So summer is upon us and it means lots of trips to the beach, park, woodlands and moors.  For me it means making sure I have all that I might need including a first aid kit in my bag.  I have learnt over the years that it pays to be prepared! So I am bringing you this post in conjunction with The British Red Cross.

Way back before the boys were born I used to be a first aider and also in charge of Health and Safety and all the other first aiders where I worked.  I used to make sure that all the first aid kits were stocked and in date and also arrange everyone’s courses.

Once the boys were born, I made the decision to go on a paediatric first aid course and was so glad that I did.  With the skills I learned I was able to help a family when their child slipped in a beck.  I am not sure I would have been prepared without the course as dealing with children is much harder than adults or at least it feels that way when you are a parent.  You can take a  course in First Aid (which are held across the UK), which is aimed at parents who have kids aged between 0-12 years old with The British Red Cross like I did

In the years since I did that course (when Mini was a year old) technology has come on in leaps and bounds and I am delighted that The British Red Cross have brought out a fab free Baby and Child First Aid app.  How wonderful to have accurate, reliable and convenient baby and child specific first aid advice in your phone.   The app is packed with videos, animations and tips.  It gives simple easy advice and has tests after each section.

I also love that you also have somewhere to store your child’s medical information, as shock can make you really forgetful.

What to have in your travel first aid kit

1. Scissors – I have a small pair of scissors
2. Children’s and babies’ liquid pain reliever containing paracetamol or ibuprofen – I love the single sachets for my travel kit as there is no measuring.
3. Plasters – perfect for cuts and grazes. I also have blister plasters as they are amazing.
4. ENTEROSGEL – this is a drug-free treatment for diarrhoea, bloating and pain. It is the only available treatment for acute or short-term diarrhoea, that is suitable for children under 12 years with Enterosgel Kids being suitable for the whole family including children aged 0+. It has no known side effects and doesn’t interact with other medications, making it a safe choice for parents. Enterosgel can be used by breastfeeding and pregnant parents and is preservative-free and vegan-friendly.
5. Safety pins –  these are ace for a variety of things from holding together a reusable nappy, to securing bandages.
6. Latex Free Gloves – Prevents contamination when cleansing a cut.
7. Thermometer – I have the travel strips in my travel kit. 
8. Antiseptic cream – antiseptic cream is useful to have from graves and small cuts.
9. Micropore tape – for securing dressings.
10. Antiseptic wipes – these are a handy way to clean cuts and grazes.
11. Assorted bandages – I tend to only take one in y small pack, but have more in the car.
12. Baby and Child First Aid app

The baby & child first aid app is great to have close to hand as it gives emergency advice too.

So it is great for reinforcing any learning that you have.  Get your free baby & child first aid app now!