First Aid Kits for Families: The 15 Items Every Parent Needs!

This article contains advice of a general nature and should not be used as a comprehensive guide for medical treatment, consult your preferred health care provider for specific advice.

What Should Be in a First Aid Kit for a Family?

Why Every Family Needs a First Aid Kit

As a parent, you know that bumps, bruises, and fevers are just part of life. Whether it's a scraped knee at the playground, a bee sting in the backyard, or a sudden fever in the middle of the night, you need to be prepared with a first aid kit for your family.

Complete a First Aid or CPR course with SALT Training Academy and receive a FREE Comprehensive First Aid Manual (PDF).

Having a well-stocked first aid kit for families isn’t just for extreme emergencies—it’s for everyday moments when quick care can make all the difference. As an emergency services worker, I’ve seen firsthand how acting fast with the right supplies can prevent bigger problems.

So, what exactly should be in a first aid kit for families? Let’s break it down!

The 15 Must-Have Items for a Family First Aid Kit

1. First Aid Manual – Your Emergency Playbook

Even if you think you know first aid basics, when panic sets in, it helps to have a quick reference guide. Look for one that includes CPR, choking response, burns, and child-specific injuries.

💡 Pro tip: Download a first aid app (like the Red Cross First Aid app) for instant guidance.

2. Adhesive Bandages – A Kid’s Best Friend

Kids get scrapes—a lot of them. Keep a variety of bandage sizes on hand for:

✅ Small cuts and blisters

✅ Larger scrapes

✅ Fun character designs (sometimes, a fun bandage does more for comfort than medicine ever could!)

3. Antiseptic Wipes – Prevent Infection Fast

Cleaning wounds is just as important as covering them. Keep these on hand to:

✔ Disinfect cuts and scrapes

✔ Prevent infections

✔ Clean hands when soap and water aren’t available

💡 Pro tip: Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes are gentler for kids.

4. Sterile Gauze & Medical Tape – For Bigger Boo-Boos

For deeper cuts that won’t stop bleeding, gauze pads help soak up blood and keep the wound clean. Secure them with medical tape or a self-adhesive wrap.

🚑 When to use? If a wound is too big for a Band-Aid or keeps bleeding after a few minutes of pressure.

5. Instant Cold Packs – Soothe Swelling in Seconds

Perfect for bumps, bruises, sprains, and insect bites. These don’t need to be frozen—just squeeze to activate the cooling effect.

💡 Pro tip: Wrap a thin cloth around an ice pack to avoid direct skin contact.

6. Tweezers & Splinter Remover – A Must for Active Kids

Whether it's splinters from the playground or a bee stinger, a good pair of tweezers can save the day. Choose ones with a fine tip for precision.

7. Thermometer – Because Fevers Are Tricky

A digital thermometer is a must for tracking fevers. For babies and young kids, an ear or forehead thermometer works best.

8. Wound Closure Strips – For Deeper Cuts Without Stitches

Sometimes, a cut is too deep for a regular bandage but not quite serious enough for stitches. That’s where wound closure strips (like Steri-Strips) come in handy.

✔ They help close small but deep cuts to speed up healing.

✔ Great for kids who are afraid of stitches at the hospital.

✔ Less invasive and easier to apply than medical glue.

🚑 Pro Tip: If the cut is gaping, bleeding excessively, or over a joint, it may still require stitches. When in doubt, seek medical help.

9. Antihistamines – For Allergies & Bug Bites

Whether it’s seasonal allergies, a rash, or an unexpected bee sting, antihistamines help relieve symptoms fast.

🚑 Emergency tip: If your child has severe allergies, consult your Doctor for specialised Allergy Action Plan.

10. Emergency Contact Card – A Quick Lifeline

Write down:

📞 Call '000'

📞 Poison Information Centre (Australia - 131126)

📞 Allergies & medical conditions of family members

💡 Pro tip: Print an extra copy for your babysitter or caregiver.

11. Disposable Gloves – Stay Sanitary in an Emergency

Gloves protect you and the injured person from infections and cross-contamination.

🚑 Pro tip: Use nitrile gloves if anyone in your family has a latex allergy.

12. Burn Gel or Aloe Vera – Cool & Soothe

For minor burns, sunburns, and scalds, applying burn gel or pure aloe vera can help reduce pain and speed up healing.

💡 Pro tip: Having 100% aloe vera spray kept in your fridge is ideal as you can apply it without touching the burn and is instantly cooling.

13. CPR Face Shield – Be Prepared for the Worst

A CPR mask with a one-way valve lets you safely give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation without direct contact.

🚑 CPR Tip: Learn CPR—it could save your child’s life.

14. Emergency Blanket – For Shock & Cold Protection

A lightweight, foil emergency blanket helps keep a person warm if they’re in shock or exposed to cold weather.

15. Child-Specific Medications & Supplies

If your child has asthma or anaphylactic medical conditions, always keep:

✔ Inhaler (for asthma)

✔ EpiPen/ Anapen (for severe allergies)

Bonus: First Aid Kit Storage & Maintenance

🔹 Keep your kit easy to find but out of children’s reach.

🔹 Check expiration dates every 6 months.

🔹 Have a mini version for the car and nappy bag.

Final Thoughts: Be Ready, Stay Safe!

A first aid kit for families isn’t just about being prepared—it’s about peace of mind. Accidents and illnesses happen when we least expect them, but with the right supplies, you can handle emergencies confidently.

💬 What’s in YOUR family’s first aid kit?

Complete a First Aid or CPR course with SALT Training Academy and receive a FREE Comprehensive First Aid Manual (PDF).