Four Must-Have Additions to Your Outside First Aid Kit
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Safety is a main concern for parents when it comes to spending time outside. Studies continue to show that the safest thing you can do for children is to allow them to experience reasonable risk outdoors. Kids who spend a lot of time outside get ample opportunities to learn the subtle nuances of movement and balance. They get lots of opportunities to stretch their ligaments by exploring uneven terrain. They are able to strengthen their bones through impact movements like jumping. In the long-run, a more sure-footed and stable child will be safer despite the occasional scrapes and bruises along the way.
That said, we do keep a first aid kit with us at all times. We have tried several different types over the years and have landed on the First Aid Only Kit. It comes in a convenient carrying bag that has had (almost) everything we've ever needed. We like that it is compact enough to throw in a backpack, purse, or under a stroller. We even bought an extra kit to have in the house so that we can quickly grab it when needed.
There are only four things that we have added to our on-the-go first aid kit. When it comes to adventuring with kids I find these are essential. Bonus: they all fit perfectly into the zippered case keeping all of our first-aid items particularly handy!
1. Tick Removal Card
As parents and caregivers, we definitely need to be vigilant about ticks as they can transmit some serious diseases. We check for ticks while we are out and about and we do a nightly tick check as well. We bought a tick removal card for less than $6 and we keep it in our first aid kit. It's the size of a credit card and it has slots for safely and easily removing ticks the correct way so that the head of the tick doesn't remain embedded in the skin. It also comes with an identification card showing the different types of ticks. The bonus part is that this small card can also remove stingers, thorns and splinters. These are the things we've encountered much more often than ticks.
After spending thousands of hours outside with five children over the course of many years we've only ever had to remove one tick. We need to be aware but we can't let the fear of ticks keep our kids inside. Keep a tick card on hand and they are safe and easy to remove!
2. Sting Kill Disposable Swabs
Getting stung by a bee or hornet is usually unexpected and it is immediately and extremely painful. The few times our kids have gotten stung they have been absolutely hysterical. These disposable swabs are easy to keep on hand. To use you crack one open and apply the green liquid on any type of insect or jellyfish bite, providing immediate relief.
The other night our 11 year was unknowingly fishing near a hornets nest and got a nasty sting. He was inconsolable but one of these swabs brought him immediate relief. The throbbing stopped with 10 or 15 minutes and he woke up the next morning completely fine without any swelling at all.
These come as a pack of three for around ten dollars and are worth their weight in gold!
3. Lavender Essential Oil
A small bottle of lavender essential oil is great to have on hand for minor cuts and scrapes, especially when you are out on a hike. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties that will help protect against infections. Beyond protecting against infection, lavender oil can help reduce pain because it is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. We've also used this oil for the occasional nose bleed. Two drops on the bridge of the nose often stops them! This one small bottle has a lot of uses and fits perfectly into our first aid kit.
4. Arnica Gel
The final thing we've added to our kit is homeopathic arnica gel. Arnica is made from the plant arnica montana and is useful for bruises, soreness and pain. It's a great thing to apply after a fall or a scrape. Upset kids usually calm down pretty quickly after an application of arnica.
Preparedness goes a long way in having successful outdoor experiences with kids. What's your favorite first aid kit? What extra thing do you pack just in case?
