No one wants to take a child to urgent care, but whether it’s for a fever, broken bone, or trouble breathing, there are times when such a visit is necessary. To be ready, there are essentials to pack in your diaper bag to make the situation easier for you and your child.

Diaper Bag Essentials

You may have a diaper bag set aside just for emergencies, or you may use the same bag you use every day. Regardless, the essentials will be the same for all babies and toddlers. These include:

• Diapers: 3–5 plus plastic pants if your child uses cloth diapers
• Plastic bags for soiled diapers and clothes
• Wipes
• Changing pad
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Change of clothes
• Burp cloth
• Snacks, such as bottles with dry formula that can be easily reconstituted with water; cereal, granola bars, and teething biscuits; jarred baby food; applesauce squeezers; sippy cup; or packaged breast milk
• Snacks for grown-ups, including protein bars, a bottle of water, and a bag of nuts, chips, or cookies
• Toys and activities, such as teething rattlers, a blanket, stuffed toys, books, or even an iPad

Emergency-specific Items to Pack in Your Diaper Bag

Once your diaper bag is ready to go with everyday essentials, you’ll want to add several items to help expedite care for an unexpected urgent care visit. The items to keep in your to-go emergency bag include:

Medical Records

Your child’s medical records include immunizations, any medicines they take, and any allergies they have. Most pediatricians will provide you with a master immunization record, which you should copy to pack in your diaper bag. Alternatively, if you have electronic records, that will work as well.

Your medical records should include the name and contact information of your primary pediatrician, so you can share that with the doctor at urgent care.

Insurance Information

You’ll want quick access to your insurance card when you visit urgent care or the hospital. Consider making a copy of your card (front and back) to always have in your to-go bag and take a picture of the front and back of insurance cards to store in your phone.

Along with your insurance cards, you should have a picture of your ID (probably your driver’s license) in your bag. If your child has a passport, keep that (or a facsimile) in the bag as well.

Medicine

If your child takes medicine regularly, such as an asthma inhaler, or has the need for an EpiPen for allergies, you should include these items to pack in your diaper bag. Even though you’ll be heading toward medical care, it’s always best to be prepared to meet your child’s specific needs yourself.

Phone Charger

Pop an extra phone charger in your bag as well. If you are at urgent care for a long time, you’ll want to be in touch with other family members and caregivers to share updates on your child.

Be Prepared with a Ready-packed Diaper Bag

While no parent wants to take a child to urgent care, we know that emergencies happen, and it’s best to be prepared than to be caught off guard. When you pack your bag ahead of time, you can be sure that you and your child will feel more comfortable when life is a little uncertain.

Community Choice Pediatrics is here to care for your child’s needs. Contact us to schedule your appointment to establish care.