Our Essential First Aid Kit for Travel with Kids

We try to pack fairly minimally when traveling as a family, but we always like to have a few first aid items for travel on hand. Here’s everything we include in our traveler’s first aid kit for kids. I hope it’s helpful as you put together your own DIY travel first aid kit!

Bandages

It feels silly to be opinionated about bandages but I am. I exclusively use this kind because they actually freaking stay on. This is one of the most important items for a DIY travel first aid kit, especially with kiddos.

Topical Antibacterial

We used to always carry Neosporin, but one of our kiddos has a mild allergy to it. Active Skin Repair is a terrific, hypoallergenic option that helps heal really quickly using the molecule our bodies naturally produce for healing. I love carrying the spray with us as it’s great for scrapes, cuts, bites, etc., but the gel is also a great option.

Melatonin

We don’t use melatonin regularly, but it is really helpful when traveling, especially when dealing with jet lag. (Here are some tips for managing jet lag with kids.) This kind is the exact same dose as a children’s melatonin gummy but is much smaller than a gummy and doesn’t have all the added sugar most children’s ones have.

Pain Reliever

We always pack along some children’s pain reliever to have on hand just in case. I like children’s ibuprofen chewables (easier to dispense than liquid and is an anti-inflammatory if needed) and infant acetaminophen (the liquid kind). Definitely an important item for a medical kit list for traveling.

Hand Sanitizer and/or Antibacterial Wipes

These are must-haves for cleaning little hands. I also like to pack along baby wipes to clean off kiddos’ hands who are likely to suck on them so they’re not eating the sanitizer.

Motion Sickness Medication

Children’s Dramamine is our go-to if we’re going to be doing any sort of activities that are likely to cause motion sickness, including and especially boats. I tend to get very seasick so I always like to be prepared. Anti-nausea ginger chews can also be really helpful. Add this to your first aid travel kit list!

Children’s Antihistamine

We used to take children’s Benadryl along, but the new recommendations advise children’s Claritin or Zyrtec. We’ve had trouble finding the children’s dosage when traveling so it’s a good thing to have on hand.

Tweezers and Safety Pin

These are important to have on hand for splinters, ticks, bee stingers, etc.

Thermometer

I love this digital thermometer for home use but it’s a big bulky for travel, so I usually keep a small travel one handy. It’s nice to be able to quickly check, especially before administering any medication.

Sunblock

This is a really important one, especially for sensitive kiddo skin. This is my very favorite sunblock for kids because it’s mineral-based, creamy, rubs in easily, and works well. This is my favorite facial sunscreen for myself, and it’s also totally safe for kids (also mineral-based and has the prettiest rosy glow, and doesn’t leave a white cast). My 3 year old is obsessed with the pink sunblock!! (Use code LPF15 for 15% off.)

Insect Repellent

Insect repellent is especially important in tropical areas with disease-carrying insects. We like Picardin and this Deet-based kind when we need something more intense. I also love this natural, plant-based repellent. (Use code LPF15 for 15% off your order.) We also like taking this Bug Bite Thing along if we do get any bites. I don’t feel like it works great on me, but it made a big difference for Dan!

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