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Illnesses or emergencies are not the times to need supplies or medications. This post aims to shed some light on things to have in case of emergency or illness for your
children. There is no reason to buy an entire emergency room worth of supplies but having certain items and medications available can reduce the need to seek immediate emergency care. This post contains affiliate links.
Certirizine (Zyrtec) : The reason for this medication is its an antihistamine and should be used when an allergic reaction is suspected.
Some kids are much more ALLERGIC than others and when children are young they are experiencing this world for the first time. This medication is proven safer for children than the previously suggested diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
Allergic reaction symptoms vary in everyone and at times can be managed at home with the proper medication and supportive care.
Following an allergic reaction, if the symptoms are mild, simply treating your child and removing the stimuli is enough. In the event your child is complaining of an itchy throat, tightness in their chest, full blown hives or a closing feeling in their throat, medicate your child and head to the Emergency room. For proper dosing, head on over to our post on Medication Dosages for Kids.
Nurses are bandaid snobs and having the proper dressing supplies is important. Having multiple sizes and buying in large qualities prevents running out. The right bandaid can fix so much for your little kiddo even when the injury is invisible :)
Life Vac is a portable airway suction device.
This gem is mostly a security item but the security of your child not choking, when they are learning how to eat and/or shoving handfuls of grapes in their mouths, is everything. Life Vac comes with a learning guide to prepare parents so they can make the best decision in the event of an emergency. Anytime a life saving device is used after care is important, seeking medical attention would be preferable
Saline and Syringes because they are great for so many things. Getting a few oral syringes is good for not only giving your child medications but for cleaning wounds and flushing eyes, ears, and nose of debris. Saline usually comes in a sterile container so when you need to clean a wound or flush an eye its the cleanest option. Its also great to refill a nasal sprayer or eye dropper.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Both medications treat pain and fever in children. See our post linked above on safe medication dosage charts. Fever, injury, chronic illness should all be treated based on severity of symptoms. Kids don't always have the communication to explain why they don't feel well. Trying a medication like these can reduce the stress your child goes through when ill or injured.
Hydrocortisone Cream, Calamine Lotion, A&D ointment or mystery skin rashes, lumps, and bumps. Hydrocortisone is a steroid but the over the counter (OTC) cream is mild enough for your kiddo. Creams like this help fight local inflammation and irritation of the skin.
Check out our post on Diaper Rash for more uses. Itchy skin can really trigger your child and a cool compress and some hydrocortisone or calamine can really improve irritated skin. A&D can protect and keep medicated cream in place.
Ice packs for obvious reasons.
Just like a good bandaid an ice pack can cure anything. Its also great for that huge goose egg on your toddlers forehead. Ice can really reduce the swelling and pain associated with those bumps and bruises all kids experience.
Maalox for magic mouthwash and or severe diaper rash cream.
This is only for serious symptoms related to illness. This is not necessarily and all the time medication kept in the house but when a severe case of hand, foot and mouth comes through or irritation due to a retainer as dab of 50/50 Maalox and Benadryl will help reduce local mouth pain.
Same for severe diaper rash but the mixture is different, see our post on Diaper Rash for ingredients.
Good ole trusted digital Thermometer. The cheaper the better. For babies the most accurate temperature is rectal. For wiggly toddlers and children and axillary (under the arm) can be easier to get than under the tongue.
Sold to the general public temporal (Forehead) thermometers are great but often less accurate. Generally the exact number isn't as important as the symptoms your child is experiencing. Using fever reducing medications and other supportive techniques should be used to keep your sick kiddo comfortable.
Any clean scissors, paper or silk tape, and a single roll of paper towels in plastic.
Sometimes little people have accidents and those bumps to the face and head really bleed. Sometimes you need to go to the urgent care or emergency room, other times just be prepared with clean supplies. Antibiotic ointment is great and can help reduce infection but keeping any open area clean in the first place is very important. Utilizing too much ointment can be drying to the skin.
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