The Best Kids’ Bandages

Young children can really turn on the waterworks when they get hurt, and a little blood can make them feel even worse. It’s a parent’s job to help by cleaning and bandaging the wound, and kid-friendly bandages can make this much more manageable.

Instead of an uninteresting, blend-in hue, these have bright, vibrant colors and fun pictures and patterns. You’ll see ones with aliens, unicorns and puppies. You should look for things that your kids like, though. Choose wisely, and your children will be proud to wear their bandages; don’t be surprised when they start showing off their boo-boos to family and friends.

Bandages come in boxes or tins and can be all of one size or assorted ones. It makes sense to buy a standard size in bulk plus a smaller pack with a variety for cuts on fingertips, toes or other spots. You’ll also want wider bandages for bigger cuts, so look at the measurements when perusing the product descriptions.

Thinner bandages can be better for smaller bodies, as long as they are made with medical-grade materials that won’t peel off. Some bandages are more waterproof than others, which is especially important when kids are bathing or swimming.

It’s also crucial for parents and caregivers to know how to perform first aid on cuts and scrapes because of the risk of infection. When your child gets hurt, Mayo Clinic recommends that you start by washing your own hands first, then applying pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, adding that you might also want to elevate the wound if necessary. Then, rinse it under tap water and wash it with soap. Don’t clean the wound itself, and avoid using iodine or hydrogen peroxide, Mayo Clinic advises.

If you see debris or dirt in the wound, sterilize a pair of tweezers with alcohol and use that to get it out. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic or some petroleum jelly over the wound to keep it moist; this will also prevent scarring. Now you can cover up the boo-boo with a kids’ bandage.

• Choose latex-free bandages if allergies are a concern.
• Don’t overreact when your child gets hurt. Flip it around and focus on their bravery and the cool bandage they get to wear.
• Check your child’s bandage at least twice a day to ensure that it’s still on there; change it daily.
• Signs of infection include redness, warmth, swelling, drainage and pain. If you’re concerned, call the doctor.