Pharmacist Olga Shibanova from Stolichki pharmacies urged parents to prepare a dedicated children's first aid kit before traveling to their summer homes. Speaking to Lenta.ru, she noted that children constantly run barefoot, fall, and spend time in the sun.
Shibanova said the kit should first include an antiseptic, sterile wipes, bandages, and plasters in various sizes to treat and dress wounds. Parents should also pack paracetamol or ibuprofen pain relievers and fever reducers, along with a dexpanthenol ointment for minor burns.
She recommended an antibacterial ointment for abrasions, insect bite ointment, and antihistamines for allergies caused by food, pollen, or bites. For food poisoning or bowel infections, sorbents are needed, while rehydration solutions restore fluids and salts lost to vomiting or diarrhea. Children who get sick often or react to pollen should also have sea water spray or saline solution for nasal rinsing.
Choosing medication forms and tools
Selecting the correct medication form depends on age, according to Shibanova. She explained that syrups and suspensions work best for toddlers, while older children can take tablets or capsules if they know how to swallow them. Liquid medications require a measuring syringe or dosing spoon to measure exact amounts instead of a standard teaspoon.
Shibanova pointed out that parents frequently forget items needed on the first day. For grill burns, skin must be cooled immediately with cool water and covered with a non-stick sterile dressing, as standard bandages and gauze perform poorly. Parents should also pack insect bite remedies to ease itching, repellents to reduce bite risks, tweezers for splinters, an electronic thermometer, sunscreen rated SPF 30 to 50, and a cooling compress bag.
Storage and child safety rules
Children's and adult medications with the same name can differ in active ingredient concentration, Shibanova warned. To avoid errors, parents should keep medicines with their instructions in original packaging rather than transferring tablets to a general box or pouring syrups into different bottles.
She stressed that first aid kits at summer homes must remain closed and kept out of reach of children, away from tables, chairs, and windowsills. Parents should also check expiration dates before departing, especially for medicines left over from the previous season.
Previously, pharmacist Sue Odjadjir stated that a travel first aid kit must primarily remain compact, advising travelers to bring only basic medications on vacation.
