For a lot of families, summer is one of the most exciting times of the year. It's a great time for parents and kids to bond, and enjoy each other's company without worrying about stuff like studying or schoolwork. However, the sweltering heat of the summer can sometimes ruin your family fun. Kids can get sunburn, suffer from dehydration, and even prickly heat. Kids are also more active during summer, so they're more prone to getting scrapes and cuts if they play outside.

That's why it's a good idea to have a small bag or case with first aid kit essentials to provide both safety and relief for your kids.

General tips on having a first-aid kit

As a rule, you need to always have a first aid kit handy at all times, whether you're traveling or just staying at home. Having a fully stocked and easily accessible kit can help you take care of your little one in case something happens to him or her.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when preparing your first aid kit:

Make sure that it's in a durable and easily visible container. You don't need a specialized bag, a brightly colored bag or container will do.
Be sure to check the expiration dates on the medicine inside your kit. It's never a good idea to give your child expired medicine.
Store-bought kits are a good start, but they typically lack some first aid essentials.
Make sure that everyone in your house knows where the first aid kit is located. That way, even if you're not at home, you can be sure that your kids are safe.
It's also a good idea to undergo first aid training or at the very least know how to use the things inside your kit.
Always keep your first-aid kit away from your children’s reach.

First aid essentials to have on-hand this summer

first aid essentials Having a first aid kit is always a good idea if you're going on vacation.

1. Paracetamol for children

It's not uncommon for kids to get sick during summer. After all, the summer heat can cause some problems for your child's immune system, and traveling can also do the same. Having children's paracetamol, such as Calpol on hand can provide your child with safe and effective relief.

Generally, if your child has a fever, you can give them Calpol every six hours, but not more than four times in a day, or as prescribed by the pediatrician. Calpol works within 15 minutes to provide relief from fever symptoms, and thus helping kids to recuperate faster. As usual, if your child's fever goes on for too long, it's best to take him/her to the doctor.

2. Sunblock

If you're going out and about with your family, then it's a good idea to bring sunblock. It's a very effective way to avoid sunburn as well as lower the risk of skin cancer. Even if your kids are just going to be playing outside, it's a good idea to ask them to rub sunblock on their exposed skin.

For kids, it's best to let them use sunblock that's around SPF 30-50. It's also better to use creams rather than sprays since creams cover your child's skin more evenly.

Sunblock should also be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

Make sure that they put sunblock on the nape of their neck, and any areas of their skin that might get exposed to sun. Sunburn can happen when you least expect it, so it's always a good idea to be prepared.

3. Insect repellent spray

Another important thing to have during the summer is insect repellent spray. The Philippines is a tropical country, so there are a lot of mosquitoes and bugs flying around. Mosquitoes can also carry very dangerous diseases, so it's a good idea to keep some insect repellent spray handy.

There are a lot of sprays and lotions available in the market, so you have a wide variety of things to choose from.

When it comes to the type of spray, moms shouldn't worry about deet-based sprays since they're safe for kids to use. However, you can also opt to use natural insect repellent spray, however your child would have to apply it more often.

Ideally, deet-based sprays should be reapplied every 6 hours, and for natural sprays, they should be reapplied every 2-3 hours.

4. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream

Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream are both good for dealing with small itches and skin allergies. They provide relief and keeps your child from scratching any bug bites or itches they might have. This is important since scratching might break their skin, which can cause bacteria and infection to come in.

You only need to dab a small amount of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream on the affected area to provide relief.

5. Antihistamine

If you or anyone in your family has allergies, or you're worried about allergy attacks, then be sure to put some antihistamine in your first aid kit. Antihistamine can help prevent food allergies, alleviate skin allergies, and even allergic rhinitis, making sure your kids enjoy their vacation allergy-free!

Typically, antihistamines should be taken once a day, or depending on your doctor's recommendations.

6. Alcohol or disinfectant

Having alcohol or disinfectant with you helps with wounds, scrapes, and light scratches. It's also a good way for ask your kids to disinfect their hands before eating if there's no running water around.

It's definitely a first aid essential that you'll need to have in your kit at all times.

7. Iodine

When it comes to first aid essentials, iodine is pretty important. Iodine helps prevent infections when you dab it on your child's wound, since it kills bacteria. The great thing about iodine is that compared to stuff like alcohol, there's no sting.

8. Bandages

It's not uncommon for active kids to get cuts and scrapes every so often. Having bandages of different shapes and sizes handy can help prevent infection and helps your child's wounds heal faster.

9. Scissors

Scissors are ideal for cutting bandages down to size, opening packages, etc. You can even use scissors to cut your little one's nails! So make sure to always bring a pair with you inside your first aid kit.

10. Prescription medication

Lastly, if you or anyone in your family has prescription medication, make sure to put some inside your first aid kit, especially when you're traveling. It's also important to know the right dosage as recommended by your pediatrican and be aware of the expiration date of the medicine.

Source: Healthy Children

READ: Mga first aid techniques na dapat malaman ng lahat ng magulang

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