Home first-aid kit: what are the essentials when you have children?
When there are children at home, the unexpected is no longer the exception but the rule. A sudden fever in the middle of the night, a grazed knee after a fall in the park, or that persistent cough that just won’t go away — these are situations that all carers eventually face. At times like these, having a well-stocked home medicine cabinet, tailored to the child’s age and needs, can make all the difference between a quick fix and a rush to the chemist’s.
But what should a home medicine cabinet really contain when there are children around? This guide, produced by Farmácias Correia Rosa, is designed to help parents and carers prepare more effectively — safely, thoroughly and sensibly.
Improvising can be dangerous
Using old medicines kept in a drawer or adapting products formulated for adults is a common but risky practice. A child’s body is still developing — the liver, for example, does not yet metabolise substances as efficiently, which increases the risk of overdose or adverse reactions. Furthermore, children’s skin is more permeable and absorbs substances more easily, making certain creams and ointments potentially more toxic.
It is therefore essential to keep your home medicine cabinet up to date, well-organised and tailored to your child’s specific needs, whilst always following medical and/or pharmaceutical advice.
Essential Paediatric First-Aid Kit: what should it contain?
Every second counts in an emergency. That’s why it’s essential to have a selection of basic, safe and effective products to hand, ready for use at any time.
1. Digital thermometer
A fever is one of the most common symptoms in childhood and can be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection. A digital thermometer provides a quick and accurate reading of body temperature, which is essential for an appropriate response.
Did you know that… A child’s normal temperature can vary between 36.1 °C and 37.9 °C, depending on where it is taken? A fever is generally defined as a temperature of 38.0 °C or above (measured under the arm).
It is essential to avoid old mercury thermometers — they are dangerous and banned in several countries, including Portugal, due to the risk of poisoning.
2. Single-dose saline solution
Saline solution is a versatile remedy: it can be used to clear blocked noses (helping to prevent ear infections and sinusitis), clean wounds, soothe sore eyes and even be used for inhalation.
Did you know that… regular nasal rinsing with saline solution significantly reduces the number of days missed from school due to respiratory infections? Find out how to do this properly here.
Single-dose packs are preferred for reasons of hygiene and safety, as they ensure that the product is used only once, thereby preventing any risk of contamination between uses. As they are disposable and individually sealed, they prevent the contents from coming into contact with the external environment, which is particularly important for products intended for use on sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose or wounds.
3. Paediatric antipyretic and analgesic
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most commonly used medicines for relieving fever and pain in children. The choice between the two should take into account the child’s age, weight and clinical condition. For example, ibuprofen should not be used in cases of dehydration, prolonged fasting or where chickenpox is suspected.
Important: The correct dose is calculated based on the child’s actual weight, not just their age. An overdose of paracetamol, for example, is one of the most common causes of liver toxicity in children.
These medicines must be kept out of the reach of children and used only on the advice of a healthcare professional. In addition, you should check the expiry date and the use-by date, particularly in the case of syrups. As a general rule, once the bottle has been opened, ibuprofen syrup has a shelf life of 6 months, whilst paracetamol syrup usually has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions and storage conditions.
4. Quick-drying plasters, sterile dressings and a mild antiseptic
Falls are a natural part of growing up, but they must be treated with due care to prevent infections. However, using colourful plasters or ones featuring characters can help make the experience less stressful for the child, making it easier to treat the wound.
In addition, you can opt for alcohol-free antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine, octenidine dihydrochloride and phenoxyethanol, as these do not cause a stinging sensation and are equally effective at disinfecting wounds.
Finally, sterile dressings are useful for covering larger wounds and controlling minor bleeding.
5. Soothing ointment for insect bites or skin irritations
Children’s skin is prone to reactions from insect bites or minor allergies. Having an ointment containing zinc oxide, calamine or natural extracts such as chamomile or calendula can help relieve itching and reduce inflammation.
Did you know that… Persistent itching causes many children to scratch until they break the skin — which can allow bacteria to enter and cause secondary infections such as impetigo?
It is important to ensure that the ointment you choose is suitable for the child’s age.
6. Oral rehydration solution
In cases of diarrhoea or vomiting, particularly in babies and young children, dehydration can set in quickly. Oral rehydration solutions contain a balanced combination of glucose and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) to restore fluid balance. There are several options available on the market; you should choose one taking into account the child’s age, clinical condition and preference for flavour and texture.
Did you know that… Administering home remedies (such as water with sugar and salt) can be dangerous if the proportions are not exact? Commercial products are always preferable as they are formulated in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines.
7. Paediatric sun cream
A child’s skin is naturally thinner and more delicate, which makes it more vulnerable to damage caused by solar radiation. Furthermore, a child’s skin has a significantly reduced ability to produce melanin, the pigment that protects against the harmful effects of the sun. Consequently, early and excessive exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, which, over time, increases the risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood.
Choosing suitable sun creams for children is essential for protecting their long-term health. Opting for sun creams with mineral filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, is an excellent choice. These filters act as a physical barrier, reflecting UV radiation, unlike chemical filters, which are absorbed by the skin. Sunscreens with SPF 50+ offer high protection and are particularly recommended for sensitive and delicate skin. Furthermore, water resistance is an important feature, as it ensures the product remains effective even during water-based activities or when sweating. For children with atopic skin or sensitive skin conditions, it is crucial to choose specific, hypoallergenic formulas that minimise the risk of irritation.
We would like to remind you that sun protection is not limited to summer days or times of intense sunshine. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can reach the skin and cause damage, particularly if a child spends long periods outdoors. The daily use of sun cream, even when there is less direct sunlight, is essential to ensure continuous protection and reduce the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
Other useful (but often overlooked) allies
- Fine-tipped tweezers: for removing splinters, plant thorns or even ticks (always take care and follow the appropriate instructions).
- Round-tipped scissors: essential for cutting plasters or opening packaging safely.
- Room thermometer: particularly useful in the baby’s bedroom — temperatures above 22 °C increase the risk of discomfort and sleep disturbances.
- Nasal aspirator: makes breathing easier, improves sleep and reduces the risk of respiratory infections.
If in doubt, it is best to seek advice from a healthcare professional. The staff at Correia Rosa Pharmacies are on hand to help you choose the most suitable products, answer any questions you may have, and ensure that all medicines are within their use-by date and stored correctly. We also have Valormed containers for disposing of medicines that are no longer needed or have passed their use-by date.
There’s no point waiting until you’ve had a bad night’s sleep or a scare whilst out and about to realise you’re missing the essentials. Putting together a complete and safe children’s first-aid kit is a simple step that can save you a lot of stress — and even save the day.
Visit one of the Correia Rosa pharmacies or place your order.
Take care of yourself we’re here to help!
