What Should You Have in a Daycare First Aid Kit?

Childcare First Aid Kit Checklist for NSW Daycares

Are you running a daycare or early learning centre in New South Wales? Wondering what’s legally required in your first aid kit—and what’s actually useful when things go wrong?

This guide outlines exactly what should be in a childcare first aid kit, why it matters, and how to go beyond compliance to create a calm, safe response for little ones in distress.

What the Regulations Say

Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations (NSW), childcare services must maintain a well-stocked, accessible first aid kit that reflects potential risks.
Each kit must be clearly labelled, easy to access for educators, and checked regularly.
Staff should be trained and know where the kits—and individual children’s medical plans—are located at all times.

The Childcare First Aid Kit Checklist

Here's what every daycare kit in NSW should contain as a baseline:

For Cleaning and Hygiene

Sterile saline solution (for flushing eyes and wounds)
Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes
Cotton balls and cotton tips

For Covering and Protecting Injuries

Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes (sensitive-skin safe)
Hypoallergenic tape
Non-adherent dressings (various sizes)
Sterile gauze pads
Triangular bandages (for slings)
Crepe bandages (compression and support)

For Treating Specific Injuries

Instant cold packs
Burn gel (child-safe)
Dedicated eye wash bottle
Blunt-nosed scissors & tweezers

Tools and Essentials

Disposable non-latex gloves
CPR mask with one-way valve
Non-contact digital thermometer
First aid guide or booklet
Accident report forms
Emergency contact list
Waterproof, clearly labelled container or bag

Medication Handling

Important: Staff should not administer medications unless authorised in writing by both a doctor and the child’s guardian. Medications like EpiPens and asthma puffers should be stored securely but separately—visible, accessible, and in line with each child’s care plan.

Going Beyond the Checklist: A Child-Centred First Aid Approach

Having the right items is only part of it. Great childcare first aid also means handling situations with calm, care, and empathy.

Use simple language: “This is special water to clean your scratch,” instead of “I’m using antiseptic.”
Offer distraction: Stickers, a favourite soft toy, or singing can reduce anxiety fast.
Keep visual aids: A printed picture chart of basic first aid steps can help staff and older kids alike.
Practice regularly: Run short, age-appropriate drills with staff to build comfort and speed in real emergencies.

Where to Keep Your Kit

Location matters just as much as what’s inside. Your daycare first aid kit should be:

Accessible (but out of reach of children)
Clearly labelled
Known to all staff
Included in excursion gear

Set a calendar reminder to check and restock monthly. Use this free printable to make it easy:

Download the Printable First Aid Kit Checklist

Need a Kit That’s Ready to Go?

Skip the guesswork. Our Childcare & School First Aid Kits are packed in Dubbo, built to Australian standards, and designed for real-world daycare needs.

Audit-ready contents
Weatherproof cases and labels
Optional add-ons like wall signs and excursion packs

Shop Childcare First Aid Kits Now

Helpful Extras

Free Printable First Aid Signs
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Use the chat icon on our website to speak directly to Samantha, the author of this post and Director of Assurance First Aid Kits.

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Author

Written by Samantha, Director of Assurance First Aid Kits, EMT, Trainer & Assessor.
With over 20 years helping early learning centres across NSW stay compliant, stocked, and prepared, Samantha designs kits that actually work when it counts.