So you followed a hospital checklist to prepare for your childbirth and now you need a cheat sheet for a well-stocked baby first aid kit. This is necessary for basic grooming (hello clipping nails!), as well as illness or accidents, but most conventional first aid kits don’t have everything you’ll need. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own.
Baby First Aid Kit Supplies
Here are some baby first aid kit supplies to consider. You don’t need every single item on the list, but it helps to have lots of options to customize your first aid kit. This way, you’ll be prepared for anything life throws at you.
First Aid Kit Supplies for Cold, Flu, and Immune Support
The best offense is a good defense and that includes immune support. If breastfeeding is an option, then baby will get protection and an immune boost from mom. (source) Sometimes colds and flus happen though, and during this time, baby needs some extra support.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for immune support, regulating inflammation and skeletal health. (source) It’s important to get enough safe sun exposure for adequate vitamin D levels, but in certain climates or seasons this isn’t doable.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementing infants with 400 IU daily of vitamin D. However, if you are a breastfeeding mom, you can take 6,400 IU a day and you will pass on sufficient vitamin D to your baby through your milk. If you are formula feeding, be sure to check and see if your formula contains vitamin D before you supplement.
Find infant vitamin D here and vitamin D/K2 for mama here.
Boiron Coldcalm Baby
This homeopathic remedy is safe for babies 6 months and older. Coldcalm baby helps relieve cold and flu symptoms, so your baby can recover from sickness faster. The doses come pre-measured in a little tube, making it super convenient, too.
Find Coldcalm baby here.
Elderberry syrup
This is a must-have during flu season. Studies show elderberry is effective at both flu prevention and treatment (source, source). Older babies can have some elderberry syrup in a syringe, but syrups made with honey aren’t recommended for babies younger than one. Until then, breastfeeding moms can pass along the beneficial properties of elderberry to baby through their milk.
Find elderberry syrup here.
Garlic mullein ear oil
The pain and fussiness that comes along with an ear infection isn’t fun for anyone. Most ear infections are caused by both viruses and bacteria, so antibiotics alone won’t fix the problem. Garlic oil is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and has been used to treat infections throughout history. (source) Mullein soothes pain, reduces inflammation, and is antimicrobial to fight ear pain. You can also add a drop or two of this oil to baby’s chest or feet if they show the first signs of a cold.
Find garlic mullein oil here.
Epsom salt
Epsom salt relaxes the muscles in the chest cavity and helps break up mucus and relieve symptoms of a low-grade fever. Add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt to bath water.
Find epsom salt here.
Belladonna
Belladonna is a good homeopathic remedy for milder fevers and/or body aches. Just remember to always check in with your pediatrician when using these medications.
Find belldonna here.
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First Aid Kit Supplies for Congestion and Breathing
Nasal aspirator
Many mamas swear by the NoseFrida for relieving congestion and nasal drainage. A bulb syringe is common, but these can collect mold on the inside, plus they’re not nearly as effective. Pair the NoseFrida with some Genexa saline to loosen hardened mucus.
Find NoseFrida here and Genexa saline here.
Saline and nose sprays
Nasal washes remove allergens, irritants, and excessive mucus to help improve breathing. There are plenty of good natural options, depending on the situation at hand.
- Genexa saline helps loosen hardened mucus and wash away impurities.
- Zarbee nasal spray with aloe is very soothing to irritated nasal passages.
- Xlear nasal spray contains xylitol which studies suggest reduces bacteria and inflammation better than saline alone.
Find Genexa saline here, Zarbee nasal spray here, and Xlear nasal spray here.
Zarbee cough syrup
Conventional cough and cold syrups aren’t safe or effective for babies and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) cautions against them, because many of these products contain up to 25 percent alcohol by volume. Fortunately, there are natural options, like Zarbee’s, that don’t contain any drugs, alcohol, dyes, or artificial flavors for times when baby needs a little extra help coughing up all that gunk.
Find Zarbee cough and mucus syrup for babies here.
Maty’s all natural chest rub
Chest rubs for adults, even natural ones, often contain ingredients that are too harsh for baby’s respiratory system. Maty’s all natural chest rub is safe, gentle, and effective at relieving cough and congestion.
Find Maty’s all natural chest rub here.
Thyme tea
Studies suggest thyme helps expel phlegm and relieve congestion. Put 1 tablespoon of the organic dried thyme tea in a tea ball, soak in hot water, and put in bath water. Repeat up to six times per day.
Find thyme tea here.
First Aid Kit Supplies for Minor Skin Injuries
Cuts and scrapes happen to the best of us. Babies that are learning how to crawl or walk are especially prone to trips and falls that can cause boo boos. Here’s what you need to keep on hand to help baby’s skin.
Cut and scrape balm
Wild Thera Cuts/Scrapes balm is a natural blend of oils and herbal extracts for skincare. A salve like this is a must for minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection and speed healing.
Find Wild Thera Cuts/Scrapes balm here.
Aubrey’s aloe vera
Some households have an aloe vera plant for soothing burns and irritated skin, but it’s not always the most convenient solution. Aubrey’s aloe vera doesn’t contain fillers like many brands and comes in a bottle that easily fits into a baby first aid kit.
Find Aubrey’s aloe vera here.
Arnica
Arnica comes in two different forms—the herb and the homeopathic remedy. Arnica herbal salve or cream can be used externally for bruises, strains, and sprains.
Find Arnica herbal salve here.
Boo boo ice pack
This cute boo boo ice pack helps relieve swelling and inflammation. Use it on bumps and bruises.
Find boo boo ice pack here.
Calendula
Calendula salve is the go-to herb for skin support and general skin issues. It can be used to soothe diaper rash, relieve eczema, and speed healing of cuts and scrapes.
Find calendula salve here.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is good for so many things, but it’s anti-fungal properties make it great for baby, too. (source) The oil can be used for diaper rash or as a nipple cream. It’s perfect for diaper rash caused by thrush and yeast infections.
Find coconut oil here.
First Aid Kit Supplies for Digestive Support
Ginger tea
Ginger root tea is widely used to soothe tummy troubles. For infants, ginger tea can be rubbed on the gums. If mom is breastfeeding, she can drink a few cups a day to benefit baby.
Find ginger root tea here.
Activated charcoal
Certain toxins bind to activated charcoal, making it great for food poisoning or in the event that baby swallows something they shouldn’t have. Always check with your pediatrician first, since these can be serious issues. If you get the OK to use charcoal, mix a little of the powder with water and give it to baby with a syringe.
Find activated charcoal here.
Probiotics
Probiotics can help with digestive issues, colic, and infections. The strains B. bifidum, B. infantis, and L. reuteri are the best choice for babies. Research shows these strains can help with diarrhea, colic, and respiratory infections.
Find the best baby probiotics here.
Boiron cocyntal
This homeopathic treatment for colic is great if other methods, such as swaddling, rocking, and gentle tummy rubs, aren’t cutting it.
Find Boiron cocyntal here.
Nat Phos 6x
This is a cell salt naturally made by our bodies for digestion, however some babies don’t make enough. Nat Phos 6x can help with acid reflux, spit up, and similar digestive issues.
Find Nat Phos 6x here.
Gripe water
This is a generic term for a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and herbs, like fennel and ginger. Gripe water can help with colic, gas, and upset tummies.
Find gripe water here.
First Aid Kit Supplies for Teething
Wet wash cloths
A wet wash cloth is another very basic, but very effective teething remedy for many babies. Soak a small washcloth in water, wring out, then freeze for at least an hour. Once it comes out of the freezer, let baby chew on the washcloth.
Find wash cloths here.
Boiron camilia
There are lots of good natural teething remedies, but here’s another one to add to your baby’s first aid kit. If other remedies aren’t doing the trick, camilia can be a lifesaver.
Find Boiron camilia here.
Arnica montana
This homeopathic version of arnica helps relieve pain and inflammation caused by falls or teething. It can also help prevent bruising and reduce swelling.
Find arnica montana here.
First Aid Kit Supplies for Allergic Response
Benadryl
We’d all like to think serious allergic reactions won’t happen, but it’s best to be prepared. This dye-free children’s Benadryl is the more natural choice for baby. But Benadryl isn’t recommended for children under 6 years of age, so be sure to check with your pediatrician first.
Epi-Pen
If your child has a history of severe allergies, your pediatrician can provide a prescription for an Epi-Pen for emergencies.
First Aid Kit Tools for General Wellness
These standard tools complete your baby first aid kit:
Don’t feel like you need to have every single item on this list. Customize your baby first aid kit to your little one’s needs, but plan ahead for just-in-case events, too. A little effort now is worth it to be prepared for accidents and illness.
How About You?
What’s in your baby first aid kit? What natural remedies do you always keep on hand?
