A nanny’s guide to creating a first aid kit

Accidents and illnesses are common issues when dealing with kids so it’s essential to have a first aid kit available when working as a nanny.  Having this to hand can make a big difference to a child’s safety, and ensures that you are well prepared to deal with a range of different situations.

So what should a well-equipped first-aid kit include? Let us help you create your own!

1. Tools

• A handy high-beam flashlight which you can use to check the ears, nose, eyes, or any areas where a child could get a splinter.
• Tweezers to remove ticks and splinters
• A thermometer (preferably a digital ear thermometer)
• A nasal or bulb syringe to help unblock stuffy noses 
• Rubbing alcohol, or wipes, for sterilizing tools such as thermometers
• Gloves for keeping everything as sanitary as possible

2. Bandages and Wipes

• Cotton balls that are sterilized to wash cuts and bruises
• Cotton swabs only for cleaning the outer area of the nose and ears. Do not use cotton swabs on the insides of the nose and ears as this can pose a danger.
• Gauze rolls and gauze pads to dress wounds
• Medical tape to hold the gauze
• Adhesive bandages 
• Elastic bandages

3. Medicine 

• Pain relievers. Preferably non-aspirin. A child’s strength ibuprofen is preferred and can only be used in the amount recommended by the doctor or manufacturer.
• Rehydration fluids in case of dehydration
• Antihistamine such as Benadryl 
• Hydrogen Peroxide for cleaning cuts and scratches
• Antibacterial cream to apply to the cut or scratch after cleaning
• Creams  to soothe insect bites or rashes (calamine lotion)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant that is safe for kids 

Keep the following supplies in a container that is easy to transport and take along on outings. Remember to keep it away from children as some of these can be harmful if mishandled, inhaled, or swallowed.

As a nanny, it is your responsibility to keep the children in your care safe, and being able to administer basic first aid is essential. Prepare your first-aid kit in advance so that you can be ready to deal with common childhood ailments, and assist in emergency situations too.

You should also bear in mind that you must have a paediatric first aid certificate as this is a requirement for most vacancies.

If you don’t have it or it is out of date you can get it with our Paediatric First Aid course designed exclusively for nannies.

Here you will find more information: PFA

Different Types of Nannies

The importance of being a qualified child carer