From the pages of the Baby & Child Care Encyclopedia: Chapter 8, Safety and First Aid

Keeping a stocked first aid kit at the ready—and checking it regularly to make sure nothing is missing—will cut down on panic when you’re faced with a bumped head or a scraped knee. Take note of the following supply list and schedule some time to go over and replenish the supplies you keep at home.

What to keep in your first aid kit

A first aid kit for home use should contain the following. Remember to check your supplies and replenish them often.

  • Emergency telephone numbers for EMS, the local poison control centre and personal doctors; include the home and workplace phone numbers of family members, friends and neighbours who can help
  • Sterile gauze pads (dressings) in small and large squares to place over wounds
  • Adhesive tape
  • Roller and triangular bandages to hold dressings in place or to make an arm sling
  • Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Safety pins
  • Ice bag or instant ice packs
  • Disposable gloves, such as surgical or examination gloves (non-latex, non-vinyl)
  • Flashlight, with extra batteries in a separate bag
  • Antiseptic wipes, soap and hand sanitizer
  • Pencil and pad
  • Emergency blanket
  • Eye patches
  • Thermometer
  • Barrier devices, such as pocket mask or face shield
  • Canadian Red Cross childcare first aid and CPR manual2

Read more from the Baby & Child Care Encyclopedia.

      1. Prenatal 101
      2. Breastfeeding and the First Three Months
      3. Starting Solids and the Toddler Years
      4. An Age-by-Age Guide to Sleep
      5. Family Nutrition
      6. Kids and Mental Health
      7. When Your Child is Sick
      8. Safety and First Aid
      9. Milestones, Checklists and Charts