Beyond Bandaids: The Ultimate Grandparent’s First Aid Kit
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No matter how prepared I think I am for a visit from my grandchildren, we inevitably end up racing to the pharmacy for something during the course of their stay. This year I am going to be prepared—and so are you!
While you no doubt already have a well-stocked first aid cabinet, you’ll want to add a few things to be prepared for the kinds of small emergencies that can occur when children are in the house. Splinters, skinned knees, fevers: having the right tools tool to care for these things will make life eaiser! And everyone in the house will be happy to have children’s pain reliever on hand if your grandchild wakes with teething pain.
A couple of safety reminders: keep all medications up high and out of sight, and check the expiration dates on any you may have from previous visits. The last thing you want is Benadryl that’s so old that it has lost its potency.
Here are the items we keep stocked for when we have our grandchildren visiting.
For Cuts and Scrapes
You can get Band-aid brand bandages in a wide variety of themes. I find the cheaper ones don’t do as well at actually protecting a cut or scrape. The off-brand variety are still good for the phantom injuries of a two-year-old that just need a quick, temporary acknowledgement of distress.
For Splinters
If you are anything like me, you are finding it harder to see tiny things, and nothing is tinier than a splinter in the finger of a three-year-old. These tweezers are the answer: they have a magnifying lens and a light, making it far easier to remove the offending splinter.
For Bug Bites
Unless you live in a bug-free oasis, you’ll want one of these. I was incredibly dubious, but it really works. For me and my grandkids, it cuts the duration and severity of the itching in half. Since they live in what seems to be a mosquito refuge, it’s in constant use.
For Itchy Skin
Even with the Bug Bite Thing, you’ll want some itch cream. The Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment with a mild hydrocortisone is a good choice for bug bites and skin irritation for ages 2 and up.
If you want something completely natural, the Manuka Relief Ultra Soothing Cream comes highly recommended.
For Diaper Rash
Traveling often triggers diaper rash. Boudreaux's Butt Paste has been soothing inflamed cheeks for over 40 years, and has an enthusiastic following. Having a tube on hand will ensure your grandbaby—and his or her parents—won’t have to suffer any longer than necessary.
For Bumps and Bruises
Bumps will happen. When I worked as The Office Lady in an elementary school, I quickly discovered that an ice-pack will sooth almost any injury. While a bag of frozen peas will work, these darling children’s ice packs will be even better.
For Fevers
Temporal thermometers are a game changer. You just glide it across their forehead to their temple. You can get an accurate temperature from a sleeping child! The best part is that it will be just as useful for you when your grandkids aren’t visiting. I trust the one from Exigen for its proven accuracy and ease of use.
For Upset Tummies
Another helpful thing to have on hand are these Pedialyte hydration packs. Stomach upsets aren’t uncommon when children are traveling, and this will make sure they don’t get dehydrated.
For Teething Pain or Fever
Infant or children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen is the first line of defense against pain and fever. Check with your grandchild’s parents to find out what they’d like you to have on hand, getting details on brand, flavor and strength.
For Allergic Reactions
Liquid allergy medication can be helpful for some allergic reactions, and having some on hand will allow it to be administered far more quickly than if you have to run out for some. Again, check with your kids to find out what brand and strength they’d like you to get.
To Store it All
Next, put all of these things plus your other first aid supplies in a handy box like this one. It’s so helpful to know where everything is! Just remember, that as attractive as this first aid box is, it still needs to go on a high shelf—above the refrigerator is a good, easy to access spot.
Of course, these are all things you buy hoping you won’t need them, but should the need arise you’ll be glad you spent the time and money to be prepared.
Disclaimer: none of these recommendations is in any way medical advice. Always check with your grandchild’s parents or pediatrician before administering any medication.