Natural Care Kits

The car kit is all about preventing digestive upsets and creating a cozy car environment.

Energy-boosting snacks provide nourishment that kids (and adults) need on long car rides. Stock up on high-quality bars with more than 10 g protein and 5 g fibre. For a sweet treat, buy bite-sized pouches of pure, raw honey.

BPA-free water bottles are a must for keeping the whole family hydrated. Look for insulated bottles that keep beverages hot or cold for at least 12 hours. Some bottles even come with carbon filters to make tap water cleaner and crisper.

Probiotics help you avoid the nausea, diarrhea, and bloating that can strike when you’re spending hours in the car. Choose a kid-friendly probiotic that’s specially formulated for travel.

Motion sickness remedies can mean the difference between a happy car ride and a harrowing one. Homeopathic products designed to relieve motion sickness and dizziness are safe for adults and kids aged two and older.

Essential oils promote a sense of peace that’s often lacking from family road trips. For an on-the-go air freshener, combine the following ingredients in a mini glass spray bottle, shake well, and spritz as needed.

• 3/4 cups (180 mL) water
• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) vanilla extract
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops camomile essential oil

Non-toxic air fresheners made with organic plant oils will keep your car smelling fresh and clean. Choose an invigorating scent such as lemongrass or peppermint.

For your home

With this care kit, you’ll be ready to treat any mishaps that befall your kids while they run and play. We’ve also included some eco-friendly cleaning tools to make your home a pristine palace.

Hand sanitizer comes in handy when kids go back to school, and germs start transferring from their schoolmates to your household. Choose a natural variety made with essential oils and plant extracts for worry-free cleanliness.

Tea tree oil is terrific for eco-friendly cleaning, which curbs your family’s exposure to nasty chemicals and synthetic fragrances. For an all-purpose surface cleaner, mix these ingredients in a mini glass spray bottle.

• 1 cup (250 mL) water
• 2 1/2 tsp (12 mL) 100 percent tea tree oil

Calendula cream is a gentle, kid-friendly solution for minor cuts and scrapes. It softens dry, chapped skin and can even be used on babies.

Arnica ointment is a safe option for kids’ bumps and bruises. While calendula cream is suited to treating cuts and scrapes, arnica is awesome for treating bruises and sore muscles. Just remember: arnica should never be applied to broken skin.

Vitamin D3 drops will be your best friend with winter fast approaching, as you and your family likely won’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight and food. Kids, especially, need adequate levels of vitamin D to build strong bones and teeth.

For your adventure

If a hike, camping trip, or vacation is in the works, this care kit has you covered.

Toxin-free handy wipes can clean up unexpected messes that are bound to happen if you’re travelling with little ones. Look for kid-friendly, hypoallergenic products free from parabens and phthalates.

Energy balls are the perfect portable snack, with protein, carbs, and good-for-you fats. They’ll give you the energy you need to grab life by the … well, you know.

Natural sunscreen will protect you and your little ones from harmful rays. Look for a mineral-only sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Healthy jerky is a protein-packed, low-calorie treat for trekking or vacationing. Skip varieties with added nitrates and artificial flavours.

Sore throat sprays will be a lifesaver if you’re caught with an unexpected cold on vacation. Herbal extracts such as echinacea and sage provide fast relief.

Natural bug bite relief is essential if you’re going camping or heading out for a hike. Anyone who’s ever been besieged by mosquitoes knows that itchy bites are the worst.