Baby Emergency Kit — What to Include and Where to Keep It
Content reviewed against published AAP, Red Cross, FEMA guidelines
Last reviewed:
A well-stocked baby emergency kit ensures you have critical supplies ready when minutes matter. Whether it is a middle-of-the-night fever, a cut that needs first aid, or a natural disaster requiring evacuation, having everything organized and accessible reduces panic and improves outcomes. Every home with a baby should have a dedicated first aid kit plus an emergency go-bag.
Immediate actions
- May not require 911 — see guidance below
- Assemble a baby-specific first aid kit and keep it in an accessible location
- DO NOT: Do NOT lock the first aid kit in a difficult-to-access location — it needs to be reachable in seconds
Step-by-Step Response
First aid supplies
Include: adhesive bandages (various sizes), sterile gauze pads, medical tape, rolled gauze bandages, non-stick wound pads, butterfly closure strips, elastic bandage (ACE wrap), blunt-tip scissors, tweezers, instant cold packs, digital rectal thermometer, bulb syringe/NoseFrida, saline nasal drops.
Medications
Include: infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) with dosing chart by weight, infant ibuprofen (for 6+ months) with dosing chart, antibiotic ointment (Neosporin/bacitracin), hydrocortisone cream 1%, petroleum jelly, oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte), simethicone gas drops, diaper cream. If prescribed: epinephrine auto-injector, rescue inhaler.
Emergency information card
Create a laminated card with: baby's full name, DOB, weight, blood type (if known), allergies, medications, pediatrician name and number, nearest ER address, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222), insurance information, emergency contacts. Keep copies in kit, car, wallet, and with all caregivers.
Documentation
Keep copies of: immunization records, insurance cards (front and back), list of all medications and dosages, allergy list, pediatrician contact info, known medical conditions, recent growth chart with weight (for medication dosing at ER).
Car emergency kit
Smaller kit for the car should include: basic first aid supplies, a blanket, extra diapers and wipes, a change of clothes, bottled water, a snack (for toddlers), phone charger, emergency info card, flashlight. Do NOT store medications in the car (temperature extremes).
Natural disaster go-bag
For evacuation readiness include: 3 days of formula/food, water, diapers, wipes, medications, important documents (copies), blanket, change of clothes, comfort item (stuffed animal), flashlight, battery-powered radio, cash, whistle. Update quarterly as baby grows.
Skills and knowledge
A kit is only as good as your knowledge. Take an infant/child CPR class (AHA or Red Cross). Learn to use a thermometer properly, give medication correctly, and recognize emergency signs. Practice using an EpiPen trainer if prescribed. Review emergency procedures with all caregivers.
Maintain and update
Set a phone reminder every 3 months to: check medication expiration dates, update dosing charts as baby gains weight, replace used supplies, review emergency numbers, ensure all caregivers know the kit location, update the information card.
What NOT to Do
- ✕Do NOT lock the first aid kit in a difficult-to-access location — it needs to be reachable in seconds
- ✕Do NOT rely on expired medications — check dates every 3-6 months
- ✕Do NOT forget to update dosages as your baby grows — weight-based dosing changes frequently
- ✕Do NOT keep the kit where children can access it — high shelf or latched cabinet is ideal
- ✕Do NOT store temperature-sensitive items (epinephrine, certain medications) in the car long-term
- ✕Do NOT assume you will remember phone numbers in a crisis — keep them written/posted
When to Seek Help
Call 911 if:
- Baby is unresponsive or not breathing
- Baby is choking and cannot cry, cough, or breathe
- Baby is having a seizure
- Baby has a severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Baby has been seriously injured (heavy bleeding, burns, head injury with loss of consciousness)
- Baby has ingested a toxic substance or dangerous object (battery, magnet)
- Baby under 3 months has a fever of 100.4°F or higher
Go to ER if:
- Baby has a high fever (over 104°F) or is under 3 months with any fever
- Baby has a wound that may need stitches
- Baby swallowed something potentially dangerous
- Baby is showing signs of severe dehydration
- Baby had a head injury with vomiting or behavior changes
- Any situation where you feel baby needs immediate medical attention — trust your instincts
Call your doctor if:
- Baby has a fever but is over 3 months and acting relatively normal
- Baby has a minor injury you can treat at home but want guidance
- Baby is vomiting or has diarrhea but is still taking some fluids
- You used a supply from the kit and want follow-up advice
- After any emergency — for follow-up care planning
Age-Specific Guidance
0-6 months
Kit priorities: rectal thermometer (essential), bulb syringe/NoseFrida, saline drops, infant acetaminophen (with pediatrician dosing guidance for under 3 months), gas drops, extra formula/breast milk storage. Focus on fever management and feeding support. Include a infant CPR reference card.
6-12 months
Add to kit: infant ibuprofen (now age-appropriate), oral rehydration solution (starting solids means more GI issues), teething gel/tablets, larger bandages (now mobile and bumping into things). Update medication dosages as weight increases. Baby-proofing supplies become critical.
1-3 years
Kit priorities shift: more wound care supplies (cuts, scrapes are constant), ice packs (bumps and bruises), antihistamine (if recommended by doctor), sunscreen, insect repellent. Update emergency card with current weight and any new allergies. Include toddler-friendly distractions (stickers, small book) to use during first aid.
Prevention
- Having an emergency kit IS prevention — it prevents small emergencies from becoming bigger ones
- CPR training for all caregivers is the most important preparation you can make
- Baby-proof your home before baby becomes mobile — do not wait for the first accident
- Keep emergency numbers programmed in all phones and posted visibly at home
- Discuss emergency plans with all caregivers: what to do, where to go, who to call
- Practice evacuating your home with baby — know multiple exit routes
- Install and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Keep a working fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen
- Register for local emergency alerts on your phone
- Know your nearest ER location and fastest route (have a backup route)
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for baby emergency kit — what to include and where to keep it?
What should I do first?
What should I NOT do?
How can I prevent this?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Emergency Guides
Bottom line
Stay calm and follow the steps above. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room.
You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.