Traveling With Kids Checklist

While eating out is fun, having a child get hurt on a trip is tough. Keeping a basic first aid kit in the car is always a good idea, whether you're traveling locally or out on the road. You don't have to buy a prepackaged kit; simply put the following items in a zippered plastic bag or old lunch box.

• Any prescription medication like allergy pills for the kids or blood pressure meds for Dad.
• Children's and adults' pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
• Antihistamines like Benadryl for allergies, rashes, and bug bites.
• Lip balm and sunscreen.
• Antibiotic ointment like Neosporin for cuts and scrapes.
• Thermometer
• Tweezers for removing splinters and bee stingers
• Cold pack for bumps and bruises.
• Bandages for scrapes and blisters.
• Sterile dressings in different sizes and tape.
• Calamine lotion or other bug bite relief.
• Antidiarrheal medicine
• Antacid
• A pen and sheet of paper. If you are on the phone with a doctor or any medical personnel, you'll need to take down dosages, directions to a hospital, or other important information. If someone in your family is hurt, that's not the time to rummage through your car or purse for a pen.