Trending Topics

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for reading and supporting our efforts.

5 things paramedics wish all parents and caregivers had in their homes

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a grandparent or a beloved babysitter, these items will give you peace of mind

FR1EMS1 - Affiliate images (77).png

Proper medical care for children, even for seemingly minor illnesses, is critical for ensuring their long-term health and well-being. Unlike adults, children’s bodies are still developing, and they can be more vulnerable to infections and complications. Symptoms that may appear mild at first, like a fever or a cough, can quickly escalate if not addressed properly. Early intervention helps in identifying potential underlying conditions and allows for timely treatment, reducing the likelihood of the illness worsening or leading to more serious health issues.

Another key reason to seek appropriate medical care for children is their unique physiological responses to illnesses. What might be a simple cold in an adult can manifest differently in a child, with their immune systems reacting in ways that require specific attention. Pediatric healthcare professionals are trained to recognize how common conditions like ear infections, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems present differently in young patients. Proper care also helps parents learn how to effectively manage symptoms at home while ensuring they know when it’s necessary to escalate the care.

1. Pediatric safety guides
Having pediatric emergency guides in the home, including accessible information on infant and child CPR, is essential for ensuring that parents and caregivers are prepared to act quickly and effectively in case of an emergency.

Pediatric-specific emergency guides provide step-by-step instructions tailored to a child’s smaller, more delicate physiology, ensuring that caregivers can administer aid without causing harm. Keeping these guides readily available equips the household with the knowledge needed to respond confidently and immediately in an emergency.

You should also have a place to keep the family’s medical information in one place, where it’s easily accessible to reference for allergies, immunization dates and milestone records.
  • Features illustrations of chest compressions and rescue breathing
  • Measures 5 x 7 inches
  • Details how to treat more than 100 pediatric conditions and injuries
  • Guidelines are accompanied by step-by-step images for clear, easy-to-follow instructions
  • Keep a medical profile for each family member
  • Track medical appointments, immunizations, growth milestones and more
2. Accurate pediatric dosing
Unlike adults, children’s bodies process medications differently due to their smaller size, developing organs, and unique metabolic rates. Parents and caregivers must be vigilant in following dosage instructions based on a child’s weight and age, as incorrect dosing is one of the most common causes of medication errors in children.

Using household utensils like teaspoons to measure liquid medicines can lead to inaccurate dosing, further increasing the risks. To ensure the child’s safety, it’s essential to use proper dosing tools provided with the medication and consult a healthcare professional if there is any uncertainty.
  • Pre-measured doses for kids aged 2-11
  • TSA-approved for travel
  • For infants’ ages 6-36 months
  • 6 suppositories
  • Dispenses liquid medicine at a safe flow rate for baby
  • Pediatrician designed-helps reduce gagging and spitting up
3. Pediatric health solutions
Having life-saving pediatric tools in the home is essential for parents and caregivers to respond quickly in emergencies. From first aid kits to nasal aspirators, these emergency solutions can be life-savers in critical moments.

Keeping these solutions on hand can significantly enhance a parent’s ability to respond to pediatric emergencies with confidence and speed.
  • 270 pieces of essential first aid supplies
  • Items stored inside a stain- and water-resistant case
  • Track pulse rate, oxygen levels, wakings and sleep trends
  • Intended for use with healthy infants between 1-18 months, 6-30 lbs.
  • Made of 100% silicon
  • Reusable and easy to clean
4. Skin-safe products
Children’s skin is far more sensitive and delicate compared to adult skin, making it more prone to irritation and allergic reactions. It is highly recommended to use unscented, hypoallergenic products, particularly when treating or managing a skin ailment in children. These products are formulated to minimize irritation, avoiding unnecessary chemicals that could exacerbate the skin condition.

Unscented moisturizers, cleansers, and treatments help maintain the skin’s moisture balance without causing additional stress. Additionally, opting for products specifically designed for sensitive or pediatric skin ensures that the ingredients are both gentle and effective in promoting healing and comfort without introducing new potential irritants.
  • Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
  • Most recommended by dermatologists
  • Treats insect bites, burns, sunburn, skin irritations, cuts, scrapes, and rashes
  • For kids ages 2+
  • Individually-wrapped baby eye wipes help alleviate clogged tear ducts
  • Paraben-free, preservative free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free and rinse free
5. Happy wellness solutions
When children are feeling under the weather, finding ways to make them smile can significantly boost their mood and help with the healing process. Using health and wellness products that engage their imagination, feature fun characters, or come in vibrant colors can make the often uncomfortable experience of taking medicine or using therapeutic aids more enjoyable.

From thermometers shaped like animals to colorful, kid-friendly bandages, these small touches can turn moments of discomfort into opportunities for distraction and positivity.
  • Features fire truck, ambulance, and police car shapes
  • Made with latex-free, breathable material
  • Can be used to provide both heat or cold therapy
  • For cold: Add to freezer for 20-30 minutes. For heat: Microwave for 12 seconds.
  • Includes stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, thermometer, otoscope, syringe, bandage & fabric ‘doctor’ bag
  • Encourages imaginative pretend play and healthy habits

Looking after children is an important job, and you want to be prepared as possible for any potential emergency. With on-hand safety guides, accurate pediatric dosing options, life-saving tools, skin-safe products and items to bring a smile to a crying or in-pain child, you will feel empowered to tackle any situation.

| WEIGH IN: Is there an item you always have on hand in case of a sick child? Send us your best tips and tools with an email to editor@ems1.com to be included on a future or updated list.


It’s officially cold and flu season; are you stocked up on the essentials?

Rachel Engel is an award-winning journalist and the senior editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Engel seeks to tell the heroic, human stories of first responders and the importance of their work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and began her career as a freelance writer, focusing on government and military issues. Engel joined Lexipol in 2015 and has since reported on issues related to public safety. Engel lives in Wichita, Kansas. She can be reached via email.