10 Tips for Preparing a Medical Kit for Travel

A small, customized medical kit can be a real lifesaver when traveling with children. Never leave home without it.

1. Buy or assemble a first aid kit.

This is not the same as a medical kit. A first aid kit includes items to treat the inevitable minor illnesses and scrapes children get at home or away. You can assemble your own (see below) or buy one from camping suppliers; many advertise on the web. Avoid elaborate kits that include items you are not familiar with. "Small" is your key word.

A medical kit includes your first aid kit plus medications that your child is likely to need on the particular trip you are planning.

2. Recall your children's recent illnesses.

Most illnesses that occur when traveling would have occurred if you were home: colds, ear infections, and upset stomachs, for example. Prepare for these. Get prescriptions before you leave, when necessary.

3. Carry medications specific for your trip.

Familiarize yourself with your destination. You may need medications to prevent and treat illnesses such as diarrhea, sun exposure, malaria and altitude sickness, to mention just a few.

4. Have a cellular telephone.

This may be your most important first aid item. Telephones are now operational in remote wilderness areas in this country and overseas. In many foreign-speaking countries there are special English-speaking operators to help you. Get their numbers from guidebooks or tourist offices.

5. Include the telephone numbers of all your children's health care providers.

Call them first when problems arise. They can usually give you general guidelines, whether you need to seek further attention or can handle the problem yourself, for example. Have a notepad and pencil in your kit to write down instructions from your doctors. Also chart symptoms, temperature, number of bowel movements and amount of fluids taken, for example.

6. Select suitable medications.

Ask your pharmacist whether items need refrigeration, are resistant to heat and cold, or have short expiration dates. Liquid antibiotics are prepared as powder and retain potency for prolonged periods. Once water is added, many retain full potency for only a week or two. Liquid items may also be challenged at airport security screenings. Ask pharmacists not to add water and ask how you can do it.

7. Comply with customs inspections when leaving the country.

Keep items in their original, labeled containers, carry only a reasonable amount, and have letters from physicians if you have narcotic-type substances or carry syringes and needles.

8. Familiarize yourself with your medications.

Be aware of common side effects. Keep package inserts. Know what to do if your child vomits the medication or refuses to take it. Severe diarrhea may interfere with absorption of medication from the intestine. Chocolate syrup and strawberry jam are good disguisers of bad tastes and generally do not lower potency.

9. Keep your kit close at hand.

Kits are of no use when checked in baggage on airplanes or left in the car while you are out hiking.

10. Choose items that you are likely to use.

Go over the list before each trip. Also check each item in your kit to see whether it has expired, been damaged, or needs replenishing.

• Small first aid book
• Scissors
• Gauze
• Cotton balls
• Adhesive tape
• Band Aids
• Alcohol wipes
• Tweezers
• Thermometer

• Rehydrating powder
• Pediatric glycerine suppositories
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Saline nose drops
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Dosage spoon/syringe

• Antibacterial sanitizer hand wipes
• Vaseline
• Cortisone cream
• Antibiotic ointment
• Insect repellant
• Iodine skin cleanser
• Anti-fungal cream
• Sunscreens with SPF of 30 or above

• Nasal aspirator
• Mosquito netting
• Ground cloth
• Large plastic bag
• Electric coil and adapter to boil water and heat bottles.
• Water purification drops
• Electric outlet safety plugs
• Permethryn containing spray for clothing and mosquito netting
• Flashlight