What do I need?
When traveling with children, a well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have to handle minor injuries and illnesses on the go. Tailoring your kit with kids in mind ensures you’re prepared for scrapes, fevers, upset stomachs, and other common issues. Include essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, a digital thermometer, child-safe pain relievers, and any prescription medications. With the right supplies, you’ll be ready to handle unexpected health hiccups and keep your little ones comfortable and safe.
What you consider bringing will depend on whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. The list for an international trip could be a bit more extensive depending on your destination.
Most travel health clinics can see children as young as infants. There may be certain vaccines your child may need to get earlier if you are traveling to a particular country that has an outbreak of a particular disease. It may also be necessary to have to take malaria prophylactic medications if your family is traveling to a malaria endemic area. The best way to know this information is to visit your nearest Travel Health Provider or your Pediatrician.
In this post, we will introduce to you a general list of items to put in your first-aid kit to keep your kids healthy and safe on your next trip.
Must-Have Travel With Kids Health Items
When thinking about what medications to pack in your first aid kit in case of an emergency, it is most important to discuss a care plan with your Pediatrician. Most medications given to children are weight-based, so make sure you have the appropriate dosages written down.
Having a plan will save you time and money. If you are traveling with more than 1 child, make sure you have a plan for each of them.
You can bring liquid medications over 3.4 ounces if they are medically necessary. Don’t forget to pack a medicine dropper or measuring cup to ensure accurate dosing for your child.
If they have food-allergies, make sure their Epi-Pens are not expired and always carry a set of 2 in the event one does not work. Always carry your child’s Allergy Action plan.
Thermometer
Depending on the age of your child, they may or may not be able to tell you how they feel. Bringing a reliable thermometer can help identify if they are feeling unwell because they are experiencing a fever. This is even more important if you are traveling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases as most mosquito-borne diseases will present initially with a fever.
Medications
- For when your child has a fever or is in pain: Always discuss with your pediatrician regarding a care plan before administering medications. Know when it is appropriate to give with the appropriate dosages.
- Acetaminophen (Children’s Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Children’s Motrin)
- For when your child has an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting: Do not give dysmotility agents to children less than 6 years old. If fevers, vomiting, or diarrhea persists, please seek medical attention. Always discuss your care plan with your Pediatrician to ensure appropriate dosages.
- Diarrhea: Children’s Imodium – not to be used in children less than 6 years old
- Diarrhea: Antibiotic — Discuss with your pediatrician if it would be appropriate to travel with an antibiotic for your trip
- Upset stomach/Nausea: Children’s Mylicon
- Post Vomiting/Diarrhea: Hydration is very important. Consider Pedialyte in between or after episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. It would be important to consider seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
- For when your child has a runny nose, congestion, or cold symptoms: If your child has a fever (100.4° F or 38°C), giving them Tylenol or Motrin can help them sleep better and provide them relief when they are away from the comfort of their home. Here are a few other supportive items to consider packing in the event they develop cold-like symptoms
- Boiron ColdCalm Pellets: These tiny pellets can be taken directly (dissolved under the tongue) or mixed in a drink to help relieve cold symptoms. They are only recommended for children 4 years old and older.
- Kid’s soothing lollipops: These sweet treats contain zinc, vitamin D, and honey, which offer children sore throat and some cough relief. They contain only 2g of sugar and are packed with antioxidants. They are popular to use as a treat after taking other medications (e.g., Tylenol or Motrin). They are recommended for children 4+ years old.
- Kid’s VapoPatch: These patches help with congestion and relieve it enough to allow rest while traveling. They are to be used for children 6+ years old.
- ColdCalm Baby Single Use Drops: These pre-filled single-use drops are helpful in relieving cold symptoms of babies ages 6+ months. It is non-drowsy and contains non-GMO ingredients and no flavors, dyes, lactose, sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
- FridaBaby Vapo Rub: This vapo rub helps relieve congestion symptoms for babies 3+ months and up.
Other Important Supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Bandaids
- Gauze
- Tweezers (for those accidental splinters)
- Neosporin or bacitracin
- Sterile gloves
Curating your own travel first aid kit should be easy to do. Being prepared with a plan will offer peace of mind while traveling away from home. If you don’t want to curate your own first-aid it, here are a few suggested first aid kits that should have some of these important items:
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Post last updated: 1/5/2025
