Between cold season and everyday boo-boos, there will be moments in the first year of parenthood that test your medical know-how. When baby’s injured or unwell, you may feel helpless—but a well-stocked first aid kit can help. It keeps essential supplies at hand, so you don’t have to scramble to find anything in an emergency situation. Use this guide to stock your medicine cabinet or baby first aid kit, and you’ll be prepared for all minor bumps, scrapes and illnesses. While at-home care is the first line of defense when baby’s sick, always discuss medications and treatments with your pediatrician before giving them to an infant.
Our top picks: Baby scissors Simba Toddler Safety Scissor with Nail Filer and Magnifying Glass at Amazon, $6.70 Jump to Review Baby thermometer Frida 3-in-1 Ear, Forehead and Touchless Infrared Thermometer at Target, $49.99 Jump to Review Cotton balls Curad Sterile Cotton Balls at Amazon, $3.59 Jump to Review Baby hairbrush KeaBabies Baby Hair Brush at KeaBabies, $12.96 Jump to Review Medicine dropper Fridababy MediFrida the Accu-Dose Pacifier Medicine Dispenser at Amazon, $12.84 Jump to Review Nasal aspirator Braun Electric Nasal Aspirator at Target, $36.99 Jump to Review Saline solution Little Remedies 3 oz. Saline Nasal Mist for Babies Stuffy Noses at Target, $5.39 Jump to Review Petroleum jelly Vaseline Baby Hypoallergenic Petroleum Healing Jelly & Diaper Rash Skin Protectant at Target, $5.39 Jump to Review Gauze Medline Gauze Sponge Sterile at Amazon, $6.39 Jump to Review Toothbrush Dr. Brown's Silicone Finger Toothbrush for Baby with Travel-Storage Case at Amazon, $3.99 Jump to Review In this article What should be in a baby first aid kid? Baby first aid products to try Best premade baby first aid kits
What Should be in a Baby First Aid Kit?
“A thermometer and fever reducer are key,” says Alexis Phillips , DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. Parents should always travel with these items, as you can’t predict when baby will spark a fever, continues Philips. Here, find a list of other first aid essentials to help you treat minor ailments and illnesses at home:
- Blunt scissors
- Baby thermometer
- Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)
- Baby brush or comb
- Medicine dropper
- Bulb syringe/ nasal aspirator
- Saline nasal drops (AAP-approved in place of cough and cold medicine)
- Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care )
- Baby nail clippers
- Baby gas drops (AAP-approved Simethicone) or gripe water
- Infant Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol, safe after 12 weeks)
- Antibiotic cream (safe for ages 2 and up)
- Band aids
- Tweezers
- Infant toothbrush
- Hand sanitizer (safe for ages 2 and up)
Baby First Aid Products to Try
Planning to put together a DIY baby first aid kit? The good news is that you’ll probably find many of the essential items in your bathroom cabinet at home. But if you don’t, here are a few healthcare products with The Bump seal of approval.
Baby scissors
Simba Toddler Safety Scissor with Nail Filer and Magnifying Glass Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $6.70A small pair of scissors is a baby first aid kit essential. Use them to cut gauze dressings to the right size, open packages and trim fingernails or hangnails. This pair of scissors comes with a file and magnifying glass, which will help you get a good look at those tiny nail beds.
Buy NowBaby thermometer
Frida 3-in-1 Ear, Forehead and Touchless Infrared Thermometer Image: Target Buying Options Target | $49.99A fever (any temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is often the first sign of illness in young children, so it’s important to have a trustworthy thermometer at home. Although a rectal reading is recommended for infants under the age of one, a contactless model is the most hygienic choice for a first aid kit. FridaBaby’s Best of Baby award-winning infrared thermometer gives an accurate read in seconds to help you determine next steps.
Buy NowCotton balls
Curad Sterile Cotton Balls Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $3.59Sterile cotton wool is a must for any baby first aid kit. From applying antiseptic to cleaning scrapes, these fluffy cotton balls are sure to come in clutch. Pick up a box at your local drugstore or stock up online.
Buy NowBaby hairbrush
KeaBabies Baby Hair Brush Image: KeaBabies Buying Options KeaBabies | $12.96 Amazon | $11.96While it’s not strictly necessary, a hairbrush or comb may come in handy in a baby first aid kit. Opt for a brush with soft bristles that’s gentle on sensitive scalps.
Buy NowMedicine dropper
Fridababy MediFrida the Accu-Dose Pacifier Medicine Dispenser Image: buybuyBABY Buying Options Amazon | $12.84 Target | $12.99Administering medicine to baby isn’t always the easiest task—especially if they don’t like the taste. This syringe-style medicine dispenser bypasses baby’s taste-buds and helps you get the correct dose every time.
Buy NowNasal aspirator
Braun Electric Nasal Aspirator Image: Target Buying Options Target | $36.99 Amazon | $35.99Baby can’t physically blow their nose, which means it’s your job to clear any stuffiness. Fortunately, the Braun nasal aspirator offers a safe and hygienic solution. The suction can be adjusted to suit baby’s comfort level, and the mucus chamber, nose tip and mouth piece are all top-rack dishwasher safe. Is it any wonder that this device won a Best of Baby award in 2022 ?
Buy NowSaline solution
Little Remedies 3 oz. Saline Nasal Mist for Babies Stuffy Noses Image: buybuyBABY Buying Options Target | $5.39A few drops of saline solution can help loosen stubborn mucus in baby’s nose. Use it on its own or alongside a nasal aspirator to offer relief from a stuffy nose.
Buy NowPetroleum jelly
Vaseline Baby Hypoallergenic Petroleum Healing Jelly & Diaper Rash Skin Protectant Image: Target Buying Options Target | $5.39 Walmart | $5.16Vaseline (also known as petroleum jelly) has a variety of uses, add a dab to dry skin, or slather it on to prevent diaper rash.
Buy NowGauze
Medline Gauze Sponge Sterile Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $6.39Gauze is another item you’ll find at your local drugstore. Use it to clean minor scrapes, or to dress deeper cuts.
Buy NowNail clippers
Safety 1st Sleepy Baby Nail Clippers Image: Walmart Buying Options Walmart | $11.91Baby’s nails can get pretty sharp, if you don’t trim them regularly, so to avoid scratches invest in a child-friendly clipper. This Best of Baby award-winning option by Safety 1st has an easy-to-grip handle, but the blade is perfectly sized for those tiny digits. Plus, a built-in LED light means you can trim those talons while baby sleeps for a stress-free experience.
Buy NowBaby gas drops
Mommy's Bliss 1 fl. oz. Newborn Gas Relief Drops Image: buybuyBABY Buying Options Amazon | $9.99 Walmart | $14.55If your little one gets fussy after mealtimes, it's a good idea to add gas drops to baby’s first aid kit. Mommy’s Bliss is a simethicone-based remedy that breaks up bubbles in baby’s tummy to provide gentle, effective relief from gas.
Buy NowBaby tylenol
Infants' Tylenol Pain & Fever Reducer Liquid Image: Target Buying Options Target | $9.59 Walgreens | $8.79If baby has a mild fever, infants’ Tylenol is a safe and effective treatment. Keep a bottle in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit, but remember to consult your pediatrician if you have any questions about dosage.
Buy NowAntibiotic cream
Neosporin+ Pain Relief Cream for Kids Image: Walgreens Buying Options Walgreens | $4.99Kids on the move are bound to get a few bumps and scrapes. Include an antibiotic cream in your family’s first aid kit, and dab it on deeper cuts to aid the healing process. Just remember that antibiotic cream is not recommended for children under the age of 2.
Buy NowBandaids
Welly Sloths & Friends Bravery Badges Image: Welly Buying Options Get Welly | $7.99 Amazon | $6.94Oftentimes, a kiss and a bravery badge (aka a bandaid) is the best cure for a boo-boo. Welly bandages come in two kid-friendly sizes and a variety of fun prints. Plus, the reusable tin is sealed on all sides to prevent germs and dirt getting inside.
Buy NowTweezers
First Aid Only Medical Tweezers Image: Staples Buying Options Staples | $1.29If baby gets a splinter, tweezers are the best way to remove it. This pair is lightweight and easy to grip—and it’s made of plastic so it won’t nip baby’s skin.
Buy NowToothbrush
Dr. Brown's Silicone Finger Toothbrush for Baby with Travel-Storage Case Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $3.99If baby puts something yucky in their mouth, it’s helpful to have a travel toothbrush in your first aid kit. This finger toothbrush by Dr. Brown’s comes in a compact carry case and has soft silicone bristles to clean baby’s gums and emerging teeth.
Buy NowHand sanitizer
California Baby Hand Sanitizer Image: California Baby Buying Options California Baby | $6.29Hand sanitizer isn’t safe for kids under the age of 2, but it’s still a useful addition to baby’s first aid kit. Use it to disinfect your hands before and after tending to baby’s medical needs.
Buy Now
Best Pre-Made Baby First Aid Kits
A pre-made first aid kit is a good option if you’re just after the true necessities. After all, you most likely already have bandaids, cotton and any necessary medication. Below, find two of the best baby first aid kits equipped with healthcare and grooming essentials.
Red Cross baby first aid kit
The First Years American Red Cross Baby Healthcare Kit Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $16.99 Walmart | $25.31Created by the American Red Cross, this seven-piece healthcare kit has many of the medical essentials you need for the first year with baby. Inside the travel case, you’ll find a nasal aspirator, digital thermometer, medicine dropper and baby nail clipper, plus a health and wellness guide.
Buy NowSafety 1st baby first aid kit
Safety 1st Deluxe 25-Piece Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit Image: Amazon Buying Options Amazon | $22.99This 25-piece set is filled with healthcare products, like a bulb aspirator, thermometer, medicine dispenser and more, plus grooming essentials. It even includes a laminated card for emergency contact details. Keep it in the trunk of your car, or pack it in your luggage for vacations.
Buy NowAbout the expert:
Alexis Phillips , DO, is a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas. She earned her medical degree at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens.
