Make Your Own Ouchie Kit!‏

   

Now that summer is here, everyone is out and about taking in all that the season has to offer. Whether you're hitting up a park or playground, accompanying your kids on a bike ride, or taking advantage of a local splash pad, you never know when one of  your brood is going to wipe out, or otherwise acquire an owie. 

Having a small ouchie kit that you can carry with you in the car, diaper bag, or stroller can make your life a lot easier when you need to apply minor first aid, or assuage a booboo that is more psychological than physical. Especially if you are a bit far from home on foot on a walk, hike, bike ride or visit to the playground!

While you can purchase first aid kits, they are often bulky and contain a number of items that you would likely never use. I keep one of these in my trunk and at home just in case. But for outings with the kids, I like to carry a small sized version with just the essentials, so that I'm not bogged down with even more things to carry around. We all know our purses and diaper bags already have enough stuff in them! The best thing about making your own ouchie kit is that you can tailor it to include items specific to your family's needs. 

Here's what I include in my ouchie kit: 

• A plastic container or fabric pouch for the items
• Band-Aids in various sizes, including themed ones like Spiderman or Barbie. (They help a lot with booboos!) 
• Polysporin/Neosporin or other antibiotic ointment
• Travel sized peroxide for cleaning up any scrapes or cuts
• A couple sterile gauze pads
• A roll of adhesive first aid tape
• A roller bandage with the clips
• Eye drops if your child is known to have seasonal allergies that might flare up unexpectedly
• Epi-Pen or other epinephrine injector if you child has allergies to nuts or outdoor hazards like bees & wasps
• A pair of latex or non-latex gloves

Comment below if there is anything else you carry in yours that would be a great addition for others! 

Have a safe and happy summer! 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

You've Gotta Pack This When Travelling with Children!

   

When travelling out of the country with young children, my motto is "plan for the worst, and hope for the best." The last thing I want while travelling is to have a sick child. Even worse than that is having a sick child and not having any of the medical necessities and/or conveniences to help alleviate any common discomforts or maladies that could arise. With them or even with yourself! While some prefer to travel without having the minimal extra bulk in their suitcase, I personally prefer to bring some supplies with me. We don't always know what is or isn't available at our destination, and what store hours would be there. Most of us know darn well that symptoms typically strike in the middle of the night and/or when it's the least convenient. And when it comes to infants, toddlers and other children, it's not a risk or inconvenience that I am willing to take, especially when travelling abroad!

Here's my suggested list of items to bring when travelling out of country with your kidlets: 

• Band Aids/Gauze.           
• Polysporin Ointment.
• Infant/Children's Tylenol or Advil, depending on your child's age. You might want to also pack some for yourself!  
• An oral syringe and/or medicine cup. I would pack two in case you lose one.
• Rectal pain reliever suppositories in case of severe vomiting.
• Pedialyte or other pediatric oral electrolyte solution (Some stores sell small bottles in a 4 or 6-pack.)   
• Children's Benadryl/Claritin or other appropriate anti-histamine in case of allergic reaction or hives.
• Calamine lotion for bug bites and hives.
• Epi-Pen if your child requires one.
• Puffers for any of you that may need them.
• Aloe vera gel in case of sunburn.
• Diaper rash cream.
• Baby powder.
• Pepto Bismol for you in case of tummy upset.
• Imodium or other anti-diarrheal medication for you. Is there ever a good time for diarrhea? Check out this hilarious commercial, which proves my point!  
• Extra hats for everyone.
• Extra sunscreen for everyone.
• Thermometer for fevers.
• A miniature first aid book if you are not familiar with first aid training.  
• Embassy and/or Consulate contact information at your destination. For a list of Canadian embassies & consulates around the world, click here. Leave a copy of it at home with your emergency contact should it be needed, along with your itinerary, flight information and where you will be staying. 
• Look into attending travel clinics to inquire if you and/or your children would benefit from any  immunizations specific to your destination. (Some family doctors do this as well, and fees may apply.)
• Document the emergency number equivalent to our 9-1-1 system for ambulance or medical services while there. 
• Do not, I repeat, do not forget to bring your travel insurance information with you if you have purchased it, or have it through your workplace or credit card benefits. With kids, this is something I highly recommend purchasing when travelling out of country! 

Have I forgotten something? Is there a particular item that you never leave home without when travelling? If so, be sure to share! 

Bon voyage!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****

   

First Aid Essentials When Travelling with Children!‏

   

When travelling out of the country with young children, my motto is "plan for the worst, and hope for the best." The last thing I want while travelling is to have a sick child. Even worse than that is having

a sick child and not having any of the medical necessities and/or conveniences to help alleviate any common discomforts or maladies that could arise. With them or even with yourself! While some prefer to travel without having the minimal extra bulk in their suitcase, I personally prefer to bring some supplies with me. We don't always know what is or isn't available at our destination, and what store hours would be there. Most of us know darn well that symptoms typically strike in the middle of the night and/or when it's the least convenient. And when it comes to infants, toddlers and other children, it's not a risk or inconvenience that I am willing to take, especially when travelling abroad! 

Here's my suggested list of items to bring when travelling out of country with your kidlets: 

• Band Aids/Gauze.           
• Polysporin Ointment.
• Infant/Children's Tylenol or Advil, depending on your child's age. You might want to also pack some for yourself!  
• An oral syringe and/or medicine cup. I would pack two in case you lose one.
• Rectal pain reliever suppositories in case of severe vomiting.
• Pedialyte or other pediatric oral electrolyte solution (Some stores sell small bottles in a 4 or 6-pack.)   
• Children's Benadryl/Claritin or other appropriate anti-histamine in case of allergic reaction or hives.
• Calamine lotion for bug bites and hives.
• Epi-Pen if your child requires one.
• Puffers for any of you that may need them.
• Aloe vera gel in case of sunburn.
• Diaper rash cream.
• Baby powder.
• Pepto Bismol for you in case of tummy upset.
• Imodium or other anti-diarrheal medication for you. Is there ever a good time for diarrhea? Check out this hilarious commercial, which proves my point!  
• Extra hats for everyone.
• Extra sunscreen for everyone.
• Thermometer for fevers.
• A miniature first aid book if you are not familiar with first aid training.  
• Embassy and/or Consulate contact information at your destination. For a list of Canadian embassies & consulates around the world, click here. Leave a copy of it at home with your emergency contact should it be needed, along with your itinerary, flight information and where you will be staying. 
• Look into attending travel clinics to inquire if you and/or your children would benefit from any immunizations specific to your destination. (Some family doctors do this as well, and fees may apply.)
• Document the emergency number equivalent to our 9-1-1 system for ambulance or medical services while there. 
• Do not, I repeat, do not forget to bring your travel insurance information with you if you have purchased it, or have it through your workplace or credit card benefits. With kids, this is something I highly recommend purchasing when travelling out of country! 

Have I forgotten something? Is there a particular item that you never leave home without when travelling? If so, be sure to share! 

Bon voyage!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post.*****