Holidays at last. The suitcases are packed, and the excitement is building. But alongside sun hats and swimwear, there’s one issue that causes many parents a great deal of worry in the run up to the trip: what happens if the baby suddenly develops a fever, is teething or gets stung by an insect whilst on holiday? When little ones fall ill, you don’t want to have to search for an emergency pharmacy in the middle of the night in a foreign country.

⏱️ The first aid kit at a glance

The essentials: A digital clinical thermometer with a flexible tip, fever reducing medication such as suppositories or syrup, and something for diarrhoea or vomiting.

The heat trap: Suppositories melt at temperatures of 25 °C and above. When travelling to southern destinations, it’s better to opt for fever reducing syrup or use a small cool bag.

Cuts & stings: A mild, child friendly antiseptic that doesn’t sting, plasters and a cooling gel for insect bites.

Air travel: Essential medicines should always be carried in your hand luggage. Liquid fever syrups exceeding 100 ml may be permitted through security with a doctor’s certificate.

The basic checklist: What do you need to take?

A good first aid kit covers the typical ailments babies may experience without you having to take half your household with you. Always discuss the exact medicines and dosages with your paediatrician before travelling.

The heat trap: storing medicines correctly

A common mistake on summer holidays is leaving the first aid kit in a hot car or in a beach bag in direct sunlight for hours.
Many medicines can lose their effectiveness or change consistency at high temperatures. Suppositories start to melt at temperatures above 25 °C and may no longer be suitable for use.

💡 Tip for travelling south: If you’re heading to very hot regions, it’s best to ask your paediatrician about using a fever syrup instead of suppositories. Alternatively, during the journey, keep the medicine bag in a small, insulated cool bag without direct contact with ice packs, so that nothing freezes. Once you reach your holiday destination, follow the storage instructions for each medicine and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Handy helpers for your trip

The best way to prevent holiday stress is to be well prepared. In our shop, under the ‘On the Go & Travel’ category, you’ll find lots of handy everyday essentials:

• If teething strikes whilst on holiday, our toxin-free teething rings can be cooled in the hotel minibar and help soothe irritated gums.
• To help protect against mosquito bites and sunburn, use gentle sun protection and insect repellent products free from harsh additives.
• Don’t forget a few extra muslin cloths. They’re not just useful for wiping up spit-up. When dampened, they can also be used as a cool compress.

📕 Reading tip for the journey: The emergency bag is packed, but are you still a bit daunted by the long drive to your holiday destination? Take a look at our guide ‘Tips for a Relaxed Journey’, where we share our best tips for combating boredom and bad tempers in the back seat.

Frequently asked questions about the first aid kit

Can I take medicines on the plane?
Yes. Medicines that are essential during the flight can and should be carried in your hand luggage, particularly in case your checked luggage goes missing. Different rules may apply to liquid medicines such as fever syrup that exceed the usual 100 ml limit. Check the requirements of your departure airport and airline before travelling and, if necessary, ask your paediatrician for supporting documentation. Standard suppositories or tablets can generally be carried in your hand luggage.

Do I need a plaster spray for babies?
Generally, no. Spray plasters may contain ingredients that can sting delicate skin or open wounds. For babies and toddlers, traditional, breathable adhesive plasters are usually a more suitable choice. Fun designs may also help comfort little ones.

When can I start giving my baby fever-reducing medicine?
A fever is not an illness in itself, but part of the body’s natural defence response. Whether fever-reducing medication is appropriate depends on factors such as your baby’s age, temperature, symptoms and general condition. Always follow the advice of your paediatrician and the instructions for the medicine. If your baby is under three months old and has a temperature of 38.0 °C or above, seek medical advice promptly, including whilst on holiday.