Are you planning a family vacation and want to feel prepared? Keep scrolling to get my top tips for how to create a travel first aid kit for kids!
This travel first aid kit for kids packing list post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Are you looking for a way to prepare your family for any kind of travel?
If so, then this article is perfect for you! In it, I’ll be sharing my top tips on how to create a travel first aid kit.
These are great if you’re planning a long road trip with the kids, going on vacation at a resort, or camping with them. And they’re even useful when traveling internationally!
You’ll learn what items should go in your travel kit for kids and why they’re important. So keep reading and get ready to feel prepared no matter where life takes you!
When packing for family trips, there’s nothing worse than realizing that something crucial was left behind. That’s why it’s always best to plan ahead by creating an emergency first aid kit before heading out the door.
This will ensure that all bases are covered during your journey – no matter what comes up along the way!
Whether it’s an upset stomach from eating too much ice cream or getting stung by a bee while hiking through the woods, these supplies will help make sure everyone stays safe and healthy throughout their travels together.
Plus, having everything in one place makes things easier when trying to find medicine quickly in case of emergencies like fevers or allergic reactions.
It also helps prevent panic attacks from parents who don’t know where anything is located within their home cabinets (been there!).
Trust me – once you have everything organized into one place like this list recommends.
You’ll be surprised at how much stuff can fit into one small bag. I’ve even included some of the items that we use on our trips!
It’s also important to note that this is not an exhaustive list but rather just what I have found works best in our travels
Pack these items before your next big adventure so you can focus on having fun instead of worrying about whether or not there will be bandages if someone gets hurt.
And don’t forget – always check expiration dates before using anything from the kit!!
Happy traveling everyone!!
Travel First Aid Kit FAQs
It can be really helpful to have a first aid guidebook, in case you get flustered. You’ll also want lots of bandages and Neosporin. I’d also add in something to help soothe teething pain.
I’d add in infant Tylenol and infant ibuprofen. You might also include baby nail clippers, cotton balls, and a NoseFrida.
In case your car breaks down, it’s nice to have emergency blankets. You can also include cold packs, a first aid guide, and these vomit bags.
What to Put in a Travel First Aid Kit
What to include in a travel first aid kit really depends on where you are going.
Traveling to remote jungles or deserts poses a different set of potential risks than a resort vacation in a well-populated area. It’s always helpful to check the CDC website to see any recommended vaccines or medicine to pack.
Next, consider how easy or difficult it will be to acquire medical and first aid equipment in your destination. Are there local pharmacies that will sell items you frequently use?
Even if you are going somewhere remote, you will need less personal first aid equipment if you are traveling on an organized trek because this will be provided for you.
Whether you are staying in a town or the wilderness, though, there are certain things that should be found in any first aid kit for travelers.
DIY Travel First Aid Kit Items
Anything Brand-Specific
If you prefer certain brands take them with you, even if the items are easy to buy overseas. It will save you a lot of stress and keep you from wasting time looking for items at local pharmacies.
Oral Medications
This applies particularly to oral medication. You may be able to purchase anti-histamines at your destination but you may find you can’t purchase the non-drowsy kind.
If you will be driving on a road trip then take the non-drowsy kind with you if you think you may need them.
To make sure that the anti-histamines you take are the non-drowsy variety they should contain “loratadine”. If you do take medication from home, retain the original packaging in case of questions at airport security.
Baby Products
If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, you might want to include any specific ointments that work well for your child.
This also applies to any baby Tylenol, teething items, gripe water, etc. We even have stashed extra pacifiers because our kids were super particular about the brand.
Painkillers
Painkillers containing aspirin, paracetamol, or ibuprofen will be effective against a host of problems such as headaches, back pain, menstrual discomfort, and toothaches.
If you have children, be sure to take the soluble kind with you as they may not be universally available.
You should take blister packs of anything in tablet form because when carried loose, even in a tightly sealed bottle, they can absorb any moisture around and this will render them ineffective.
I always do this with allergy medicine, like Claritin or Allegra.
It can also be helpful to add in dissolve-in-your-mouth medication, in case you don’t have anything to drink with it.
And for kids, make sure to have baby Tylenol and/or children’s chewable Tylenol.
Antiseptic
Antiseptic some kind of antiseptic is a must. You may need to cover a wound before you are able to get some water to clean it and if this is the case then an antiseptic wipe or spray will kill any germs in the wound.
For ointment, our family goes through a lot of Neosporin. This tube is great. Plus, they even have a wound cleanser for kids.
Bandages
Plasters and bandages are the most important thing if you are camping or planning a remote vacation. You never know when someone will get hurt out in nature.
The trick here is to pack a variety of sizes of bandages. That way, you’ll have the right size no matter how big the cut is.
We used to include character bandages but quickly learned it was better to just pack plain bandages like these.
If you will be away from medical facilities, it’s good to also pack a sling. You may be able to improvise a sling if necessary but don’t rely on always having something appropriate to hand.
And it’s a good idea to pack an ace bandage. A couple of safety pins should be included for securing bandages, in case you lose the clips.
Tummy Medicine
Toilet troubles are super common when traveling away from home, especially in hot weather.
And any change in our diets can work in two ways. It can stop us up or it can cause us to be rushing in pain to the nearest toilet.
Eating plenty of fiber (or adding in Miralax) and taking in plenty of fluids will help to prevent constipation. But it’s wise to pack an over-the-counter remedy in case of more severe problems.
Diarrhea can be unpleasant and debilitating. Pack an over-the-counter remedy that contains “loperamide” such as Imodium as well as sachets of an oral rehydration remedy like this one will replace lost fluids and restore salt levels.
Allergies and Skin Problems
Sunscreen can be bought all over the world but if you want a very high factor of protection then you should take it with you.
Not everyone is as concerned with minimizing the harmful effects of the sun as you may be. We tend to only use reef-safe sunscreen, too.
In addition, you may need an after-sun product. If you do, consider taking one that contains aloe vera which can also be used to soothe other skin conditions such as some allergies and prickly heat. We love Maui Vera or Sun Bum!
A good anti-histamine will provide some relief from bites and allergies. Take them with you if you have a preferred brand as you may find choice limited wherever you are going.
Motion Sickness
Travel sickness medicine we may travel well at home but traveling when overseas may cause unexperienced travel sickness, especially on uneven roads in hot cramped vehicles.
Choose something that is suitable for all kinds of motion sickness. Personally, I always use Dramamine. Some medicine has different recommendations and may be better for sea journeys.
First Aid Kit Tools
Extras like scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer are useful additions to a first aid kit.
If you are carrying luggage into an airplane, be aware that you may not pack scissors or tweezers in carry-on bags. Instead, you should place these items in checked luggage or buy them at your destination.
Tweezers can be used for removing splinters of glass or grit from cuts and other wounds and also for removing ticks or stings.
If you are concerned about hygiene standards where you are going, then consider taking a pack of sterile needles and syringes.
If you choose not to do this and still have concerns, then do insist on seeing the person attending you remove these items from their wrappers to ensure they are clean.
Ready-Made Family Travel First Aid Kits
Sometimes the easiest way to create a first aid kit for kids is to start off with one that’s ready-made and add in your own items.
Personally, I think THIS is the best travel first aid kit.
Small First Aid Kits
If you’re looking for a first aid kit to throw in your diaper bag or carry-on luggage, the DecorRack First Aid Kit is a great option. It has 84 pieces compactly stored in a small plastic case.
We also like this Hard Shell Mini Compact First Aid Kit. It has 85 essential first aid supplies for treating common cuts, scrapes, minor aches, and injuries.
Plus, there are scissors, gloves, tweezers, a rescue whistle, a mouth-to-mouth mask, and other things besides an array of bandages.
First Aid Kit for Car Adventures
This Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit is really helpful for minor cuts, scrapes, sprains, and burns. It has 140 pieces and it’s perfect for your glove box or in an RV.
Another option for a car first aid kit is this Mini Survival First Aid Kit. This is a 112-piece kit that’s helpful for outdoor adventures like camping and hiking.
And if space isn’t an issue and you want to be fully prepared, order this Trauma First Aid Kit. This is a great first aid kit for road trips.
It has all the regular first aid supplies plus a flashlight, knife, fire starter, compass, whistle, emergency blanket, and more.
Best First Aid Kit for International Travel
For international travel where you aren’t sure you’ll be able to find medicine, get this International Traveler First Aid Kit. All the medicine is individually wrapped, which is super helpful.
Another option is this Complete Travel Size Medicine Kit with 6 different travel medications.
You’ll find medication for fevers, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, motion sickness, allergies, tummy aches, insomnia, heartburn, and dehydration.
Wrap Up
In this post, I have shared some of my favorite first aid items to pack in a travel first aid kit for families.
Remember that the key is finding things with more than one purpose and taking these whenever possible.
It may seem pessimistic to take so many supplies but it’s better to come home without any need for them than wish you had taken them on your trip.
If you are traveling with a partner, share the burden by splitting up the kit to save room.
We hope that we’ve been helpful and look forward to hearing from you!
Check out our other family travel content below if interested!