How to Make Your Home Safe For Children

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on how to make your home safe.  Your home should be a safe space for your family.  Especially, if you have small children.  Perhaps, it’s you’re a first time parent.  If so, your home might pose a significant danger that you hadn’t realized until you became a parent.  Every parent wants to make sure their home is the safest place for their children. 

 

child safety tips

 

Here’s a few tips on how to make your home safe: 

 

Keep Chemicals/Dangerous Objects Locked Away

Your typical household cleaning products aren’t usually a threat.  But, if you have children you can imagine the damage they could do if your child got hold of a bottle of bleach? Simply, spilling bleach on their sensitive skin could cause severe damage. We don’t think about this as adults because we’ve been taught the danger growing up.  Now, it’s our turn to teach our children. You can start by locking up your chemicals.  Furthermore, you can switch to more natural products that use natural ingredients, rather than chemicals.

Ideally, you want them to not only be out of reach, but to behind a locked door.   Children are clever and can often surprise us with how they manage to get into things.  So, make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to secure dangerous products and materials.

 

Child-Proof Sharp Edges

There are plenty of objects around your home where you’ll often bump into and yell a few cursed words. Whether you stub your toe or touch the curling iron that you left on.  It’s important to recognize these as added dangers for your children.

When children are young, they may fall when learning how to walk.  They may find themselves bumping into tables and causing an injury. Try to child-proof sharp edges.  Furthermore, focus on things like the coffee or dining table.  For example, make sure sharp edges are baby-proofed.  Check for other products that will help you childproof your furniture.

 

Ensure All Smoke Detectors Are Working

Smoke detectors can go inactive for long periods of time.  Only until you accidentally burn some toast do your hear the deafening sound of the alarm going off remind you it’s there. However, they can still end up running out of battery power if not checked regularly.  So, it’s important that you replace your batteries often.  If you have multiple smoke detectors, make sure you test all of them.  Having smoke detectors that are working properly can help reduce the likelihood of anyone getting hurt if a fire starts in your home.

 

Debug and Pest-Proof Your Home

Debugging your home is an important part of maintenance.  Having pests running around is something you don’t want.  Pests carry illnesses and bacteria, so you want to debug and pest-proof where you can. If you have a mosquito problem, there are services like Mosquito Authority that can help reduce the amount of mosquitoes you have.  Additionally, when it comes to pest-proofing your home, check the exterior and interior of your property for any gaps or cracks within the walls. These can be ideal entry and exit points for pests.  And, it’s good to seal these up where you can.

 

Keep Plug Sockets Covered

Plug sockets can be an ideal place for your children to explore with their small fingers.  As a result, plug socket covers should be used to cover outlets.  They have been around for years, and are a good preventative measure.  As a rule, you might want to make sure that any appliances not in use are switched off too.  When you see your child near an outlet, teach them about the danger.  Children can comprehend, and when they don’t we must keep reminding them.  When you make them aware, they take you seriously rather than disobeying.

 

Get Rid Of Choking Hazards

For any parent that’s ever experienced a little one choking, it can be utterly terrifying. That feeling of helplessness that comes with not knowing how to dislodge something from their throats is horrible.  It’s imperative that every parent have knowledge of first aid.  Knowing how to help your child or another one when they are choking is a serious issue.

Check your home regularly, for items that children can put in their mouth and possibly choke on.  We forget that there are things in the home that are dangerous to small children.  Sticking things in their mouth to taste it is normal.  De-clutter every now and then to ensure you’ve gotten rid of anything that might be dangerous.

 

 

child safety tips

 

 

 

Never Leave Small Children Alone

As much as you’d want to have a spare minute (or second) of alone time, small children should never be left alone. You can child-proof your home, but they still manage to get themselves into a predicament if left unattended.  Don’t take your eyes off them, it doesn’t take long before they find something to explore.

If you need a moment or two alone, seek out your partner or another adult in the household.  Make sure you work together to ensure the child is never left to their own devices. You’re responsible for them and they rely on you to help them navigate the world.  If all else fails, put the child in their crib or another safe place until you return.

It might be worth having a home monitor to help you keep your eyes on your children.  If the task can be done with the child in tow or done later on in the day, opt for that instead of leaving them alone.

 

Making your home a safe space for your child is a difficult and challenging task, but one that needs to be done.  Our tips on how to make your home safe will help.  Use these tips to make sure that your home is a comfortable space for everyone, and one that gives your child the safe space they need to grow.

4 Hidden Dangers in Your Home

We all want our families to be safe and healthy, especially in our own homes.   Today, I’m sharing tips on hidden dangers in your home.  So, there are lots of hidden dangers that we don’t even think about or that never cross our minds. They could be doing us a lot of harm.

We’re going to share tips on what you should be looking to ensure optimum safety for everyone in your household.  Our tips will help prevent trips to the doctor for bizarre problems or emergencies that could have been prevented.

 

Dangers in Your Home

 

Here are a few possible hidden dangers in your home:

 

Roofing

That’s right. Your roof not only protects the inside of your home, but it protects your family from a lot of outdoor elements that can harm your health.  When we move into a home, one of the last things we think about is the roof.  We don’t think about everything that can go wrong if it’s not well maintained.

Holes and cracks can let in water that creates damp and mildew, leading to health issues. A quick browse online will give you more detail about what to look for and who to call for a regular inspection.

 

 

dangerous of medicines

 

 

Medicine and Cleaning Products

These items are supposed to help us clean so we can stay healthy, right?  Well, yes, but they can also do a lot of harm. Furthermore, we buy cough syrup, use half a bottle, and save it for another time. Or we have a bottle of ibuprofen for our kids that we use now and again. However, cough syrups should be used by the expiration date on the box.  Otherwise, it should be thrown away.

Care should be used with certain cleaning products.  They may smell nice and give your home a pleasant clean feel, but they can be toxic, and breathing too much of them is dangerous.

Finally, it would help if you kept all of these out of reach of your little ones. The last thing you want is for your toddler to accidentally swallow some medicine or detergent and have to be taken to the ER.

 

Electrical Outlets and Cords

How many of us have a network of cables behind the tv cabinet?  Yes, they are out of sight, but this doesn’t mean you’re out of danger. Thousands of people have wires intertwined and extension cords with way too many plugs in them.

This is a recipe for a fire.  First, we don’t want to imagine what will happen if a small child or pet gets behind there. Keep cables tidy and as few as possible in the same place.  Ensure you are using a surge protector on printers, computers and TVs.

Empty outlets are also a considerable danger to little ones.  But, many of us have done nothing about it?  There are plenty of plastic devices that keep them covered so tiny fingers can’t stick anything in them.  It will only cost you a few dollars, but save your home or loves one’s life.

 

tips for using crayons

 

Pencils

Last, we’re going to mention pencils.  Small children enjoy coloring and have a collection of pens, crayons, and pencils.  They need to be observed at all times.

Toddlers and small children don’t fully understand the dangers of  fighting, especially with sharp objects. A freshly sharpened pencil can do a lot of damage.  It’s best only to give them crayons until they are old enough to understand the dangers and how to use them properly.  However, make sure they don’t make attempt to eat the crayons.

 

Keep Everyone Safe

Now you’ve read this, take a closer look at your home. Determine which of these you need to implement to create a haven for your family with as few hazards as possible. You’ll be able to relax knowing that everyone is as safe as possible and that you’re preventing unwanted trips to the hospital.

 

How to Maintain Smoke Alarms in Your Home

Do you have knowledge on how to maintain smoke alarms in your home?  Are your home smoke alarms in proper working order?  I had a spill in my oven while I was cooking the other day, and I was so grateful that my smoke alarms were working.  I stuck a dish of scalloped potatoes in the oven, and decided to go take a shower since it takes at least an hour for them to cook.  While I was in the shower, the potatoes bubbled over and spilled onto the bottom of the oven.

 

 

 

smoke alarm maintenance

 

 

 

From there the oven started smoking and set off the smoke alarm outside the kitchen.  I ran to the kitchen and noticed the smoke coming from the oven.  I quickly opened the kitchen door to let out the smoke.  Unfortunately, it was not the first that I had a spill in the oven.  Opening the kitchen door to let out the smoke is a great way to get the alarm to subside too.  Thankfully, it was a cold winter day and the smoke cleared out quickly.  But, it did nothing for the smell.  My oven was definitely going to require a cleaning.  Self cleaning ovens are like sliced bread, they are the best.

The potatoes were done, but the smell in the house was another story.  Sadly, the smoke in the kitchen reminded me of an incident in my home several years ago.  Instead of using the bottle warmer, my son-in-law fell asleep with a baby bottle in pan of water on the stove.  The pan boiled dry and filled the house with smoke.  You can read about the incident here.  Once again, I was grateful that the alarms were working in my house.  Are yours in working order?

Did you know The National Fire Protection Association recommends that a smoke alarm be installed outside of the sleeping area as well as installing one inside of each bedroom.  A smoke alarm should be installed on each level of the house including the basement.

I have a brother that was a volunteer fireman for 30 years.  So safety and smoke detector maintenance is important in my family. The fire department that he volunteered for gives away hundreds of free smoke detectors each year.  So, if you or a family member are unable to purchase a detector, go to your local fire department and they will be glad to assist.  Many of the volunteer firemen will help install them if anyone needs assistance.

 

 


 

 

Here are the steps on how to maintain smoke alarms in your home:

  • Replace the batteries regularly
  • Vacuum all of your smoke alarms annually to remove dust.
  • Replace your detectors every 10 years.
  • Test them regularly to ensure they are working properly.
  • Have a mix of ionization and photoelectric alarms in your home.  The ionization activates quicker, which is what I have in my home.  It doesn’t take much to set my alarms off, and I am thankful.  The photoelectric reacts slower.

I was thankful that my dinner was salvageable.  But, the smell in the kitchen, dining and great rooms was strong.  I needed to remove it quickly.  Dinner guests would be arriving soon.  I remembered that I had a can of Ozium Air Sanitizer to remove strong smells from my kitchen and bathrooms.  I’d gotten it after seeing good feedback in a review article, and thankfully it says it removes smoke.  I pulled out the can and gave my kitchen and living areas a generous spray.  I am happy to say, dinner was delicious and the guests were breathing fresh air without a hint of smoke.  So, I’ll be keeping a can under my kitchen sink for future use.

Finally, be sure to maintain smoke alarms in your house per the steps above.  They could end up being a life saver in more ways than one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Safety 101: How to Protect Your Baby from Slips and Falls

Parents have it hard when it comes to taking care of a baby.  Care goes beyond meeting their basic needs such as proper nutrition and hygiene. When your baby learns how to walk and explore the world around them, the difficulty level of parenting shoots from “cute but hard” into “extra cute, but extra hard.”  When babies are in their cribs and they fall, you know they’re safe.  Mattresses cushions their fall. However, when babies are outside the crib, there’s no guarantee that they’re safe from slips and falls.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on baby safety.  

 

 

how to protect your baby from slips and falls

 

 

The fragility of a baby’s body can make slips and falls life-threatening.  If you have a new baby, these tips on how to protect your baby from slips ad falls may be helpful.   So, how exactly do you protect your baby from slips and falls?

According to the Mayo Clinic when a baby starts learning how to walk, it can be a source of pride and joy for parents. However, when babies are learning how to walk they get excited.  They may hit things around them that could cause them to fall.  If a baby slips and falls at the wrong angle they can be injured.  As a result, it’s a good idea to take action to prevent accidents.  Here are a few tips:

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can be avoided by trying to make sure things at home are designed with your child’s safety in mind.  Here are a few examples of how you can protect your baby from slips and falls:

 

  • Keep bathtubs safe by using mats. Mat help reduce the risks of slipping and falling while taking a bath.
  • Keep beds safe by installing safety rails on beds, especially if you have toddlers. If you have bunk beds, make sure kids six and older are the ones that use them.
  • Keep balconies safe by not letting your baby play unattended in these areas, especially when these areas are porches and fire escape locations. Children might use this opportunity to wander around the house and even the neighborhood.
  • Keep stairs safe by installing safety gates at the bottom and top of staircases.  Furthermore, you can place covers on doorknobs that lead to staircases, the basement and the attic.
  • Keep windows safe by using window guards.  You can also install stops that won’t allow windows to open beyond four inches.  Babies five years old and younger can fit through six inch openings. Try to make sure windows are also inaccessible even if you have to install railings.

 

how to protect your child from slips and falls

 


Keep the Outside Safe 

While the outside world is a scary place, you can make it slip and fall proof.  At least to a certain degree with proper care and guidance.

  • Keep your child safe on the playground by choosing ones that include sand, rubber, mulch, or wood chips.  These types of area are safer than dirt and cement, which are likely to cause injuries.
  • When riding escalators carry your baby or hold your toddler’s hand. Additionally, make sure there aren’t any loose shoestrings, shoes, or clothing that can be caught in the escalator.  Make sure your children doesn’t sit or play while riding them.
  • Keep an eye out for obstacles.  Look carefully for wet patches that could cause you to slip, and take caution when walking through rain or snow.

 Safety Comes First for Baby

Take a proactive approach.  Make sure your baby is exposed only to things he or she can safely play with.

While this might seem to be an extra step in the plethora of things you have to do as a parent, this will definitely pay off in the long run.  Especially, if you have play dates and invited guests in your home.  Learning how to protect your baby from slips and falls is essential.  If you’re wondering just what the legal repercussions are due to slippery floors, you may click here.   We hope that you found our baby safety tips helpful.  You may also like:  Child Safety Tips

 

        About the author:  Vicki Haskett

Vicki is a law writing enthusiast who’s had over 25 years of experience in her field. She enjoys sharing her experiences with those who want to learn more about the legal world. In her spare time she spends quality time with her family and friends.

Practical Ways to Pest Proof Your Home

pest proof your home

 

Pests can invade your home at any time.  Furthermore, they may come to nest, to access an easy source of food, or to find shelter from the weather. They can fly, crawl, burrow, or jump to get into your property.  They have one thing in common, and that is to get in regardless how bad you want to keep them out.  Check out my tips on pest proof your home:

Common Pests

The most common invaders are rodents and insects. Rodents are extremely successful breeders and, if they are not dealt with promptly, can multiply rapidly and bring disease and nuisance.

Insects fly and crawl.  Some can be very destructive to furniture and to the fabric of your home.

Prevention or Cure

Traps can be either lethal or non-lethal, although live traps leave you with the dilemma of what to do with the creature.

Poisoning, unless carried out by an expert, comes with a variety of drawbacks, including

  • The risk of inadvertently killing other animals, including members of an endangered species.
  • The difficulty of finding the dead bodies, which may still be in the house.
  • The limited effectiveness of some techniques, such as rodent smoke bombs.

So prevention is generally a preferable route, where it is practical.

Don’t Invite Them

The most important step, is to discourage pests from getting near your home.  Once they are comfortably settled close to the house, it will not be long before they decide to move inside.

Also, remove piles of debris from around the walls, including discarded building materials, firewood, trash cans, garbage containers, compost and leaf piles. All these make comfortable homes for insects and rodents. They can move in to nest and then look for somewhere a little warmer when the air turns cold.

Clean out gutters, downpipes, and drains. The organic matter that accumulates in these is very attractive to insects. Cut back trees and plants that are touching the walls or roof.

Replace traditional bulbs in exterior lights with sodium lights which attract less flying insects.

Move bird feeders away from the house, as fallen seeds will rapidly attract vermin.

Block Their Entry

It is said that if a hole is big enough for a pencil it is big enough for a mouse. Go around your house and inspect every surface for ways that rodents and insects could get in.

Check all your doors and windows to ensure they are close fitting and the frames are sound. Pay particular attention to basement and attic windows. Check all the points where pipes enter the building. Seal holes with caulk or concrete.

Damp and rotting wood is both attractive to insects and easy to chew. Replace it with sound wood or another material.

Keep Your Home Pest Free

Regardless of how hard you work to pest proof your home, everybody gets a pest problem at some time. There are plenty of companies around to help, but you can keep their requests to a minimum by taking simple steps to stop the critters getting inside in the first place.

Baby Proofing Your Home Is Essential

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on baby proofing your home.  According to the experts, children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be killed by falls, poisoning, choking, drowning, burns, or fire than by a stranger’s violence.  Every room in the house can be a potentially hazardous place.  So, it’s paramount that you prevent child injuries and keep your baby safe.  Secure your home from top to bottom, by implementing some security measures.

 

 

baby proofing your home

 

 

 

Baby Proofing Your Home

 

Nursery

The nursery may seem like a harm-free space, but it’s far from harmless. Keep pillows and blankets away from babies that are under 6 months old, because they can suffocate on them.  Additionally, save stuffed animals and pointy toys for later years.  Additionally, make sure you are equipped with finger-pinch guards for hinges on doors.  A safe toy box is a must, and a thick rug will help cushion falls.

 

Living Room

Falls and collisions with furniture are the biggest threat for a child in the living room.  Babies are careless, they don’t pay much attention to their surroundings, and they can easily bump their head and hurt themselves.  Climbing on furniture is a children’s favorite sport, so make sure you move everything away that could cause them harm.  Block access to windows and place items high so they can’t reach up and topple them over.

 

Baby Proof Your Kitchen

Any poisonous substances should be out of children’s reach. Make sure you lock them. Always turn pot handles towards the back of the stove, so that a child can’t get their hands on hot pots and pans.  Sharp kitchenware including knives and forks should also be stored high.  Secure all electrical outlets with covers, so that the child can’t put their fingers inside.

 

Baby Proof All Around the House

If you have stairs in the house, make sure to secure them with safety gates.  This includes both at the bottom and on top. Doorknob covers are another recommendation, because they’ll keep the kids away from hazard areas. Additionally, this is especially true for a garden, basement and front door.  A child is not safe in these places without a parent’s supervision.  Just as important, keep a fire extinguisher in your home.  Make sure you purchase an extinguisher for electrical or grease fires.  There are all purpose fire extinguishers on the market. Make sure you turn to professionals if you need any kind of fire safety services. Additionally, install smoke detectors on every floor of the house. Keep all toxic substances like paint and sprays safely stored.

 

baby proofing your home

 

 

Baby Proofing Your Bathroom 

Install toilet locks to prevent toddlers from lifting the lid.  Make sure you keep razors nail clippers, tweezers, scissors, and any other sharp objects in locked cabinets. Medications are also a potential threat for the child.  Therefore, keep pills, ointments, herbs, or powders in a cabinet that only you can unlock and reach. Unplug the curling iron and never leave it on the counter. A child could be able to reach the cord and burn her or himself with the device.

 

Baby proofing your house should be your number one priority. Secure as many areas as you can and make sure you consult these tips for guidance. Your child’s safety should always come first.  You may also like Baby Proofing Essentials.   

 

Author  – Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls simply in love with interior design and DIY projects. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

10 Items To Keep In a Fire Proof Box

Image-Fire-Proof-Box

If a fire strikes your home or apartment will you be able to save or recover your personal information?  A fire proof box could save you time, money, and stress. Trying to recover credit card numbers and other personal information can daunting with everything else that you will have to deal with.  You can purchase a reputable fire proof box from Walmart, Target or Amazon to name a few places for a reasonable price. Make the investment, and ensure that your documents are safe.

Once you purchase your fire proof box, don’t guest about what documents should be placed in it.  We have a list, which is not all inclusive, but a good start:

  1. Passport – If you have a passport, you will want to place it in your fire proof box when you’re not traveling.
  2. Original Birth Certificates – Original birth certificates should be placed in your fire proof box.  If you or your children were born locally, a copy can obtained from your local court house for a nominal amount.  If you were born out of state, obtain copies and place them with the original in the fire proof box.
  3. Deeds  and Wills – Place the deed for your home and any papers pertaining to your timeshare, rental properties etc, in the box. Include your Will and/or Living Will.
  4. Power of Attorney – If you have or have granted POA to a friend or family member, place the documents in the box. This includes Medical Power of Attorney.
  5. Vehicle Titles – Clear titles to vehicles should be placed in the box.
  6. Household Inventory List and Photos – Take inventory of your household, jewelry, furs, antiques, collectibles etc. Take clear pictures of each item on your list.
  7. Photo CDs – Place photos on a CD that you would want to reprint if destroyed. I also have photos on my laptop copied on a flash drive and in my box as well. 
  8. Insurance Policies – Keep your home owners, life insurance and any other policies in the box.
  9. Credit Cards Numbers, backup ATM cards or health insurance cards etc. – Write down your credit car numbers and their expiration dates. Keep an extra copy of your ATM and health insurance cards on hand as well.
  10. Social Security Cards – Place yours and family member’s cards in the box. Numbers can be written down in another location or memorized.

Again, this list is not all inclusive.  If you have adoption papers, a marriage license or other legal documents be sure to include them too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Safety Tips For Latch Key Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on tips for latch key kids.  Do you have a Latch Key Kid?  If so, this post was written with you in mind.  When school is in session or during the summer months, some parents will be leaving their children alone for several hours.  Furthermore, some parents are single mothers who can’t afford the expense of child care.  Many families have both parents working outside the home.  Others because their children are old enough to take care of themselves.  
Furthermore, we have those who can’t find after school care.  Whatever the reason, there are approximately 15 million Latch Key Kids in the U.S.  So, don’t feel that you’re a bad parent or that you’re alone in your decision.
latch key children

 

Safety Tips for Latch Key Kids:

 

My daughter was around 10 when she became a latch key kid.  I’ve always hated that term, but it is what it is.  I was a single mother at the time, and I was trying to purchase a home.  I was saving every penny that I could.  As a result, I asked my daughter if she thought she could stay alone for several hours.  I was looking at it from the perspective of cutting out child care expense.  However, she saw as independence and she jumped at the opportunity.

Although I realized that I wasn’t the only parent who had a latch key child, the guilt I felt initially was beyond measure.  Thankfully, the bus stop was 500 yards from my front door.  In cases of an emergency, my neighbors told me that would step in.  Also, they made sure she went through the door each afternoon after school.  After several weeks, I soon released the guilt and became comfortable with my decision.

Many parents question the appropriate age for leaving children unattended. So, if you’re considering leaving your child alone be sure to check the legal ramifications.  You will also have to assess your child’s maturity level and their ability to follow directions.   Think about the time frame that your child will be alone.  Is your neighborhood safe?  If it’s more than a few hours, you may want to find another option.  Two hours was the maximum number of hours that I left my daughter.

Before we jumped in head first, we decided to do a trial run.  If we were comfortable, we would implement the plan.  If you have latchkey children, consider these tips:

1.  Rules Must Be Established – No friends over, do not answer the phone or door unless it’s for people who are checking on them, do not leave the home to play in the neighborhood etc. It’s also important that your child understand that they can’t tell people that they’re home alone and why. It’s imperative that your child understand the rules.

2.  Establish a Routine – You must give your child a routine. In my home it was to come straight home, let me know that she was home and that start on her To Do List. Today there are nanny cams and home monitoring devices that allow you to see what’s happening in the home while you’re at the office. There are also devices that allow you to turn off the alarm system remotely and reset it once your child gets inside the home. Skyping is a great idea too if it’s allowed in your office.

3.  Create a To Do List –  Keeping your child occupied is important.  When they’re occupied, they won’t have time to think about much else.  Furthermore, I created a list of things for my daughter to do once she arrived. She could get a snack, no cooking allowed.  She was allowed to turn on the television, radio etc.  Yes, sound is nice when you’re alone.  However, homework had to be completed before she could stop and watch her favorite shows.

4.  Establish Emergency Procedures – Make sure your child knows to call 911 if an emergency arrives.  Create a list of phone numbers for neighbors or relatives who are close by. My daughter knew that she could go next door for help or company if needed.

5.  Give Lots of Hugs and Praise – Show your child or children how much you appreciate them contributing  to the household by being responsible. Children love praise and they deserve it.

Finally, the experience actually built confidence in my daughter. It also made her understand responsibility and the importance of following directions.  Did you raise a latchkey child or do you currently have one?  What were some of the rules that you implemented?  They could be of benefit to other parents.  You may also like How to Keep Your Children Safe.

15 Must Have Items For A First Aid Kit

Today, I’m sharing must have items for a first aid kit.  Do you have a first aid kit?  If you have children there will always be a scrap, cut, or rash.  Also, you will evidently suffer a burn in the kitchen or a cut.  As a result, I always keep my first-aid kit stocked and ensure all ointments in the box have not expired.
first aid kit
Additionally, you don’t have to buy expensive first aid kits.  I purchased a plastic container from the Dollar Store with compartments.  And I added what I believed I would use with the children and for myself.

Here are a few items for your first aid kit:

  1. Band-aids of various sizes
  2. Ointments for rashes, bee stings, and burns
  3. Ace-bandages and clips to hold the bandage together
  4. Gauze 
  5. Medical tape
  6. Medical scissors
  7. Peroxide and Antiseptic wipes
  8. Tweezers 
  9. Disposal gloves
  10. A Tube of Vaseline
  11. Benadryl for allergic reactions
  12. Tylenol or Aleve for adults 
  13. Baby and Bayer Aspirin (heart attacks and children)
  14. Eye Wash/Saline
  15. Cold compress (Made specifically for first aid kits)


Also, if you have allergies, asthma, diabetics or other specific medical conditions include items that you will need in an emergency.  If you are a diabetic, you may want to keep glucose tablets on hand, cake icing, and orange juice in your home. Additionally, make sure you have an inhaler on hand too if you have asthma.

Again, first aid kits don’t have to be fancy or expensive.  The goal is to have items on had in cause of an emergency.  When you have children around, things happen.  There are also accidents in the kitchen, bathroom and backyard BBQs.  So, if there’s an emergency you don’t want to waste time having to run to the store.  Furthermore, running to a neighbor’s or searching your bathroom cabinet is time consuming as well.  You want to have items in a central location.

Furthermore, put a first aid kit in your car too.  Fortunately, a first aid kit was included in my car.  Accidents can happen in a parking lot, store, or the park.  So, what items do you have in your first aid kit?  Finally, you may like Caring for Kids in the Twenty First Century.