DIY Travel First Aid Kit

Building a travel first aid kit for kids is something I take seriously. As my daughter's Girl Scout troop leader for a few years, “Be Prepared” is basically our family motto. And over time, I’ve learned what’s helpful to take with me and what’s not.

I like to keep basic first aid supplies on hand when I travel so that I can be prepared for those booboos, bug bites, and cases of motion sickness. And with three very active kids, falls and bumps happen all the time. So a portable first aid kit is a must have!

While I recommend having a kit in your purse for daily use, this post will focus on how to pack a travel first aid kit for road trips and flights with kids. You’ll also find it especially handy for spring break destinations, holiday travel, and summer vacations.

Why You Should Build a Travel First Aid Kit

I looked into premade, ready-to-go kits, but each one was too large and often filled with items that we wouldn't use. So I figured, why not build my own kit that contained exactly the first aid supplies my family would potentially need on vacation.

I don't tend to bring the entire medicine cabinet — just the necessities we use frequently. Plus, a small first aid kit is easier to pack and carry around. Trust me when I say you should always have it with you! Even a simple, regular activity, like playing at the park, can result in a minor injury.

To help you save time, I’ve included everything I use in this printable checklist for a travel first aid kit. When it comes to making your own kit, think about your family’s first aid and medication needs.

How to Build a Travel First Aid Kit (Step-by-Step)

Start with a small TSA-approved bag
Add daily essentials first, like bandages
Include travel-specific items (motion sickness, bug bites)
Customize for your kids’ needs
Check expiration dates
Make sure all kit items are age-appropriate
Replenish supplies after they’re used

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What to Pack in a First Aid Kit for Kids

These are the first aid supplies I include in my kit for both short trips and longer vacations. You’ll want to add items that your family needs as well as items that would come in handy if your kids got hurt or felt sick.

Remember, the last thing you want to do on a trip is have to make an emergency stop somewhere or figure out where to find medication. You also don’t want to run to the risk of a store not having what you need.

Clear Pink TSA Approved Toiletry Bag : This quart-sized bag is the perfect size for making your own small first aid kit. It’s also TSA-approved if you need a clear bag for liquids when flying.
Travel Size First Aid K it: I keep this mini first aid kit in my travel kit (and in my purse) so I can pull it out as needed. Along with bandages, it includes antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, burn gel, and gauze.
Welly Bandages: The only bandage my kids will use! The prints are fun and they don’t cause skin rashes like most bandages do. Whatever bandage you prefer, make sure to include a variety of sizes in your kit.
Children's Ibuprofen: My kids prefer the chewable tablets, plus they’re easier to take on the go. If you have a baby under 6 months, they can have infant acetaminophen. Infants over 6 months can have Motrin drops.
Adult Ibuprofen: I always have ibuprofen on hand, whether I’m traveling, at home, or on-the-go around town.

Shop First Aid Essentials 👆

Bug Bite Thing: This is an easy-to-use suction tool that can help relieve any itchiness or swelling from bug bites and stings. I originally bought the Bug Bite Thing after seeing it on Shark Tank and never could have imagined how well it would work. It takes the itch out almost immediately!
Kids Motion Sickness Bands: These bands have helped prevent nausea from occurring in my kids who get minor motion sickness. I will say they don't help my youngest who is always motion sick. These motion sickness glasses seem ridiculous but they really help her in the car.
Kids Dramamine: The only thing that helps my youngest from getting sick in the car or on the plane is Dramamine. Thank goodness we live in Houston, where roads are flat and straight!
Swimmer's Ear Drops : My girls love to swim, so I always have these ear drops in my kit. While you may not need these for everyday excursions, they can be useful for a travel first aid kit when you go somewhere with a pool. My 13 year old uses the adult version, and my 9-year-old uses the kids version.
Vomit Bags: Even if your kids don’t get motion sick, I highly recommend having these leak-proof bags on hand — at home, in the car, and when traveling. The opening rim is large enough to prevent spillage when being used, and they’re easy to dispose of.
Pepto-Bismol for adults (and for kids) or Tums: Heartburn, nausea, and upset tummies are all things you want to take care of quickly while traveling! These are first aid supplies that you may not always use but will be really glad to have on hand if you do need them.

Ali’s Pro Tip: Liquid medications don’t need to be in your liquids bag for flights, so you could pack them separately if you need more space in your first aid kit for other essentials.

For more health and wellness ideas, you can check out my complete list on Amazon!

Additional First Aid Items (for Family Trips)

You may want to consider packing these first aid supplies in your travel kit as well. I would recommend these items more for a family trip or vacation than I would for everyday activities.

If you need to take a lot of medicine with you on a trip, it's worth investing in a travel pill organizer too.

Electrolyte Drink Mix: It’s easy for kids (and adults!) to get dehydrated when sick, or even just while traveling. This drink mix can hydrate you quickly if you’re extra tired or not feeling well on a trip. My girls also use this mix in their water for swim practice in the summer due to the intense heat here in Texas. Any flavor from this brand is another favorite.
Benadryl (plus the Kid’s version): My youngest is super allergic to mosquito bites, so we only travel with the jr. version. If us adults needed any allergy medicine, we would take a higher dose of the kid’s version. Thankfully, we haven’t needed to!
Constipation Medication (plus the kid’s version): 40% of people experience constipation when traveling due to dehydration, diet changes, and different routines. Relieving that discomfort quickly can help you get back to enjoying your vacation.
Boogie Wipes: These can be used for all ages, but they’re especially helpful for babies and toddlers with sniffly noses or dried snot.
Thermometer: I prefer this small thermometer for traveling. It also works quickly and can be used for babies, toddlers, and kids.
Tweezers: I always take tweezers with us when traveling in case my kids get any splinters.
Extra medical supplies: Any prescription supplies should be packed separately in your purse or carry-on so you can grab them easily. If possible, pack extra supplies just in case!

Ultimate travel first aid kit for families

Mistakes To Avoid When Packing A Travel First Aid Kit

This first aid kit for kids is intended for everyday use and for traveling.

Overpacking (you won’t use half of it). It's tempting to throw everything in, but you won't use half of it. Stick to the first aid supplies your family actually reaches for and grab travel sizes if available. A smaller, more intentional kit is easier to carry and way more practical.
Not checking expiration dates. Medications and ointments expire, and you don't want to find that out mid-trip. Get in the habit of checking dates before every trip and replacing anything that's expired.
Packing everything in checked luggage. Checked bags get lost more than you’d think! Keep your first aid kit and any medications in your carry-on so they're always within reach.
Not having kid-friendly versions of meds. Adult dosages are not the same as kids' dosages, and some adult medications aren't safe for children at all. Always make sure you have the right formulas and doses for your kids' ages and weights. And trust me, the form it comes in matters, my kids will refuse a pill but happily take a chewable tablet. 😄 It sounds silly, but when your kid is sick and miserable on vacation, you'll be really glad you packed the chewable version.
Forgetting to restock after a trip. This is one I've been guilty of! You get home, you're exhausted, and restocking the kit is the last thing on your mind. But the next time you need it, you'll be glad you did it. I try to restock within a day or two of getting home while I still remember what we used.
Forgetting motion sickness prep 🤢. This one is critical for us. My youngest gets nauseous just looking at a moving vehicle. So I plan ahead by giving her Dramamine before we even get in the car, as once she's already feeling sick, it's too late.

First Aid Supplies for Your Car

My DIY first aid kit is intended for everyday excursions and traveling with kids. However, the American Red Cross recommends additional supplies for your car. Here are some extra supplies you may want to consider for a road trip.

Absorbent compress dressings
Adhesive cloth tape
Hydrocortisone
Emergency blanket (for colder weather)
Flashlight
Disposable Gloves
Saline Solution

Q&A: First Aid Supplies

How much does a first aid kit cost?

Travel first aid kits can cost anywhere from $10-$100, depending on the size of the kit and what’s inside (as well as the brand, of course). Personally, I find it more cost-effective to gather the first aid supplies you need for your family and make your own kit.

What’s an easy way to save on a travel first aid kit?

Use a basic toiletry bag — or you can repurpose any small bag or container you have at home. You can also buy certain first aid supplies in bulk to save money and replenish your kit as needed. Another option is to buy generic medications for anything over the counter, like Ibuprofen or antiseptic wipes, instead of name brands.

How many first aid kits should I have?

According to the American Red Cross, you should have one kit at home and one kit in your car. But as a parent, it is super helpful to have a travel first aid kit in your purse, backpack, or diaper bag. When you’re on the go, the last thing you want to do is run back to your car or scramble for first aid supplies when your kid gets hurt or feels sick.

What would you pack in your day-to-day kit vs. a travel kit?

A travel first aid kit for your family should include travel-specific items. These are supplies that can help with any travel issues, like upset stomachs or motion sickness. They are also items that you wouldn’t want to spend time trying to find if your kids got sick or hurt. A kit intended for daily use should include supplies for cuts and scrapes — as well as anything you wouldn’t want to run back to your car for.

What size travel first aid kit do I need for kids?

A small, TSA-approved bag is usually enough for a travel first aid kit for kids. Focus on essentials you actually use instead of overpacking.

Can you bring a first aid kit on a plane?

Yes! Just make sure it follows TSA regulations. Liquids (including gels and sprays) must follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule and scissors must be under 4 inches. Medication should also be in its packaging. Children’s liquid medicines are just over the liquid limit, but they can be declared for inspection.

Should I pack a first aid kit in my carry-on or checked bag?

I recommend packing a small first aid kit in your carry-on with basic supplies and any necessary medications or prescriptions. Anything that feels more like an extra item and not an essential for your family can go in your checked luggage. You may also want to consider the length of your flight. For example, including an electrolyte mix in your carry-on may be more helpful for a long flight compared to a short one.