaning the wound and then applying a bandage, usually an adhesive type, to cover the wound.
While some bandages may feature fun colors or cartoon characters, there is no difference between a bandage for a baby or an adult.
Some kits do contain extra products that only babies might need, but any kit on this list should be able to handle a vast majority of problems that occur.
For babies and toddlers, bandages may become a choking hazard when children are not supervised. If the wound is in an area covered by pants or a long sleeve shirt, hiding the bandage behind the clothing is usually a pretty effective way to get your little one to leave it alone. Parents may want to use a liquid bandage treatment for wounds to a baby’s hands.
Emergency Care For Babies
Very few things are more stressful for a parent than thinking about their baby needing emergency care. Because a baby’s body is still developing and growing at such a rapid rate, administering first aid to a baby in a medical crisis is much different than first aid for an adult. To minimize the chances of complications from a traumatic injury, it’s important to begin first aid right away. Here are some common first aid situations encountered by parents and some basic first aid advice.
Bruises
If your baby has an injury that you think may become black and blue later, you can help minimize their pain and recovery time by taking a few steps right away. Immediately putting ice or a cold pack on the injured area and raising it above their heart will help reduce inflammation and minimize the amount of bruising and swelling as the injury heals. 48 hours after the injury, place a warm washcloth on the bruised area for 10 minutes at a time, three times per day. This helps improve circulation and encourages healing.
While it’s common for babies to bruise fairly easily. If you notice your baby bruising after light contact or for no reason at all, you should contact your baby’s pediatrician. You should also consult a doctor if your baby’s bruises do not go away on their own after two weeks
Scrapes/Cuts
Before you start first aid for your baby’s cut or scrape, it’s important to make sure to wash your own hands. This minimizes the chance of germs finding their way into your baby’s open wound and causing an infection.
If your baby’s wound is still bleeding, then the first thing to do is to apply pressure in order to minimize blood loss. Ideally, you should use sterile gauze for this purpose, but any clean cloth will do win a pinch.
Once the bleeding has stopped, the next step is to clean and sterilize the cut. Begin by running the wound under cool running water for about 60 seconds in order to remove any foreign objects like grass, dirt, or gravel. If there is still visual debris in the wound, a pair of sterilized tweezers can be used to remove it. Next, the area around the cut should be washed with mild soap and warm water. Getting soap in the cut itself is not needed and can sting, so it should be avoided.
In the past, the conventional wisdom was to use hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or rubbing alcohol to disinfect wounds. Fortunately for today’s little ones, modern antibiotic ointments like Neosporin do a great job of disinfecting wounds without the intense burn. After applying an antibiotic ointment, the wound should be covered with a bandage. Bandages should be replaced daily until the wound is healed.
All of the first aid kits on our list, including our budget pick contain supplies for treating scrapes and cuts.
Burns
One of the most common types of injuries experienced by babies is burning, usually as a result of scalding with hot water or other liquids. In order to treat a burn, it’s important to first identify the severity. Here are the three types of burns as well as treatment instruction for each one.
First-Degree Burns
Only effecting the outer-most layers of skin, a first-degree burn is the least severe kind of burn. These burns cause redness, minor swelling, and pain. You should run cool water over the affected area for between 3 and 5 minutes. You can apply burn cream or aloe gel, but do not apply grease, butter, or any other folk remedies as these can cause the burn to become infected. The burned area should be kept clean and covered with a loose dressing for the next 24 hours.
Second-Degree Burns
These burns are more serious and deeper than first-degree burns. The most noticeable sign of a second-degree burn is the growth of painful blisters in the affected area. Parents should call emergency care immediately in the event of a second-degree burn or worse. It is important to not break any blisters and to keep the area elevated and covered until medical help arrives.
Third-Degree Burns
The most severe kind of burn, third-degree burns are an emergency and require calling 911 and getting your baby to the emergency room right away. After a third-degree burn, skin can look charred or waxy white. These burns penetrate all layers of the skin and may cause damage to the underlying tissue.
Bug Bites
While insect bites and stings are usually just itchy and inconvenient, a severe reaction can be life-threatening. Redness, pain, and swelling are common and do not require immediate medical attention. In these cases, lotion or ointment can be used to alleviate pain or itching. More severe reactions like difficulty breathing, facial swelling, and fever are possible and require immediate medical attention.
Poisoning
In the event your baby eats or drinks something hazardous, time is of the essence. It is important to stay calm and act quickly. If you find your child with an open container of poisonous liquid, take it away and check their mouth for any remaining substance. Have them spit out any excess liquid or remove it with your fingers. Disregard any poisoning advice on the product container as this may be outdated. Instead, call your local poison control number immediately. Do not make your child vomit unless instructed to do so by poison control.
Head Injury
Seeing your baby hit their head can be a terrifying sight for parents. If you see your baby fall and hit their head, it’s important to remain calm. Studies have shown that even scary looking falls rarely cause serious head injuries to babies. The first thing you must decide is whether or not to seek medical assistance for your baby’s injury. You should call 911 or bring your baby to the emergency room if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the head
- Excessive swelling or bruising
- Vomiting multiple times
- Changes in alertness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Trouble breathing
- A soft spot or dent in the skull
- Changes in the size of your baby’s pupils
If none of the above symptoms are noticed, first aid at home is sufficient to treat your baby’s injury. Apply ice to the injury if your baby can tolerate it and watch carefully for the development of additional symptoms.
Unresponsiveness
If your infant becomes unresponsive after an injury, it’s crucial to monitor their breathing and pulse until emergency medical services can arrive. First, flick the bottom of your infant’s foot to test for responsiveness. If this does not cause them to react, then you should progress to opening their airways and check for breathing. If at any point your child stops breathing, then begin CPR.
Baby First Aid Kit FAQ
Q: Do I need to buy a special first aid kit for my baby?
A: No! Most first aid supplies made for adult use are totally fine to use on infants. Bandages should be applied underneath clothing when possible to minimize choking hazards.
Q: What are some essential first aid supplies for babies?
A: In addition to the standard first aid tools and supplies for all ages, babies have specific needs that require additional ointments and medicines to provide relief. For effective remedies for everything from colic to diaper rash, we recommend the Little Remedies New Baby Essentials Kit.
Q: How can I help a congested baby?
A: Our favorite tool for removing excess mucus from your baby’s nose is appropriately named “Snotsucker.” This nasal aspirator comes as part of our favorite kit for sick babies, the Baby Sick Day Prep Kit by FridaBaby.
First Aid: A Crucial Skill for Parents
Keeping your family safe is about more than just buying a first aid kit. Taking some time now to learn the basics of first aid will prepare you to act in the crucial first minutes after an injury to your infant or another family member. Many new parents even choose to take a class in first aid in order to feel prepared for any emergency situation involving their little ones. We think that’s a great idea.