Parents want to keep their children safe, but even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overlook important details when it comes to first aid kits. From relying on one generic kit to forgetting child-appropriate items, these common mistakes can cause delays or problems when accidents happen. Here’s how to fix them and keep your family better prepared.
Children are prone to bumps, grazes, insect bites, allergies and sudden fevers. A well-stocked first aid kit ensures you can respond quickly and calmly, whether you're at home, on a day out, or away on holiday. A customised, regularly maintained kit helps prevent panic and allows parents to focus on care rather than searching for missing supplies.
Many parents keep a single kit for home, travel, the car and outdoor use. While convenient, this often leads to missing items, disorganisation and slower response times.
How to fix it: Create separate or modular kits for different situations — for example, one for home, one compact travel kit, and one for the car.
See our Home Kit Guide, Travel Checklist, and Car Kit Requirements.
Standard kits are often built for adults. Using adult-strength medication or large plasters for children can be uncomfortable or unsuitable.
How to fix it: Add child-friendly plasters, liquid antihistamines, age-appropriate pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen), a digital thermometer, and any baby-specific items if needed.
See our Baby & Child First Aid Kit Guide for inspiration.
Busy family life makes it easy to forget when something’s been used. Over time, kits can become incomplete or contain expired items.
How to fix it: Schedule a quick check every 3–6 months, and restock immediately after use. Keep a simple checklist inside the kit to tick off used items.
See our Refills Guide and Expiry Dates Guide.
It’s important to keep first aid kits away from young children, but some parents store them so high or tucked away that even adults can’t get to them quickly in an emergency.
How to fix it: Store kits securely but accessibly. Make sure older children and other adults know where the kit is kept.
For more advice, see our Storage Guide.
Family outings, holidays and changing weather bring different risks — sunburn in summer, stings during outdoor play, or cold emergencies in winter.
How to fix it: Add seasonal extras like sting cream, sunburn gel, tick remover, or a foil blanket depending on the time of year.
See our Outdoor Guide, Allergies & Stings Guide, and Winter Car Checklist.
Leaving out inhalers, EpiPens or other prescribed medications can be critical during emergencies.
How to fix it: Include all relevant personal medication, stored safely and clearly labelled. Check expiry dates regularly and keep spares where possible.
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| One generic kit | Not tailored for different situations | Create separate home, car & travel kits |
| No child-appropriate items | Adult medication or plasters may be unsuitable | Add child-specific supplies and medication |
| Expired / missing items | Supplies may fail in emergencies | Check and restock regularly |
| Poor storage | Delays in emergencies | Store securely but accessibly |
| No seasonal adaptation | Unprepared for common outdoor risks | Add seasonal items like sting cream or blankets |
| Missing personal meds | Critical items not available | Include and maintain inhalers, EpiPens, prescriptions |
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