Best summer health kit essentials

So whether you’re spending summer in the garden by the paddling pool or setting off on holiday, we’ve picked out the essential healthcare products to keep your little ones protected during the warmer months.

1. PATCH Organic Bamboo Plasters, £7 (25 plasters)

Suitable for: 3 months +

Plasters are an essential item for your summer first aid and we like that these are free from plastics and hypoallergenic, so are a great option if your child has sensitive skin.

The bamboo plasters contain coconut oil which helps to soothe small cuts and grazes, and are also biodegradable.

It’s also worth taking a look at the rest of the range which includes products for burns, blisters, bites and splinters.

Available from: Patch Strips, Amazon and The Plastic Free Shop

2. Green Baby Mosquito Patches, £14.95 (48 patches)

Suitable for: all ages

If you’re looking for a mosquito repellent for your holiday, these little patches are great as they can be used for all ages.

Instead of applying them directly to the skin, you squeeze the patches to ‘activate’ the essential oils which should help to ward off those pesky mosquitos.

They contain citronella and lemon eucalyptus oils in pure form and once activated you can attach them to your little one’s clothing, cot or buggy. And according to Green Baby, they should last up to 10 hours.

Available from: Amazon and Vie Healthcare

3. Germolene Antiseptic Cream, £1.80 (30g)

Bare legs and summertime adventures can often lead to scrapes and grazes on days out. This non-greasy antiseptic cream is the perfect size to keep in your handbag for those ‘oopsadaisy’ tumbles.

Useful for everything from minor cuts to insect bites, it helps prevent infection and even has a local anaesthetic to numb the pain (or relieve itching).

“We take this on every family day out in the summer – the anaesthetic action really sets it apart from other antiseptic creams,” says MFM Consumer & Reviews Editor, and mum of 3, Christy.

Available from: Boots, Wilko and Amazon.

4. HayMax Allergen Barrier, £6.99

Suitable for: all ages

If your little one suffers from hayfever, it’s worth having something in your kit to help provide relief from itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose.

Haymax is a totally natural balm, made from organic beeswax and seed oil, which builds a protective pollen barrier under the nose.

You simply rub a small amount around the nostrils and eyes, but be careful not to apply to close to or in the eye.

Available from: Amazon, Holland & Barrett and Morrisons

5. Wasup Wasp Sting Relief, £8 (pack of 4)

Suitable for: all ages

This wasp sting relief comes in the form of capsules, which you press to release a wipe containing apple cider vinegar designed to soothe painful stings.

These small capsules are great for using on the go, especially if you’re heading on days out or camping trips with your little one.

Wasup also say each capsule is recyclable and the bamboo wipe inside is biodegradable.

Available from: Wasup

6. Vie Healthcare After Bite Roll-On, £6 (20ml)

Suitable for: 3 months +

If your child is suffering from itchy and painful insect bites, this after-bite care comes in a handy 20ml roll-on tube so can be applied for quick relief.

It can be used on babies from 3 months and has been tested on sensitive skin.

Available from: Amazon and Jojo Maman Bebe

7. Nivea Sun Kids Sensitive Sun Cream Spray SPF50+ Water Resistant, £8 (200ml)

This Nivea sun cream comes in a spray bottle for quick application and in a water-resistant formula, so is great if your kids are in the pool or sea this summer.

Keep in mind that even if a formula says it’s “water resistant”, you’ll need to do another full application straight after your child’s out the water.

It’s popular with our mums, particularly because of how quickly it absorbs and its easy-to-use bottle which makes it quick to apply. MFM tester and mum of 4 Puneet says: “Within a minute or so, it had completely absorbed into the skin and didn’t leave a shine or any stickiness at all. This is a big bonus for me because if any cream feels sticky, Tara usually wipes off”.

Available from: Boots, Amazon and Sainsbury’s

8. Little Life Family First Aid Kit, £24.99

Whether you’re dealing with cuts and grazes, burns or bites, it’s always useful having a first aid kit handy.

This kit by Little Life includes essentials such as antiseptic wipes, scissors, dressing, plasters, burn gel and not forgetting “Brave Little Star” stickers.

When packed the full kit measures 17cm x 12cm x 17cm, so is a good size to pack away for days out or holidays this summer.

Available from: Little Life, John Lewis and Amazon

9. Green People Organic Children Hand Sanitiser, £10

Suitable for: 3 months +

If you’re out for the day and not always near a bathroom, it’s useful to have hand sanitiser to keep mucky hands clean.

This gentle hand sanitiser by Green People is suitable for sensitive skin as well as those with eczema and psoriasis.

It also contains plant-derived ingredients like tea tree extract, which acts an antiseptic.

Available from: Green People, Amazon and Ocado

Read More...

• Essential emergency first aid kit
• The best sun creams for babies, toddlers and children
• The best baby and child-safe mosquito and insect repellants