Do you have a First Aid kit in your house? Would you know what to do if your little ones fall and knock out a tooth? I hold Paediatric first aid courses regularly at The Nursery for parents, grandparents and anyone minding children, with the help of Trainer Noeleen Boyle. And, it's amazing how little people know about those “what if” moments...
Think of all the things you need to know about when it comes to your little rascals: from choking, burns and scalds, bumps to the head, fever management, stings even poisons. And that's just for starters. This is the first in a series of first aid know-how for parents and minders, you never know when you might need to know these skills.
The handy First Aid kit
Most of us have the bare bones of a First Aid box which we can get by with, but with kids, it’s a good idea to have a more organised box of tricks, and one you can grab in a hurry. Of course, scarves can replace bandages and frozen peas could replace ice packs, but pieces like sterile dressings are really handy. As are eye patches, disposable gloves and cleansing wipes.
These are the essentials for every at-home First Aid kit for houses with kids of ANY age:
- Watertight box
- Adhesive plasters assorted sizes
- 2 medium sterile dressings
- 2 sterile eye pads
- 2 triangular bandages
- Safety pins or tape – use tape for young children
- Disposable gloves
- Thermometer
- 2 crepe bandages
- Instant cold packs – or packet of frozen peas
- Scissors
- Non-alcohol wound cleansing wipes
- Adhesive tape
You can pick up most of these things in your local chemist and make your own first aid box by popping them in an airtight sandwich box.
Even most supermarkets have pre-made kits to buy. Lidl often have special events in store and their kit is brilliant. Buy two – have one in the car – you never know when or where you need these essentials.
Niamh’s First Aid courses are held at her premises in Monkstown, Co Dublin.To reserve a place, contact The Nursery 
