Camping with Kids

Be prepared for common medical eventualities whenever you’re in the outdoors with children. Kids fall and scrape their knees on rocks. They step on prickly pear cacti in their bare feet. They get blisters when they hike. They get gnats in their eyes when they bike.

They cut their fingers when whittling marshmallow sticks.

“I’m okay now, but I’ll be getting a scrape soon.”

Adhesive bandages are the obvious item to take along. Bonus points for Hello Kitty and Scooby Doo Band-Aids, which have the miraculous power to heal boo-boos that aren’t even bleeding. But I think the tweezers and magnifying glass combo is one of the most important items on the list. A small sliver in the bottom of your darling’s foot could take down a whole troop of Eagle Scouts. Pack your first-aid kit wisely.

• Adhesive bandages (e.g., Band-Aids)
• Butterfly closures
• ACE bandage
• Hurt-free antiseptic wash or antiseptic wipes
• Small and large gauze pads
• Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Bacitracin)
• Zinc oxide (for sun protection and diaper rash)
• Medical tape
• Moleskin for blisters
• Fine-pointed tweezers
• Nail scissors
• Thermometer
• Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin or Advil; children’s and adult)
• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol; children’s and adult)
• Antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl; children’s and adult)
• Insect repellent
• Anti-itch remedy
• Safety pins
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Antacid tablets
• Cough drops
• Lubricating eyedrops
• Instant cold pack
• Safety whistle
• Emergency blanket
• Duct tape