Peace of mind for parents on the go
Embarking on festive season holiday travel with little ones can be a beautiful adventure filled with family visits, sunny getaways, and new memories. But along with the excitement comes the responsibility of keeping your little one healthy and comfortable on the road. A well-stocked first aid kit is one of the best ways to ensure you’re ready for any minor bumps, bites, or sniffles that come your way.
According to Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City Clinic Executive, preparation is everything:
“When travelling with babies and toddlers, a thoughtfully packed first aid kit is non-negotiable. It should include the essentials to manage common travel concerns such as fever, teething discomfort, insect bites, or nasal congestion. Parents should always consider the child’s age, allergies, and any pre-existing conditions when packing their kit and ensure products are paediatrician-approved and safe for sensitive skin.”
Here are some must-haves to include in your kiddie’s first aid kit this festive season:
1. Fever and temperature care
- Medic Digital Thermometer – Fast, reliable results in 60 seconds (for oral and underarm use). Includes an automatic shut-off and buzzer alert.
- Braun thermometers – known for precision and ease of use when checking baby’s temperature.
- BabyThings Fever Cooling Gel Pads – A hydrogel-based patch that helps reduce temperature gently and safely.
- Remember to pack an infant paracetamol syrup for pain and fever as advised by a nurse or pharmacist.
2. Bite and sting relief
- Pure Beginnings Natural Insect Repellent Spray – 100% natural and DEET-free, made with citronella, lemon eucalyptus, neem, and lippia for safe, effective protection.
- Bennetts Mozzie Stick or Mozzie Spray – Specially formulated for babies and toddlers, dermatologist-endorsed, and safe for use from birth.
- Pigeon Fever Cool Plaster – Provides cooling comfort for fevers or minor skin irritations caused by bites.
3. Baby care and health essentials
- Safety 1st Healthcare Kit – A compact set that includes a newborn nasal aspirator, soft grip toothbrush, medicine dropper, digital thermometer, and alcohol wipes — ideal for home or travel.
- Nûby Medical Kit – Designed for easy, mess-free medicine administration and includes a nasal aspirator, Medi-nurser, and Sure-Dose dropper.
- BabyThings Deluxe Travel & Grooming Kit – A convenient, all-in-one kit for on-the-go grooming and care.
4. Gentle nasal and skin relief
- Saline Nasal Spray – A baby-safe, preservative-free spray that helps clear nasal congestion naturally. Especially useful in air-conditioned environments or when travelling to dry climates.
- Antiseptic Cream – Ideal for treating minor scrapes, cuts, or insect bites to prevent infection and speed up healing.
5. Handy extras for travel health
- Hand sanitiser and wipes – Keep hands clean before feeding or touching baby.
- Elizabeth Anne’s or PURITY Insect Repellent Spray – DEET-free, dermatologist and paediatrician approved, and safe for baby’s delicate skin.
- Emergency contact card – Always include this in your kit with key numbers for your paediatrician, pharmacy, and nearest hospital.
6. Dressing and cleaning for wounds and burns
- Kids-friendly plasters (fun prints) – Make treating minor wounds less intimidating for children.
- Sterile gauze pads – Clean or cover larger wounds to prevent infection.
- Clean scissors – Used to cut tape, gauze, or bandages safely.
- Tweezers – Remove dirt, splinters, or debris from wounds.
- Mild antiseptic wipes / antiseptic solution / wound cleaner – Disinfect wounds to reduce infection risk.
- Burn dressings or hydrogel – Soothe and protect burn wounds while aiding healing.
“Check expiry dates before every trip, store medicines in a cool, dry place, and keep your first aid kit within easy reach during travel. Prevention is better than cure so choose gentle, baby-approved products that prioritise both safety and comfort,” concludes Kruger.
