What to pack in a baby first aid kit

Having a properly stocked first aid kit is vital for parents or anyone dealing with babies and children - but what should you keep in it?

As well as looking at what baby first aid essentials you need, we take a look at what first aid classes are available to help you act confidently and quickly if there's a medical emergency involving a little one. 

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What should my first aid kit contain?

Even if you’ve taken every precaution to create a safe environment for your baby, some accidents and illnesses are unavoidable with a little one – so it’s important to keep a stock of basic medical supplies to hand.

These key items should help you respond to common injuries and ailments. But do remember, if there’s any sign of a more serious problem or you’re not sure of the cause, it’s always best to contact a medical professional for advice.

• Digital thermometer
• Child and infant liquid pain reliever, such as Calpol
• Oral (no-needle) syringe or measuring spoon
• Waterproof plasters in various sizes and shapes
• Sterile dressings, roller bandages and finger bandages
• Antiseptic cream and calamine cream (to relieve minor sunburn and rashes)
• Antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze swabs (for cleaning wounds) and mild liquid soap (to clean hands)
• Tweezers and scissors
• Safety pins and hypoallergenic tape
• Insect repellent and sting reliever spray
• Sterile gloves
• Eyewash solution

Add any medication or equipment which is essential to your own child’s needs and familiarise yourself with how to use them so you're not having to read instructions in an emergency situation.

Download and print our baby first aid checklist:

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6 baby first aid kit tips

1. Check that pre-assembled kits have what you need. Use our checklist to help you and top up the kit if anything is missing.
2. Replace items as they start to run out. Check, too, that they aren't past their use-by date.
3. Keep your first aid kit in a waterproof container. A plastic container with a closely fitting lid is ideal and it should be large enough for the items to be arranged so they can be found quickly. 
4. Label items so that they’re easily recognisable. This will come in handy if you need to act quickly.
5. Keep the kit out of the reach of children
6. Let adults know where it is. Make sure that any other adults who may look after your baby at home know where to find the kit.

Calpol and other infant paracetamol pain relief - we give you the lowdown, including how much they cost, what's in them and how long they take to work

Baby first aid courses

There are baby first aid courses specifically designed for new parents and carers to learn how to recognise and react in emergency situations. 

While these are skills you hope you’ll never have to use, being armed with the relevant knowledge can help to give you peace of mind.

Sessions are run by various different organisations, including the NCT (prices from £22.50) and the British Red Cross (prices from £37.50 for a four hour course) - prices vary according to where you live and whether you're attending on your own or with someone else, such as a birth partner.

What will I learn on a baby first aid course?

First aid classes offer practical, hands-on training by a trained professional in a group setting, with many using baby manikin dolls to practice on.

Skills you might learn about include what to do if your baby: 

• Starts choking
• Becomes unresponsive
• Has a fever
• Gets a burn
• Has a raised temperature
• Has a rash that could indicate meningitis

What childhood rash is this? How to identify common rashes, including those caused by eczema, measles, scabies and chickenpox, and how to treat them

When can I do a baby first aid course?

You can attend a baby first aid class at any point, on your own or with a partner and either before or after your baby is born.

In most cases you can bring your small baby with you but check with the course provider first.

Even if you’ve previously completed an adult first aid course it can be worth attending one specifically for babies because there are some instances in which newborn first aid differs, such as when performing CPR or helping a choking infant.

NHS vs NCT and other private antenatal classes - discover the differences between free NHS classes and private antenatal groups

Are there alternatives to attending a first aid course?

There are free videos and advice available online from the experts to enable you can learn the basics when it comes to recognising and responding to minor emergencies:

The British Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance both have free online information.

 However, it’s just as important to know when further medical attention is needed and where to go to get the necessary help.

In any situation where there is a medical emergency, call 999.