As a parent, it’s important to be prepared for any emergency, especially regarding your children’s safety. Why? Mostly because children are like tiny tornadoes of chaos and destruction, and it’s only a matter of time before they crash and burn (literally or figuratively).  This is why you need a home first aid kit!

So, let’s talk about stocking up for safety. What are the actual contents of a home first aid kit? Let’s face it, sometimes bandaids and kisses just don’t cut it.

Contents of a Basic Home First Aid Kit for Parents

It is recommended that a home first aid kit should contain the following items:

• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Sterile dressings (assorted sizes)
• Sterile eye pads and eye wash
• Disposable gloves
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Thermometer
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Saline solution
• Pain relievers (e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
• Anti-inflammatory cream
• Antihistamines
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Oral rehydration salts
• CPR mouth barrier or shield

What next after stocking your first-aid kit?

• Read the complete first-aid manual, so you’ll understand how to use the contents of your kit. You can also review the manual with your child.
• Store your first-aid kit in a place that is out of children’s reach but easily accessible for adults.
• Please ensure anyone who watches your child knows where to find the first-aid kit and how to use it.
• Try to keep the contents of the first-aid kit at room temperature to avoid damaging medications.
• Check the kit regularly.
  • Replenish missing items or medicines that may have expired. 
  • Check that the battery for the flashlights still works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which First Aid Kit Should I Buy?

When buying a first aid kit as a parent, there are a few things to consider. You want to ensure the kit contains all the essential items needed for basic first aid care, but also consider your child’s age and health. 

So, here are some things to keep in mind: 

1. Contents: Look for a first aid kit that contains all the essential items recommended by reputable organizations, such as St John Ambulance. 
2. Size and Portability: Consider the size of the first aid kit and whether it is portable enough to bring with you on outings or vacations. A compact and lightweight kit can be more convenient for parents on the go.
3. Age-specific items: If you have young children, look for a kit with child-size adhesive bandages and a thermometer designed for children.
4. Special Health Needs: If your child has any special health needs, such as allergies, asthma, or diabetes, consider purchasing a first aid kit that includes items such as antihistamines, inhalers, or glucose tablets.
5. Brand and Quality: Select a reputable brand and ensure that the first aid kit is of good quality and meets safety standards.

Ultimately, the first aid kit you choose as a parent should meet your family’s specific needs and be equipped to handle basic first aid care for minor injuries and emergencies. It’s also important to regularly check and restock the kit to ensure it is up-to-date and ready to use in an emergency.

How Many First Aid Kits Should One Have?

Are you a family of adventure seekers who are always out hiking and camping? 

You should have at least two first aid kits:

1. Home First Aid Kit
2. Car first aid kit

Once you have a kit for your home, put together another for your car. Store your kits someplace easy to get to and out of the reach of young children.

Where Can I Buy a First Aid Kit in Kenya?

You can buy a home first aid kit in Kenya at various locations. Here are some options to consider:

• Emergency Service Providers such as:
  • St. Johns Ambulance Kenya e.t.c
• Hospitals such as:
  • AAR HealthCare
  • Avenue Healthcare
• Pharmacies – Many pharmacies in Kenya stock first aid kits that are suitable for home use. You can check with your local pharmacy or a chain like
  • Goodlife Pharmacy, 
  • Malibu Pharmacy
  • Meds Pharmacy
  • Karen Pharmacy e.t.c
• Local Supermarkets – A few supermarkets have a health and beauty section where you can locate first aid supplies for the home, like;
  • Carrefour, 
  • Quickmart,
  • Naivas Supermarket
  • Eastmatt Supermarkets
  • Khetias
  • Chandarana Foodplus e.t.c
• Online stores -You can also buy a home first aid kits online from stores like
  • Jumia Kenya 
  • Kilimall
  • Masoko
  • MyDawa 
  • Jiji Kenya e.t.c
• Medical supply stores – If you’re looking for a more specialized or comprehensive home first aid kit, you can check with medical supply stores like:
  • Faco Medical Supply 
  • Joy Healthcare Supplies 
  • Apex Med Supplies
  • Kays Medical Supplies Ltd
  • Bismed Medical Supplies
  • MedSource Group
  • Quality Medical Supplies Ltd
  • Afrimedics Healthcare Limited e.t.c
• Safety Gear Dealers:
  • Dal Medical Supplies – Nairobi
  • Prestige Medical Supplies 
  • Nairobi Safety Max Solutions  
  • Kevian Kenya Limited – Thika 
  • Marufu Industries Ltd 
  • Almax Kenya Limited 
  • Safety Plus Limited – Mombasa 
  • Medisel Kenya Limited – Nairobi. 
  • Safety and Health Limited – Nairobi 
  • Nairobi Sports House 
  • Decathlon Kenya e.t.c