The 13 Best First-Aid Kits of 2023 for Families, Tested and Reviewed
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First-aid kits that include Red Cross and CDC-recommended emergency supplies
Verywell Family / Kevin Liang
Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD
From cuts and scrapes to bumps and burns, life happens—and sometimes those boo-boo kisses require the help of a first-aid kit to make them better. The best kit for your family will depend on your lifestyle and activities, but it should include the basic supplies recommended by the American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to treat minor accidents and emergencies.
To help families find the best first-aid kits, we spoke with a pediatrician and reviewed professional recommendations on the must-haves of a first-aid kit. With this guidance in mind, we narrowed our list to 13 top-rated first-aid kits that include all or most of the basic supplies recommended by health experts.
We then put these kits to the test in the Verywell Testing Lab in New York City, where our editors thoroughly inspected each kit, evaluating their contents and assessing their ease of use, quality, organization, and overall value. We also want to make sure the kits meet your specific needs, whether you're looking for a portable option to keep in your car or take on a camping trip, or you want to be prepared with an extra large first-aid kit at home.
What Should Be in a First-Aid Kit?
According to the CDC and the Red Cross, these are the basic items that every home first-aid kit should include:
Adhesive bandages of various shapes and sizes
Absorbent compress dressings
Adhesive cloth tape
Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic wipes
Aspirin
Emergency blanket
Breathing barrier (also known as a CPR mask)
Instant cold compresses
Nonlatex gloves
Hydrocortisone ointment
Gauze roll
Roller bandage
Sterile gauze pads
Thermometer
Triangular bandages
Tweezers
First-aid guide
Emergency contact numbers, including your healthcare provider’s
All the first-aid kits on our list include most, if not all, of the above supplies. Some include additional items, which we highlight in the product descriptions or key specs for each kit.
Keep in mind that your family’s first-aid kit should be customized to your particular needs. For example, if a family member has a severe food allergy, you should include a doctor-prescribed emergency device, such as an epinephrine injector; or if someone in your family has diabetes, include a glucose meter and doctor-approved glucose tablets and a glucagon kit.
Best Overall: Protect Life 200 Piece First Aid Kit
Pros
200 pieces
Zippered storage case
Clear pockets for visibility
Cons
Too full/hard to remove items
With 200 pieces total, the Protect Life First-Aid Kit earned our top spot because it has everything families need for a wide range of minor injuries. We appreciate that all pieces, from 20 first-aid prep pads to an instant cold pack and emergency whistle, are from a Food and Drug Administration-registered facility, meaning the FDA knows of the manufacturer and products made. All supplies store nicely in clear pockets for easier visibility during an emergency. A durable and easy-to-see bright red hard case allows you to take it on family vacations or keep it on standby at home.
During testing, it only took us two minutes to find everything inside. However, the amount of medical supplies is almost too much for the storage case. We needed to remove some items to reach others, and it was challenging to put everything back inside. The quality of the items in the kit is great, but we were left wishing for more gear that we found in other kits, like an eye wash.
The kit contains plenty of materials for minor cuts, scrapes, and small other injuries. At $25, we think the kit is a good value for the hundreds of pieces you get.
Price at time of publication: $25
Key Specs:
Number of pieces: 200 | Size: 7.8 x 5.9 x 2.6 inches | Case Type: Hard zippered case | Also Contains: Instant cold pack, eye pad, and emergency whistle
Best Budget: Be Smart Get Prepared 110 Piece First Aid Kit
Pros
Easy to open
Good quality
Durable storage case with handle
Cons
Only for minor emergencies (no CPR mask, medication)
Not only does the Be Smart Get Prepared First-Aid Kit contain everything you need for minor cuts and scrapes, but it’s also affordable for any family budget, priced under $15. There are 110 pieces in the kit, from various bandages and alcohol prep pads to an instant cold press and cotton tip applicators.
During testing, we loved how well organized this first-aid kit is, making it easy to find all supplies. Everything is stored neatly in a compact, durable plastic case that we were able to open one-handed without a problem.
This kit doesn’t contain a CPR mask, medication, and other supplies for more serious emergencies, like the SHBC Compact First-Aid Kit, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. Otherwise, we appreciate the solid quality of all components and how easy it is to find what you need.
If you’re looking for a basic first-aid kit for those minor “owies,” like a scraped knee, this is it. There are plenty of supplies for multiple family members, and the price is the icing on the cake.
Price at time of publication: $14
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 110 | Size: 7.5 x 2.5 x 6.8 inches | Case Type: Hard plastic case with latches | Also Contains: Instant cold press, paper tape, and wood splints
Best for Home: First Aid Only SmartCompliance 245 Piece First Aid Kit
Pros
Extremely organized
Easy to open
Wall mountable
Cons
Not portable
Equip your family with a first-aid kit full of supplies for various medical emergencies. The First Aid Only SmartCompliance First-Aid Kit includes 245 pieces, like a CPR face shield and burn cream packets. To say we appreciate the beautiful organization of the supplies would be an understatement. All parts sit nicely in small storage spaces, so you can mount the kit on a wall without worrying about things falling.
With enough supplies to care for up to 50 people, you’ll have plenty on hand for the whole family, including pain relief medication for headaches or joint pain in case you run out of your usual stock. Moreover, families will appreciate the one-handed opening in an emergency.
This first-aid kit reaps the highest price on our list, but it’s worth it for the incredibly thorough organization of supplies. While this isn’t a kit you’d want to take on the road, it fits well in a home, office, or classroom, and you won’t have to worry about a lack of supplies when accidents happen.
Price at time of publication: $125
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 245 | Size: 14.25 x 4.5 x 13.25 inches | Case Type: Plastic case | Also Contains: CPR face shield, ibuprofen, aspirin tablets, and burn cream
Related: The Best OTC Allergy Medicines of 2023
Best for Travel: Homestock+ Professional First Aid Kit
Pros
Well organized
Compartments are labeled
High-quality supplies
Cons
Unable to open with one hand
A travel first-aid kit is a must-have in an emergency, regardless of where your family adventures take you. The Homestock+ Professional First-Aid Kit measures 7.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 inches, so it’s small enough to fit in a backpack, but it can also be attached to a bike or hiking bag using the included straps and hooks. It’s surprisingly lightweight (barely over 1 pound), considering the dozens of medical supplies you get in return, like an instant ice pack, adhesive bandages, CPR kit, and more. We welcome the organized compartments (labels and all) with open arms, especially the designated pocket for personal belongings.
While we couldn’t open the kit with one hand during our test, the double zippers were a lifesaver. They ensure a full opening for easy accessibility, both visually and manually—a priceless feature when you’re in a rush looking for medical supplies.
Price at time of publication: $37
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 105 | Size: 7.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 inches | Case Type: Polyester zip case | Also Contains: Emergency blanket, CPR kit, first-aid guide
Related: The Best Kids’ Luggage We Packed, Rolled, and Dropped in Our Lab
Best for Camping: Everlit 250 Piece Survival First Aid Kit
Pros
Easy to open
Organized
Compact/easy to carry
Cons
Difficult to open with one hand
No batteries included for flashlight
Whether your family camps often or you want to introduce the hobby to your kiddos, the Everlit Survival First-Aid Kit is a piece of camping gear you’ll want on hand. It has 250 medical supplies, including a few items that come in quite handy during outdoor adventures, like a knife, flashlight, fire starter, compass, emergency poncho, blanket, and more. We thought the kit was super organized and loved the special compartments. Plus, putting supplies back in after taking them all out was a breeze.
All supplies come in a soft double-zippered case that requires both hands to open. The nylon case is water-resistant and has a lot of very useful features, thanks in large part to the helpful input of U.S. military veterans for the case’s design. For example, the MOLLE system—a series of woven straps prominent in many military supplies—allows the kit to attach to bags, a belt, and other items for easier portability. In addition, a drain hole ensures water or other liquids leave the bag if submerged.
Because this isn’t your basic first-aid kit, the $50 price tag is a good value. We love the additional camping gear supplies and functional design.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 250 | Size: 8 x 6.5 x 5 inches | Case Type: Water-resistant nylon | Also Contains: Firestarter, tactical card, glow sticks, and knife
Related: The Best Kids’ Camping Chairs for Resting in the Great Outdoors
Best for Hiking: Swiss Safe 200-Piece Profressional First Aid Kit
Pros
Unzips one-handed
Well organized
Separated compartments
Cons
Labels are small
Avid hikers know you can’t take just any first-aid kit with you—it needs an assortment of medical supplies beyond adhesive bandages and gauze pads. The 200-piece Swiss Safe Professional First-Aid Kit includes hiking-specific pieces, like a fire starter rod, fishing line, and Mylar blanket. Mesh barriers separate labeled products, allowing easy access to items inside. The only downside is the small writing on supplies, which could prove problematic if you're trying to find something in the dark or need reading glasses.
Otherwise, we had no problem unzipping the kit one-handed during testing and felt the quality of the items was reliable. There’s also a detailed 18-page booklet that doubles as a first-aid guide, whether in the wilderness or at home. The $40 cost isn’t just for a first-aid kit—you’re investing in a survival kit.
Price at time of publication: $35
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 200 | Size: 5 x 7 inches | Case Type: Soft zip case | Also Contains: Signaling mirror, sewing kit, and hand saw
Related: The 10 Best Hiking Shoes for Kids of 2023
Best for Car: SHBC First Aid Kit
Pros
Durable waterproof case
Well organized
Good quality
Cons
Two hands required to open
A first-aid kit is necessary for your family’s vehicle should accidents happen while you’re out and about. From a saber card (a multi-purpose tool) and emergency blanket to a whistle and safety pins, this first-aid kit is compact and lightweight yet full of medical supplies for on-the-go emergencies.
The hard, waterproof case is durable, but we needed two hands to open it. The kit opens nicely to reveal well-thought-out organization, so it’s easy to find all 228 pieces. Similar items, like bandages of different sizes, arrive in easy-to-see bags, making accessibility to your needs much more straightforward. Plus, all components appeared to be of good quality during testing.
Price at time of publication: $33
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 228 | Size: 8.3 x 6.3 x 3.2 inches | Case Type: Hard zip case with handle | Also Contains: Silicone tourniquet, CPR mask, and saber card
Related: The 14 Best Convertible Car Seats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Verywell Family
Best Basic: First Aid Only Be Red Cross Ready First Aid Kit
Pros
Easy to find supplies
Not difficult to open
Covers minor injuries
Cons
Labels were small/hard to identify
Only 73 products
Keep it simple with the American Red Cross Be Red Cross Ready First-Aid Kit that provides basic first-aid supplies. This first-aid kit contains the least amount of medical pieces (73 total) on our list, but all contents are latex-free and organized in a flexible nylon case for home, a car, the beach, and other family adventures. Clear pockets make it easy to find every item in the case, which can be opened with one hand.
During testing, we weren’t impressed with the supplies’ quality due to the lack of brand names and small, hard-to-read labels. Still, the kit has most of the products necessary for emergencies, and the $30 price tag makes it affordable for many family budgets.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 73 | Size: 7 x 9.5 inches | Case Type: Nylon zip case | Also Contains: Hand sanitizer, instant cold press, and tweezers
Related: The 11 Best Baby Thermometers for Accurate Readings and Peace of Mind
Best for Sports: Adventure First Aid Family Kit
Pros
Well organized
Waterproof bag
Compact size
Cons
Zipper broke when trying one-hand open
Whether you need relief from a sprained ankle at soccer practice or cleaning a scraped elbow at a T-ball game, you’ll want to have the Adventure Medical Kits First-Aid Kit with you. It contains 84 pieces, including an instant cold press and various medications to help with swelling, bug bites, and sting relief for those hot game nights when mosquitos won’t let you catch a break. All supplies squeeze into the waterproof nylon bag that was challenging to open with one hand. In fact, the zipper broke when we tried a one-handed opening during testing.
This kit features great organization and good-quality pieces. The case organizes supplies into categories: medications, gauze/bandages, and other various trauma care accessories. A booklet also details how and when to use the supplies for first aid.
Price at time of publication: $35
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 84 | Size: 6 x 8.5 x 3 inches | Case Type: Soft nylon bag | Also Contains: Bite and sting relief treatment, bandage scissors, moleskin, and instant cold press
Related: Best Basketball Hoops for Kids of 2023
Best for College Students: First Aid Only All-Purpose Essentials First Aid Kit
Pros
Plenty of supplies
Unexpected pieces
Small size
Cons
Needs better organization (hard to find items)
A first-aid kit is a key component you’ll want to include in your college student’s care package (in addition to a grocery store trip). With 298 medical supplies in the First Aid Only emergency kit, there are many pieces to cover basic first aid emergencies, like cuts, pain, swelling, scrapes, and burns. For example, a soft zip case holds Ibuprofen, a cold pack, burn cream packets, and more, but we were disappointed we couldn’t open it with one hand like the Be Smart Get Prepared First-Aid Kit.
Unfortunately, finding each supply in the kit was complicated during testing. We loved all the different components but didn’t care for how disorganized it was, resulting in us having to remove other items to find what we needed. Despite this issue, we can’t overlook the number of pieces and the portable case they come in, which is ideal for college dorms or vehicles.
The price is fair for how many first-aid supplies come with this kit. Though we wish it featured better organization, it only took us three minutes to find everything inside—not bad for nearly 300 pieces.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 298 | Size: 9.25 x 2.88 x 7 inches | Case Type: Soft zip case | Also Contains: Emergency blanket, moleskin, burn gel packet, and disposable thermometer
Related: The Best Ready-Made Care Packages for College Kids
Best for Cuts and Scrapes: Band-Aid Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First-Aid Kit
Pros
Durable hard case
Name brand products
Easy to open
Cons
Difficult to put everything back in
Doesn’t contain supplies beyond minor injuries
Kissing boo-boos will only get you so far (but you don’t have to tell your kids), so equip yourself with a solid backup. The Band-Aid Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First-Aid Kit contains essential first-aid supplies, like assorted bandages, itch-stopping cream, an instant cold pack, medications, and more. All items are of excellent quality with name brands you likely recognize or have at home, such as Band-Aid and Tylenol.
All 160 pieces are stored neatly in a hard plastic case with a carrying handle. Two latches on the durable case allowed for easy opening and closing during testing, even with one hand. Its low price is one more reason to opt for a basic first-aid kit like this one.
Price at time of publication: $23
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 160 | Size: 3.25 x 9.5 x 7 inches | Case Type: Plastic case | Also Contains: Benadryl itch-stopping cream, Neosporin, and hand cleansing wipes
Related: The 10 Best Mosquito Bite Relief Products Recommended by Doctors to Stop the Itch
Best Small: Protect Life Emergency First-Aid Kit
Buy at Firstaidkitsurvival.com
Pros
Small size is portable
100 pieces
Brightly colored bag
Cons
Unorganized in pouch
The Protect Life 100-Piece First-Aid Kit measures 7.5 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches, so it’s lightweight and compact enough to fit in a bag or glove compartment. However, the small size was also a challenge during testing because we couldn’t open the pouch with one hand. In addition, all 100 supplies, from an emergency blanket to a tourniquet, arrive in one clear bag inside the pouch, which makes it feel unorganized and makes it challenging to find specific pieces.
Despite its compact dimensions, the kit has plenty of supplies for minor medical emergencies, including saline solution to rinse eyes (a product not many first-aid kits include).
Price at time of publication: $26
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 100 | Size: 7.5 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches | Case Type: Soft zip pouch | Also Contains: CPR mask, tweezers, and medical scissors
Best for Trauma: MFASCO First Aid Kit Emergency Response Trauma Bag
Pros
Reflective bag
Very organized
Carry strap
Cons
No tweezers (only splinter remover)
The MFASCO Emergency Response Trauma Bag has 415 good-quality medical supplies and is conveniently organized. During testing, the pieces were logically placed and easy to find. In addition to your basic first-aid supplies, the kit includes a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and eye wash. The kit does not contain tweezers, but it does have a splinter remover. Everything stores beautifully in the easy-to-open reflective bag with multiple pockets and a carrying strap.
At $100, this isn’t the cheapest first-aid kit on our list, but we think the value is excellent for the number of pieces you receive for injuries beyond a scraped knee. If you’re looking to save a little money, the company offers the same bag in various colors at different prices, such as blue, red, and black.
Price at time of publication: $100
Key Specs:
Number of Pieces: 415 | Size: 13 x 9 x 6 inches | Case Type: Soft canvas bag with shoulder straps and clips | Also Contains: Glucose gel, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff
How We Rated the Best First-Aid Kits
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best first-aid kits we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These first-aid kits are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great first-aid kits, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These first-aid kits are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend first-aid kits with this rating; you won't find any on our list.
First-Aid Kits We Also Tested
Medique First-Aid Kit: While this kit contained basic first-aid supplies and we loved that it included a bilingual first-aid guide, it had the least amount of items (61) and lacked key components, like a CPR mask and tweezers.
How We Tested the Best First-Aid Kits
To select the best first-aid kits for families, we started our research by interviewing Natalie Jedacek, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital, to gain further insights into first-aid safety and what to look for in first-aid kits. We also studied guidelines issued by the American Red Cross and the CDC. With these insights in mind, we researched dozens of first-aid kits available on the market. Then, we narrowed our list down to 14-top rated first-aid kits that met our strict criteria and included most of the basic supplies recommended by health authorities.
Our team of parenting and health editors tested all 14 kits in the Verywell Testing Lab in New York City, evaluating their contents and assessing each one on ease of use, organization, quality, and overall value. First, we opened the kits and noted how easy or difficult the cases or bags were to open. While many first-aid kits had zippers, others featured latches.
Once the first-aid kits were open, we considered how the supplies were organized. We wanted to know if all items inside the kits were easily accessible and if they were grouped logically or practically. We also timed how long it took us to find specific items, such as alcohol wipes, bandage scissors, and exam gloves, to further determine the usefulness of the kit's organization.
Lastly, we evaluated all medical supplies in the kits by looking at the packaging, labels, and overall usefulness during an emergency. We carefully considered all other attributes compared to the price of each first-aid kit to assess overall value.
What to Look for in a First-Aid Kit
Variety of Supplies
A first-aid kit is a piece of gear you don't want to take lightly. While it's essential to have basic first-aid supplies, like various bandages, antiseptic wipe packets, and gauze pads, there are other vital pieces to include in your family's first-aid kit. Some items may come as a second thought, like an emergency blanket, breathing barrier (CPR mask), instant cold compress, gloves, medications, and ointment packets, but they're vital supplies you'll want on hand.
Because not all of these items come in every first-aid kit, you'll want to consider your needs and where you're going. For example, if you're looking for a hiking first-aid kit, you'll want additional items like a flashlight and a tactical card. Our best for hiking pick, the Swiss Safe 200-Piece Professional First-Aid Kit, includes those items plus a signaling mirror, a sewing kit, a hand saw, a fire starter rode, a Mylar blanket, and more.
You can create first-aid kits yourself, but be aware you may spend more out–of–pocket when buying individual supplies. For example, you can create a summer first-aid kit with items like topical antibiotic ointment for bites and rashes or one for burns with components like gauze and over-the-counter medications, suggests Dr. Jedacek.
Whether you go with a homemade or a store-bought first-aid kit, check your supplies regularly for expiration dates and replacements. Also, be sure to include emergency phone numbers, such as your healthcare provider's.
Storage
Durable storage for first-aid supplies is essential, regardless of whether you take the kit on the go or keep it at home. Most first-aid kits come in a hard or soft zippered case with fabric (like nylon) or synthetic leather, but they also come in a zippered pouch, bag, or plastic case. For example, the Protect Life First-Aid Kit keeps supplies in a hard case with double zippers, while the Be Smart Get Prepared 110-Piece First Aid-Kit stores everything in a durable plastic case with secure latches.
Portability
Consider whether you need the first-aid kit to be portable or if you plan on storing it at home. If you need a portable first-aid kit, look for a small size for easy storage in a backpack or glovebox, but don’t skimp on important supplies.
While a compact size is ideal for a camping first-aid kit, sometimes a large one, like the MFASCO Emergency Response Trauma Bag, is a purchase that will last much longer without needing to refill supplies often. Moreover, check for a carrying handle or strap to make transporting the kit easier, especially during an emergency.
Regardless of where you take or use the first-aid kit, you want to have it on hand. According to Dr. Jedacek, the sooner the intervention, the better because it gives you a chance to stabilize and comfort the injured person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a first-aid kit be?
A first-aid kit has no exact size requirement, as it will vary by situation. Typically, a small first-aid kit is ideal for travel purposes, like camping or hiking, as it won’t take up too much space. However, the downside to a compact first-aid kit is frequently the lack of other supplies, like a CPR mask or flashlight.
Do you have to be trained to perform first aid?
A first-aid kit is important, but understanding how to use each supply and administer first aid is equally essential. Some first aid skills are easy to learn, while others, such as CPR, require formal training and certification. Training isn’t necessary for minor injuries, like putting a bandage on a cut or applying creams. However, “follow-up care from a trained medical professional could be necessary if you’re concerned, it’s recommended by your doctor, or especially if the person is not improving,” explains Dr. Jedacek.
The best way to prepare yourself for a first-aid emergency is to learn life-saving skills, like hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Additionally, you want to understand how to use all supplies in the first-aid kit you select.
If you’re unsure where to start on first-aid training, the American Heart Association offers training programs for first aid, CPR, and more.
Do first-aid kits expire?
According to Dr. Jedacek, a first-aid kit’s expiration date depends on its medications. Creams, ointments, and medications all have expiration dates. She recommends checking the contents of your first-aid kit annually to ensure everything is up to date.
How much does a first-aid kit cost?
The size of a first-aid kit and the number of supplies greatly affect its cost. The First Aid Only SmartCompliance First-Aid Kit, the highest-priced kit on our list ($125), is quite large, can be mounted on a wall, and includes 245 items to care for multiple people. On the opposite end of the price range, the Protect Life First-Aid Kit 100-Piece is small and has fewer supplies, so the price is lower at $25.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with eight years of writing experience. Katrina’s background began in journalism at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages.
She personally owns the Band-Aid Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First-Aid Kit, which she likes because it has plenty of supplies for minor cuts and scrapes, but she thinks the kit lacks a few key items, like a CPR mask and emergency blanket.
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