There will come a time when you will need a baby first-aid kit. Common childhood accidentsare the sort of thing that keeps you up at night but, unfortunately, accidents happen. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to see their little one unwell or hurt, but a bump on baby's head, scratches, bites, and skinned knees are all part of life.
In those moments, it’s essential to have everything you need to act quickly, which is why we have compiled the best baby first-aid kits, so that should the time come when you need it, you will be prepared.
What is a baby first-aid kit?
A baby first-aid kit is a container full of everything you may need in the event of illness or a minor accident. A baby first-aid kit is no different to a family first aid kit but may include some equipment tailored to smaller children or specifically for babies.
Where should first aid kits be located?
Your first aid kit should be locked and kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. It should be easily accessible in the event of an accident but out of reach of a curious hand.
What should your baby's first-aid kit include?
In the event of an accident, you want to be confident that you can get the supplies and information needed which could make all the difference in an emergency. Many of the items in your baby's first-aid kit can be used for your entire family. You can also add items as your child grow.
In your basic first-aid kit you will need:
• First-aid manual: Just incase you need to jog your memory.
• Plasters: These come in a range of different sizes and materials to cover minor cuts, scrapes or blisters.
• Gauze dressings: Good for larger cuts and grazes when a plaster isn't big enough.
• Two sterile eye dressings: For minor eye injuries or infections.
• Bandages: Tubular bandages are good for supporting strained joints, whereas a crepe bandage is used to secure dressings over larger cuts.
• Tweezers: Useful for removing splinters or thorns.
• Scissors: To help cut bandages.
• Alcohol-free cleansing wipes: To clean any cuts or grazes before applying a plaster or bandage.
• Baby thermometer (preferably digital): An essential in a baby first-aid kit to help detect if your baby has a fever.
• Skin rash cream, like Sudocrem: To help calm the rash.
• Painkillers: Speak to your pharmacist or GP to make sure this is suitable for your baby.
• Antiseptic cream: Such as Savlon, to help any minor wounds heal.
Do I need more than one first-aid kit?
It is a good idea to keep a large first aid kit in your home. We also recommend keeping a small first aid kit in the car for emergencies.
Where should you go if your baby is unwell?
The NHS advise that in the event of a medical or mental health emergency to call 999.
If you need urgent medical help or you're not sure what to do call 111.
You can take your baby to an urgent treatment centre (UTC) if your child needs urgent medical attention, but it's not a life-threatening situation.
If your baby needs an appointment that is non-urgent call your GP surgery. If the surgery is closed, a recorded message will tell you who to contact.
How to do Child CPR
Baby first-aid kit to buy
Image: JoJo Mama and BebeWe adore that this first aid kit has been created with children in mind. LittleLife are a British designed and developed brand that ensures all of its equipment is tested to meet both UK and EU standards. This first aid kit includes a large selection of first aid supplies and an information leaflet in the event of an emergency. Plus, it is suitable from birth.
This kit includes:
Sudocrem, scissors, tweezers, forehead thermometer, vinyl gloves, nappy sacks, micropore tape, antiseptic wipes, medium and small eye pad dressings, low adherent dressing, fabric dressing strip, wound closure strips, gauze swabs, plasters, woven crepe bandages, triangular bandage, safety pins, burn gels, eyewash and 'little star' stickers.
The Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit was awarded Gold for Best Safety Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
This is a brilliant first-aid kit for the whole family and awarded gold in the Mother&Baby 2022 awards. It contains 74 pieces of First Aid Essentials including the paramedic's recommended shears. The Kit comes with a handy First Aid guide and is the perfect size to fit under the buggy, in a change bag or keep stored away in the car.
This kit includes: Low-adherent wound pads, bandages, shears, adhesive tape, burn gel sachets, washproof plasters, non-alcohol Wipes, tweezers, safety pins, information leaflet, bravery stickers.
Mother&Baby writer, Hannah James said: " I keep this first air kit in my car. Having three little boys means I often need a plaster or a bandage. It's fantastic as it has everything I need but it doesn't take up much room."
Read our full Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit review.
Image: Boots www.boots.com
This Boots Children's first-aid kit has everything you will need in the event of a minor injury or accident. It is compact and can be kept in the house or taken out on day trips.
This kit includes:
Self-adhesive wound dressing, wound cleansing wipes, cohesive bandage, fabric plasters, wash proof plasters, microporous tape, eye bandage, eyewash, one pair of nitrile gloves, low adherent wound dressing, tweezer and an instant ice pack. As well as a Children's First Aid Guide and a sheet of bravery stickers.
Image: AmazonOne of the most challenging things about when a baby or a child has an accident is keeping them calm. When your child is injured it is a natural response to panic. This first aid kit includes a cute Humpty Dumpty to help distract the injured patient so you can calm them and tend to their needs.
This kit includes:
65 essential medical-grade items that have been approved by the MHRA (Medical Healthcare Regulatory Authority.
PoorlyBoo poorlyboo.com
PoorlyBoo was made a household name by celebrities like Mrs Hinch. The social media influencer hailed this first aid kit as a must-have for homes. It comes in a sweet carry-case which can be stored in your home or car.
This kit includes:
A 100 piece first-aid kit including an ice pack, thermal blanket, tweezers, scissors, bandages, plasters and more.
Image: Amazonwww.seton.co.uk
This child care first aid kit is packed full of all of the equipment needed in an accident. It is approved for emergencies and meets the guidelines by the Health and Safety Executive. It comes in a hygienic hard carry case.
This kit includes: cleansing wipes, eye pad dressings, finger tubular bandage with applicator, 2 gloves (pairs), large dressings, medium dressings , microporous tape, non-adherent dressings, plasters, gauze swabs, resuscitation device, 8 safety pins, scissors and triangular bandages.
Image: AmazonThis is a great first-aid kit to pop into your bag for day-to-day use. Although it is not equipped with all of the necessities to deal with more serious injuries, it is packed full of fun plasters and cleaning wipes. This is perfect for when you are out and about and you want to tend to a bump or graze.
This kit includes: fun print plasters, wipes and bravery stickers and a silicone monkey bag with strap.
How to create a first aid kit
Not sure where to start when creating your own first aid kit? According to the NHS, a basic first aid kit should contain the following:
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Plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
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Small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings
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At least 2 sterile eye dressings
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Triangular bandages
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Crêpe rolled bandages
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Safety pins
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Disposable sterile gloves
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Tweezers
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Scissors
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Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
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Sticky tape
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Thermometer (preferably digital)
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Skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
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Cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
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Antiseptic cream
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Painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or Ibuprofen
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Antihistamine cream or tablets
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Distilled water for cleaning wounds
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Eye wash and eye bath
Remember that for a baby first-aid kit, each item needs to be tailored to include equipment tailored to smaller children or specifically for babies.