Whether you’re jetting off on a long-haul holiday or heading to the coast for the school break, one thing is certain — travelling with children means being prepared for the unexpected. At G.M. Graham Pharmacies, our travel clinic team regularly helps parents pack the essentials to keep little ones healthy, comfortable, and safe while away from home.
One of the most useful items to bring? A well-stocked travel first aid kit tailored for families. From minor scrapes to travel bugs, having the right supplies on hand can save stress, time, and even a trip to the local clinic abroad.
Here’s our pharmacist-approved guide to building the perfect travel first aid kit for children.
Everyday Essentials for Bumps and Scrapes
Children are naturally curious — and that means they’re likely to pick up the occasional graze, splinter or bruise while on holiday.
Make sure your kit includes:
- Plasters in various sizes — ideally hypoallergenic or fabric plasters for sensitive skin
- Antiseptic wipes or cream to clean wounds and reduce the risk of infection
- Sterile gauze pads and bandage type for larger cuts or abrasions
- Tweezers for removing splinters
- Cold packs (instant or reusable) for knocks, bruises, or insect bites
If you’re heading somewhere warm or outdoorsy, pack a bite and sting relief cream to soothe discomfort after insect bites or stings.
Child-Safe Medications
When your child isn’t feeling their best, having familiar medicines on hand is a great comfort — especially in a foreign country where language barriers or availability may delay treatment.
We recommend:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for children — available in liquid or chewable form depending on age
- Rehydration sachets in case of diarrhoea, vomiting, or heat-related dehydration
- Anti-diarrhoeal treatment suitable for children over 12 (consult our pharmacy team before use)
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions, hay fever or bites — opt for child-friendly syrups or melt-in-the-mouth tablets
- Travel sickness remedies appropriate for your child’s age (some may only be suitable from age 6 or 12 upwards)
It’s always worth checking dosage instructions before you fly — and if you’re unsure, our team at G.M. Graham Pharmacies is happy to advise.
Temperature and Illness Monitoring
Fevers can come on quickly in children, especially when travelling. A digital thermometer is a must-have for your travel first aid kit, and many parents also like to carry:
- Cooling gel pads or strips to soothe high temperatures
- Saline nasal spray for congestion
- Child-safe cough syrup or throat lozenges (age-dependent)
If your child has asthma or a medical condition, pack spare inhalers, medications, or epinephrine pens in your hand luggage — and keep prescriptions in their original packaging, especially when crossing borders.
Sun Safety and Skin Protection
A sunburnt or heat-exhausted child can turn a lovely day out into a stressful one. For sunny destinations, include:
- High-factor SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+ is recommended for children)
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel for mild sunburn
- A sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- Child-friendly insect repellent — especially important in tropical regions
Always apply sun cream before insect repellent for maximum protection.
Supporting Your Child’s Routine
Travelling disrupts normal routines — and that can impact sleep, digestion, and mood. To help children adjust while away from home, consider including:
- Multivitamins if they’re picky eaters or on limited diets while travelling
- A comfort item like a cuddly toy or blanket
- Mild constipation remedies or fibre supplements if they’re prone to changes in routine
- Hand sanitiser and travel tissues to maintain hygiene on the go
When to Visit Us Before You Go
At G.M. Graham Pharmacies, we don’t just help you pack your travel first aid kit — we help you customise it to suit your family’s specific needs. Our team offers travel health consultations covering everything from destinations with higher health risks and child vaccination schedules to malaria prevention and safe travel with infants. We also advise on how to carry and store medicines abroad. For added convenience, we can prepare tailored family kits so you’re fully equipped and ready to travel with confidence.
Final Tips Before Departure
- Pack medications in your hand luggage, not hold baggage
- Check expiry dates before travelling
- Label all medications clearly, especially if travelling across borders
- Bring a small copy of your child’s medical history, allergies, and NHS number, just in case
Safe Travels Start with Preparation
A thoughtfully packed travel first aid kit can make all the difference on holiday — especially when you’re travelling with children. From scraped knees to sniffles, the right supplies can save the day and help your family get back to making memories.
Visit G.M. Graham Pharmacies for trusted advice, travel health guidance, and everything you need to keep your family safe, wherever you’re headed.
Pop in today or contact us to build your family’s travel kit with confidence.
