The holidays are approaching which means many of us will be hitting the roads or the skies to visit friends and family. Wherever you go and however you travel, it’s important to bring a first aid kit with you in case of emergencies. Here are some suggestions for what to pack in your family’s travel first aid kit.

Family travel first aid kit essentials

  • Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin®
  • Antihistamines such as Zyrtec® or Benadryl®
  • Antiseptic wipes or spray to clean deeper wounds
  • Any prescription medication your family members use, especially as needed medications such as rescue inhalers for breathing trouble and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors for severe allergic reactions.
  • Band-Aids in every shape and size
  • Cold pack for bumps and bruises
  • Gauze and tape for larger wounds
  • Hand sanitizer and masks to decrease the risk of getting sick
  • Pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Small scissors for cutting gauze, bandages or medication packages
  • Thermometer

Other items you may want to include in your family travel first aid kit

  • Antacids for heartburn or indigestion
  • Anti-itch cream such as calamine lotion for bug bites and poison ivy
  • Bug repellant
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Lip balm
  • Nail clippers
  • Petroleum jelly products such as Vaseline® or Aquaphor®
  • Sunscreen
  • Tissues

Don’t forget to include basic emergency information such as:

  • A copy of your child’s insurance information
  • Phone numbers (including the after-hours number) for your child’s pediatrician and dentist
  • The Poison Control Hotline (800-222-1222)
  • Your child’s current weight, for medication dosing

First aid kit infographic

You can download a PDF of our family travel first aid kit checklist here.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Sarah CombsSarah Combs, MD, is a pediatric emergency room physician and Director of Outreach in the Division of Emergency Medicine and Trauma Services at Children’s National.

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