Hi Mommas! Kids activities can mean a lot of car time. For me, being on the go is a guarantee. We have soccer, swimming lessons, art classes, Gymboree, play dates at the playground, preschool drop off and pickup, and more!

Kids on the go often times get bumps, bruises, and other injuries. We do our best to keep them safe, but life happens! On that note – you may need to address an emergency while you’re on the go. It’s not just the kids either! What if you as the parent end up with a scrape, headache, or other need while out and about? If you are a parent on the go – it’s a good idea to put together your own car emergency kit.

This is my take on it – so feel free to add things you feel are important. I hope this helps you feel more prepared when you are on the go and confronted with the unexpected! That, in my opinion, is a HUGE WIN!

What You Need:

• Container – A shoebox or appropriate sized container with a lid to hold your items. The Container store has clear plastic boxes in a variety of sizes that I LOVE for things like this. Target has a pretty good selection as well.
• Waterproof band aids – I recommend having a variety of sizes just in case. You can purchase a variety pack – but make sure to have larger and smaller sizes handy, as well as butterfly closures. Personally, I like having some that are big enough for knee scrapes on hand, as well as smaller ones meant for knuckles and fingers. You may need to purchase a couple boxes and put some in the kit (in a plastic baggie) and keep some at home.
• Arnica gel or cream – I personally use Arnicare gel for bruises. It helps reduce pain, swelling and discoloration. If the kids fall and get a bump, I put the gel on right away and it gives them some relief.
• Triple antibiotic ointment – Please note that some people have an allergy to antibiotic ointments. You most likely already know if you or your kid has an allergy. If you’re not sure, ask your pediatrician about alternative ointments for scrapes and cuts.
• Instant ice packs – Make sure you have a couple just in case of falls and bruises.
• Instant heat packs – This is something I would add in the colder months. If you already have your emergency kit made from the summer months – add these in as it gets colder outside. Think about outdoor sports like soccer, football, or even sitting and watching a concert outdoors. If your child (or you) needs some extra heat – you have it covered!
• Bottled water  – You can have a small one in the kit and/or a couple bottles in the trunk for emergencies.
• Baby wipes – These come in handy for a variety of needs. Get sensitive wipes that are chemical and scent free in case you need to use them for cuts, scrapes, etc. I like the free and clear sensitive wipes for my family.
• Hand sanitizer – Pick a brand you like best. There are a ton of options out there that are alcohol free, kid friendly, etc.
• Sanitizing wipes – Great for wiping off kids hands and sanitizing at the same time.
• Flushable wipes – These are fantastic when you stop the car so your child can potty, and the bathroom doesn’t have TP. There will most definitely be a time that happens – and these will keep you prepared!
• Sunscreen – Always good to have this on hand. Pick your preferred kid friendly brand (works on adults too).
• Eye drops – Great for allergies or other eye needs.
• Eye wash – Pick one with the little cup for rinsing out eyes. Eye wash is helpful for sand, dirt, pollen, or whatever needs to be washed out of your kiddos eyes. I like to have this at home as well.
• Bug spray – Pick your favorite kid friendly option. You never know when you’ll end up outdoors in an area with bugs trying to bite you and the fam!
• Antacids – Tums smoothies are my go to for the kit. This is for me as a parent on the go. If you want to get an antacid for your kids, please ask your pediatrician for advice.
• Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen  – Kid and adult versions so the whole family is covered. Liquid form for younger kids. Be sure to know the correct dosage for your kids based on age and weight.
• Allergy medication – Kid and adult versions so the whole family is covered. Liquid form for younger kids. Be sure to know the correct dosage for your kids based on age and weight.
• Anti-nausea medication – Ask your pediatrician for a kid and adult recommendation. If your child is too young – this may just be for you as an adult in an emergency.
• Aquaphor – Keeping a large tube of this on hand is amazingly helpful! I use this for the kids cheeks if they start to get dry and/or red, on their bottoms if I don’t have rash cream handy, on their upper arms and thighs if they start to get little bumps (they have sensitive skin), etc. There are so  many uses and it can even come in handy if you need some for dry hands on the go.
• Baby powder – I’m a big fan of the Burt’s Bees baby powder because it is talc free and smells amazing! It’s great for hot days to put behind sweaty knees/elbows, on feet/toes, or on a baby bottom.

Please ask your pediatrician for updated dosing on basics like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc. They can tell you based on age and weight what is safe for each child. Write it on a 3×5 card – or use a sharpy on the lid of your box – so it’s handy. Think of it as a medicine cheat sheet. You may personally know the dosing for your kid(s), but what if a babysitter, grandparent, nanny, spouse or friend is taking your the kids to an activity? Do they know the correct dose for each child? You can also list any allergies and emergency numbers in the same place. A little food for thought as you put together your kit. 🙂

Emergency Kit creation is definitely a big WIN!

Happy Winning Wednesday!

XOXO