Fun fact: I am a registered nurse. I am also a mom of three kids, which means that despite my nursing education, I have still found myself standing in my kitchen at 2:00 in the morning thinking: Where is the thermometer?

Over the years, I’ve slowly collected the things that I actually like to have on hand when someone gets sick, falls down, starts bleeding, spikes a fever, or puts something somewhere it absolutely does not belong. This isn’t a list of medications, but I can make that list for you as well, if you want. This is more of a real-life family medical supply drawer: the tools, bandages, thermometers, wraps, ice packs, and miscellaneous supplies that are incredibly handy to have around before you need them.

As always, this is general information and not personal medical advice. Know when a situation needs professional medical care, and don’t hesitate to call your doctor or seek emergency care when needed.

First things first: pick a home for everything. You don’t necessarily need one tiny first-aid kit with everything crammed inside. Honestly, I prefer a drawer in the kitchen/pantry, but a tub or closet shelf/basket would work great also. The important thing is that everyone in your family knows where the supplies live. Here is what I like to keep on hand:

I like to keep:

• Bandages in several sizes
• Fun Band-Aids for children
• Nonstick gauze pads
• Self-adherent wrap, like Mediwrap
• Steri-Strips or other wound-closure strips
• Tweezers (flat tip and pointy tip)
• Small scissors
• Disposable gloves
• Hydrocolloid bandages for blisters
• Eye cup. One of my kids in particular constantly gets things in her eyes.
• A reliable digital thermometer
• A backup thermometer
• A pulse oximeter
• A blood pressure cuff or automatic blood pressure monitor
• Tissues
• Reusable ice packs
• Bulb syringe
• Hemostats (Not for blindly digging in noses, but this came in clutch when one of my kids stuck a rolled up piece of paper in her nose)
• Small flashlight ( to look in throats or in noses, see above)
• Ace Bandages
• A heating pad (electric)
• A microwavable rice bag or millet bag for heating
• A few clean washcloths
• Extra towels
• Throw up bucket. We use a stainless steel mixing bowl that has seen some things.

And yes, I absolutely think cute ice packs are worth buying. A cute dinosaur, strawberry, or animal-shaped ice pack may not be medically superior, but sometimes convincing a crying child to hold an ice pack on her knee is half the battle.

Don’t Forget: A printed emergency information sheet

• Pediatrician or primary care provider information
• Emergency contacts
• Allergies
• Important medical information
• Poison Control information

Because if you’re stressed and trying to remember a phone number, suddenly even information you know by heart can disappear.

My Actual Philosophy on a Home Medical Supply Kit

You do not need to buy everything on this list tomorrow, and nothing about this needs to be pinterest worthy. My collection of supplies has grown over time, as situations arise and I wish I had something, I make a point to get it as soon as I’m able. Being able to take care of simple/minor healthcare issues is empowering and I hope this helps! Did I miss anything? What should I add to my drawer?