Packing the Perfect Travel First Aid Kit for Kids

Traveling with kids is an adventure in itself, and that’s not even counting all the health mishaps that can happen. 

But having a well-stocked, kid-friendly first aid kit can save you from last-minute trips to the pharmacy and make traveling less stressful. Plus, no one wants to rely on Google Translate when it comes to medicine. 

Here’s what to pack and how to prep the right kit for your family before your trip abroad.

Essentials for Treating Minor Injuries

It’s a good idea to have a mini first aid kit in your carry-on, along with a fully stocked kit in your checked luggage. 

Both kits should include the following:

• Basic wound care supplies: Pack adhesive bandages in multiple sizes (a small container of liquid bandage could be useful, especially if you are in the water a lot), antiseptic wipes and/or spray, gauze, and medical tape.
• Tools for pain relief: Include both child-safe pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen — chewable is less messy than liquid.
• Comfort items for kids: Make ouchies more manageable with bandages in fun designs, soothing stuffed animal hot/cold gel packs for bumps and bruises, and small stickers or candies to distract kids from the pain. 

Addressing Common Illnesses on the Go

Having these items packed will save you a trip to urgent care. 

• Fever care: Disposable thermometers or stick-on temperature monitors are a better choice for travel so you don’t have to rely on a battery. For fevers, alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) every three hours for up to 24 hours. 
• Allergy care: New places can stir up allergies even in those who have never had symptoms. You can find child-friendly antihistamines in chewables, but be aware that some brands cause drowsiness. You should also include allergy-relieving eye drops and hydrocortisone cream.
• Motion sickness remedies: Remember with motion sickness medications, you need to take them in advance. You can also try acupressure bands or patches. 
• Digestive health essentials: Sour stomachs are a number one trip ailment, so prepare with electrolyte packets, anti-diarrheal medications, zinc ointment, and child-safe laxatives.

READ MORE: Keeping Your Family Healthy While Traveling Abroad

Special Items for Outdoor Adventures

Whether you plan on spending a day at the beach or tackling a day of mountain hiking, these items are also good to include:

• Sun and bug protection: Pack sunscreen, aloe vera for burn relief, insect repellent, and after-bite cream. Depending on the area, you might want a venom extractor for stings or snake bites. 
• Items for cuts and scrapes: Look for waterproof bandages and medical tape, along with antibacterial ointment and saline solution. Tweezers are also good to have on hand. Paracord can be used for makeshift splints or tourniquets for more serious injuries. 
• Emergency preparedness tools: Prepare for the worst with a flashlight, emergency whistle, emergency thermal blanket, and a laminated card with emergency contacts.

Organizing and Packing Your First Aid Kit

Now that you know what to pack, here’s how to keep it organized to best serve you on your trip. 

Use travel-friendly containers

Stick with clear, waterproof containers that are made for travel. Your first aid kit is going to take a beating, so make sure it is durable and will protect the items inside. 

Use separate pouches and containers inside a larger container to keep things organized. 

RELATED: Essential Packing Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel

Ensure TSA compliance

For liquid and gel medications not deemed medically necessary, you will need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule: 

• 3.4 ounces or less per container
• 1 quart size bag clear container
• 1 bag per passenger

To get around this, look for medications in pill or chewable tablet form. If you have a prescription for liquid medications, you will be able to bring as much medicine as you need, as long as you agree to having it screened. 

Labeling your medicine, both prescription and over-the-counter types, can also help you avoid trouble during your TSA check. 

Create a checklist for easy replenishment

Keep a printable checklist inside your first aid kit and check it before each trip. 

You want to make sure everything is stocked and medications are not expired. Sometimes bandages and alcohol wipes will dry out with age. 

Teaching Kids Basic First Aid

A good first aid kit will take you far on your trip abroad, but if your child is old enough, it can help to prepare mentally as well. 

Go through a few basic first aid training lessons with them, as well as what they should know and do in different possible scenarios. 

Age-appropriate first-aid training

Obviously, you aren’t going to expect your toddler to know how to perform CPR, but teaching your children a few basics as soon as they can understand can keep them safe in the long run. 

An important lesson for most ages is that if you cut yourself, it is important to clean the wound, and then bandage it to prevent germs from entering. 

At home, washing the cut may suffice, but if you’re traveling in a country with poor water conditions, this could infect a minor cut. Teach your children to use antiseptic wipes or spray from the first aid kit or water from a sealed water bottle to clean the cut. 

Another good lesson for many children is how to stop bleeding quickly, whether it be a nosebleed or a cut. Show them how to wrap or elevate a wound to minimize bleeding. 

Encourage confidence in emergencies

You don’t want to evoke fear in your children by introducing them to possible vacation what-ifs, but it is wise for them to know what the game plan is before they are stuck in the middle of an emergency. 

Here are a few possible things that could happen, and how to role-play with your children how they should react: 

• Getting lost in public: Know how to identify safe adults and safe places, such as hotels and hospitals in the area you are visiting. If kids carry a card with your contact information and hotel name, they don’t have to panic if they can’t remember. 
• A family member gets hurt or sick: When and how to find a trusted adult and when and how to contact emergency services in the country you are traveling to. 
• A natural disaster or emergency evacuation: Role-play leaving everything behind (the only thing worth grabbing would be your passport and phone) and staying close to family members as you follow the exit signs. Always use the stairs instead of elevators. 

READ MORE: Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for Family Vacations

FAQs About First Aid Kits

What should I include in a first aid kit for infants?

Babies under the age of one have different medicine dosages as older children. Pack liquid medications that are appropriate for their age and weight, as well as electrolyte packs that can be added to water if needed. 

Rectal thermometers are small to pack and provide a more accurate temperature readout. Additionally, saline drops and a bulb syringe can help clear out mucus and prevent an infant’s sickness from getting worse. 

How can I store temperature-sensitive medications while traveling?

It is best to travel with your medication in a cooler bag or well-insulated bag. Your flight attendant might be able to store your bag in a refrigerator.

Once you land, locate a restaurant in the airport to add more ice to your bag if needed. And don’t forget to book a hotel with a mini fridge. 

Are there pre-assembled first aid kits for kids?

You can find several pre-assembled first aid kits that are kid-friendly with their designs and items, but it’s best to use these kits as a starting point. 

Many first aid kits will not come with the medications, electrolyte packets, or outdoor specialty items you will need for traveling. You will need to customize the kit to fit your family’s needs. 

What are TSA rules regarding medical items?

The 3-1-1 liquid rule does not apply to medications that are deemed necessary. For example, if your child requires bottles of liquid medication, you will be allowed to fly with them. 

However, if you are trying to be prepared with children’s Tylenol, that needs to be within the liquid limitations. Liquid medication will need to be screened, and it is easier to fly with a doctor’s note that shows your need for these medications. 

All other medical devices are allowed with you on the flight and do not count as your carry-on. 

Bottom Line

Your international travel plans will go much smoother if you have your medical go-tos with you on your trip. 

New adventures often come with new illnesses or discomforts, and having a well-stocked first aid kit for your family will save you stress and a trip to the pharmacy or urgent care while on vacation. 

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