The essential first-aid kit

Every home should have one – but what exactly should it contain? We pick the items you really need to be prepared for everyday incidents.

first aid kit with bandage tape medicine
(Image credit: TBC)

Plasters - include a wide selection of shapes and sizes in both fabric and waterproof materials. Have both plain ones and some with coloured cartoon designs to help distract crying children.

Painkillers - Paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief (use liquid sachets for young children - check the age range first).

Tape - micropore adhesive tape is essential for holding dressings in place or protecting small cuts and bruises.

Antihistamine cream/tablets - to help reduce the effects of allergic reactions and insect bites.

Antiseptic wipes - ideal for cleaning wounds and grazes.

Cotton wool - good for applying calamine lotion and antiseptics.

Disposable gloves - vital for hygiene reasons if dealing with heavy bleeding.

Scissors - use sharp pointed ones for cutting bandages.

Safety pins - for securing large bandages and holding slings in place.

Tweezers - splinters are very common with children. Pointed tweezers will make removing them easier.

Emergency names and numbers - ensure you have an up-to-date list, including close relatives, your GP and local hospital. Include medical details for all the family such as blood groups and any allergies.

First-aid manual - handy as a quick guide to help you make the right decisions before treating ailments.

Sling - a triangle of fabric will support injured limbs.

Bandages/dressings - melolin padding can go directly onto cuts as it won't stick. Also include crepe and gauze rolls to go between the wound and bandage. Tube bandages will help support muscle sprains.

Calamine lotion - for soothing rashes, sunburn and chicken pox.

Thermometer - try to choose a digital design - they are more accurate and easier to read.

Choose a first-aid box that is clearly marked, waterproof, and has separate compartments for dressings and sterile items.
First aid box, £12.35, First Aid Warehouse

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Millie Hurst
Senior Content Editor

Millie Hurst was Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home from 2020-2022, and is now Section Editor at Homes & Gardens. Before stepping into the world of interiors, she worked as a Senior SEO Editor for News UK in both London and New York. You can usually find her looking up trending terms and finding real-life budget makeovers our readers love. Millie came up with the website's daily dupes article which gives readers ways to curate a stylish home for less.