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Product Review: First-Aid Kits

Scraped knees, nosebleeds or beestings can occur at any given moment and send you running for a first-aid kit. Moms know that when it comes to accidents, they can happen anywhere and at anytime.

But you don't have to fear being unprepared if you have a high-quality first-aid kit on hand. First-aid kits are essential not only in the home but on-the-go as well.

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Where will I need a first-aid kit?

Since many accidents seem to occur at home, you might think you only really need a good first-aid kit in your house. But you should also have one handy in your car and in your purse. As a busy mom, you're constantly on the go, so you need to be prepared whether you are running errands, going to your child's soccer game or taking a family camping trip - a good first-aid kit can help you to do this.

Of course, a first-aid kit won't do you any good if you don't keep it replenished. Be sure to restock supplies as needed so that you are ready for any emergency.

Not only do you need to make sure that the supplies are restocked but you should also sporadically check expiration dates on any ointments or medicines, too.


What should be in a first-aid kit?

While it may be tempting to purchase whatever first-aid kit is on clearance at the local big box store, not all first-aid kits are made alike. A good first-aid kit will cover the spectrum of injuries-burns, cuts, bruises, insect bites, splinters, scrapes, etc.-and include high-quality components. First-aid kits that have been sitting around the store shelf for a while may contain expired medications or ointments.

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Here are some important medicines, creams or ointments that will be included in a good first-aid kit:

  • Antibiotic cream
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Calamine lotion
  • Antihistamine
  • Ibuprofen
  • Acetaminophen
  • Alcohol (wipes for the purse or car)
  • Antiseptic (cream or spray)
  • Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®


In addition to medications, a good first-aid kit should function as a one-stop shop for emergency supplies and should include:
  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
  • Elastic bandage
  • Gauze pads and rolls
  • Adhesive tape{relatedarticles}
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Tweezers; preferably metal
  • Scissors
  • Instant cold and hot packs
  • Oral thermometer
  • Splint
  • Non-latex gloves; more than one set and in varying sizes
  • CPR mouthpiece
  • Blanket (in the car)

You may have to augment your store-bought first-aid kit with a few extra items, including a flashlight, batteries and an extra towel. It's also a good idea, especially for the first-aid kits stored in your purse and car, to have a list of important phone numbers. This could include your family doctor, poison control center, and numbers of family members or friends that could be reached in the case of an emergency. At home, you don't need to keep them stored in your first-aid kit, post them on your refrigerator.


Medical information should also be written down, particularly if someone suffers from asthma or allergies. List any medications taken by family members, including what type of medication it is, what it is for and how often it should be administered. If possible, include an extra dose of the medication for emergency situations. You want to make sure that the supplies are stored in a well-organized container that is lightweight and has a handle. It should also be able to easily fit all of your supplies. If you choose to assemble your own first-aid kit, plastic containers and boxes of all sizes can be found at any store, or you may use a tackle box which offers lots of compartments.

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First-aid kits should also be easily accessible to an adult but not to a child. You also want to make sure they are easy to open.

Of course, a first-aid kit in your purse will be a scaled-down version of the one you have at home. Just pick a few essential items and store them in a makeup bag or small plastic container.

The Best First-Aid Kits

If you are looking to find the best first-aid kits out there, you really can't go wrong with those from the American Red Cross. This renowned non-profit organization has a comprehensive understanding of emergencies and offers a range of first-aid kits suited to any family's needs.


If you are looking for a kit that passes the standards of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), then you should check out the "Total Resources International First Aid Kit." This kit of 326 items contains absolutely everything (and more) that you could possibly need. However, if you are looking for a more scaled-down version of a good first-aid kit, Johnson & Johnson's All-Purpose 170-Piece First Aid Kit might be just what you need.

First-Aid Kits for Every Occasion

Since minor injuries have a way of happening when you least suspect-hence the term, accident-you might find it necessary to have a good first-aid kit on hand for virtually every occasion. These may be something that you put together yourself for a particular activity, or a specialized first-aid kit that has been assembled with this activity in mind.

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You should have a first-aid kit for activities such as:

  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating
  • Hiking
  • Picnic
  • Trip to the park
  • Beach
  • Biking


Family Pet First-Aid Kit

Who could forget our non-human members of the family? Many of us consider our pets to be a valuable part of the family, and they deserve consideration in the family emergency plans as well! Consider having a pet first-aid kit on hand, especially if you take your family pet along on activities such as hiking or camping.

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Here are some items that you might want to look for in a good pet first-aid kit:

  • Gauze pads and rolls
  • Adhesive tape
  • Cotton swabs/Cotton balls
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Antiseptic cleansing wipes
  • Thermometer
  • Eyewash
  • Plastic bags
  • Several non-latex gloves
  • Leash
  • Muzzle
  • Activated charcoal
  • Strips of clean cloth

You can find good pet first-aid kits at almost any pet specialty store or online retailers, like Amazon.com. Adhesive bandages should not be used on pets, so steer clear of any pet first-aid kit that includes that on its checklist of items.

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As most moms know, an emergency can happen at any time. You can be prepared and ready to nurse those wounds by having a good first-aid kit at your fingertips, no matter where you are.