Never Leave Home Without a Health Kit

Veda in hospital feeling much better after a night of fever and screaming

Whether going on a day trip around your hometown, getting on a long flight, or preparing for a hike, it’s always a good idea to include a health kit with baby’s medical essentials in the diaper bag.  It’s also a good idea to carry with you your pediatrician’s phone number, including an after hours or emergency number where you can contact your doctor if the need arises

On a recent road trip for Thanksgiving I made the mistake of leaving the thermometer at home since Veda NEVER gets sick, and she of course ended up with a very high fever, and in the middle of the night I had no thermometer to keep track of it (luckily she was just fine and kicked it in the end, but she gave us a scare).  You really never know what is going to happen and when, and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of the night anywhere without something you really need to take care of baby.

Here is a list of things that should be included in a small bag/ carrying case wherever you go, adapted to your own needs and where you are traveling to:

Fever reducer

Gripe water for gas relief

Teething relief

Pedialyte for re-hydration (powdered travel size in case of diarrhea)

Any medications prescribed by your pediatrician or travel clinic

Baby-safe sunscreen

Baby-safe mosquito repellent

(Or opt for sunscreen + mosquito repellent combo)

Thermometer

Band-aids

Also consider getting a travel first aid kit with cleansing wipes, band-aids, etc. especially if you have smaller children or toddlers that constantly fall and run into things like my toddler does.

Make sure to put all liquids together in a clear plastic bag that you can easily pull out at airport security.  I like to use a sturdy, reusable bag to keep all of the liquids organized in the carry-on.  I use one for baby’s liquid items, as well as for my own liquid cosmetics, both of which go in an easily accessible place in the carry-on diaper bag.

It’s also a good idea to keep any medication instructions, immunization records, and medical records in an easily accessible place either with the health kit or organized with other travel documents.

Related Pages:

15 Essentials to Include in Baby’s Carry-On

Travel Logistics

Travel Health

Top 10 Baby Travel Essentials