Family Travel Checklists: Beach, Snow, Camping, Flying and International

First aid

First aid essentials to pack

One core kit for every outing, plus what to add for the trip and for your kids’ ages.

In an emergency, call 911. If you think your child swallowed something harmful, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

For every trip, hike or beach day.

Adhesive bandages in several sizes (kid-friendly ones help)
Gauze pads, a roll of gauze and medical tape
Antiseptic wipes, or plan to wash cuts with soap and clean water
Fine-tipped tweezers for splinters and ticks
A digital thermometer
The children’s fever and pain reliever your pediatrician recommends, with its own measuring syringe or cup. Never give aspirin to children.
Any prescription medicines, plus epinephrine auto-injectors or an inhaler if your child has them prescribed
An instant cold pack
Hand sanitizer and a few pairs of disposable gloves
A card with each child’s allergies, medicines, your pediatrician’s number and a photo of your insurance card
Poison Help saved in your phone: 1-800-222-1222

Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, for kids 6 months and up. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming.
Shade, wide-brim hats and swim shirts. They do more than sunscreen alone.
Aloe gel or cool compresses for sunburn
Plenty of water, and breaks in the shade
Clean water or saline to rinse sand out of eyes and cuts
Water shoes for hot sand and shells

Keep the kit zipped and out of reach. Small items are choking hazards.
Repellent is fine from 2 months, but skip oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) under age 3
Fun bandages and a favorite comfort item. Calm helps healing.

Official sources

General information for parents, not medical advice. Follow every product label, and ask your pediatrician about medicines and doses for your kids.