In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Research Analyst ⋅ Jun 3, 2024
The Best Kids's Kids Bandage for 2024
Ouchies are no fun, but a kid-friendly bandage may make your child smile. Our review ranks this year's top 7 bandages ready to cover minor injuries. We researched the market before purchasing popular and compelling contenders for hands-on testing to determine our lineup. With bandages ranging in size, shape, and materials, we evaluated contenders for material comfort, durability, and more to determine the best option for every situation. Regarding bandaging needs, it's “safe” to say we've got you covered (figuratively and literally). We are confident there is a bandage in our lineup that can meet your goals and budget.
Move aside ordinary dressings and welcome the Welly Eye Love U Bandages. This top performer comes in fashionable, fun, eye-catching, kid-approved designs. The fabric looks and feels high-quality, plus they are flexible and stretchy, making them feel comfortable to wear on arms and legs. Welly products come in a travel-friendly, sturdy tin, which we consider a fantastic perk, instead of paper boxes that lack durability. So, throw the container in any backpack or diaper bag without fear of being broken or lost.
The gauze pad covering is smaller than some contenders, which isn't a big deal-breaker for minor cuts, but longer scratches will need a larger-sized bandage. If you need a waterproof assortment pack, take a look at the Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack for a wider variety of sizes. Also, don't count on the Welly Eye to survive handwashing, and if this is an essential quality to you, we suggest selecting a waterproof bandage. Overall, this fashionable bandage with storage tin is kid-friendly and worth consideration despite these factors.
The Welly Eye Love U Bandages offer high-quality fabric, fun designs, and good performance.
The Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack is a budget-friendly choice, providing an assortment of adhesive bandages (five different types and various sizes) at an affordable price. Indeed, this box includes bandages of all sizes and will come to the rescue for any “ouchie” (big or small) that your little one may encounter. We think the bandages perform well and are comfortable to wear.
Besides one box of Disney's character bandages that appeal to tiny tots, the rest are beige and less intriguing to most kids. Nickelodeon's Paw Patrol Band-Aids are a more kid-centric option if you think a character bandage might increase compliance in wearing it. But if you want to stock up on bandage supplies, The Band-Aid Family Pack is an excellent addition to your home first-aid kit, covering multiple bandage size needs.
The Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack is ideal for those who seek quantity and variety on a budget.
The Nexcare Clear Waterproof Bandages is a superstar waterproof choice for cuts, blisters, and more. They provide a 360-degree seal, protecting water, dirt, and germs from wounds. They are designed to stay on the skin while showering, swimming, or during bath time, and with a good seal during the application, this is typically the case. It even worked well on fingers and toes, a feat that challenges most non-waterproof bandages. Of course, to achieve a good seal, it is crucial to apply the bandage on dry, clean skin. The bandage is flexible and comfortable, the adhesive area is clear and thin, and the beige section is minimal. Together, these features make the overall bandage less noticeable.
The bandages' adhesiveness is incredibly effective, so pulling the bandage off can be slightly uncomfortable. Nexcare's website suggests rubbing baby oil or cooking oil into the adhesive area to help the bandage release from the skin. Unfortunately, after removal, we noticed leftover residue on the skin around the perimeter of the bandage. However, we highly recommend this helpful product if you seek an outstanding waterproof bandage in various sizes. We also recommend the waterproof Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack, which offers multiple-sized bandages with excellent adhesive that didn't leave a residue during testing.
The Nexcare Clear Waterproof Bandages are excellent at keeping water, dirt, and grime out.
If you're eco-minded, you might like PATCH Natural Bamboo Bandages. These fabric bandages are made of bamboo fiber and are compostable, making them more environmentally friendly than traditional bandages. The manufacturer claims the bandages are latex-free, paraben-free, breathable, and plastic-free. They are thin and flexible, move and bend with the skin, plus comfortable to wear. Besides the PATCH Natural, other options are available.
This bandage product has a few downsides. It is costly, does not last long on fingers after handwashing, and PATCH doesn't offer assorted sizes. However, if you seek an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bandages, we think this option is worth the price of admission. We also like the inexpensive Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack, which include an assortment of sizes and are waterproof, so they might meet the needs of more applications.
The PATCH Natural Bamboo Bandages are compostable and may appeal to those who seek an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic bandages.
If you think your tiny tot may find more comfort in seeing their favorite team of superhero pups, purchase Nickelodeon's Paw Patrol Band-Aids. In addition to this theme, there are many other popular characters to select from. The bandage has a plastic feel, is somewhat stretchy, and is breathable (thanks to tiny holes).
Unfortunately, like most non-waterproof bandages, this option doesn't survive long on fingers after handwashing. Also, the plastic feel isn't as comfortable as the fabric bandages. Nevertheless, this affordable pack is kid-approved and, we think, ready to cheer up any cartoon-loving tot with cuts and scrapes. Consider the PATCH Natural Bamboo Bandages if you'd prefer a more comfortable option or the Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack, which has multiple sizes and is waterproof.
Nickelodeon's Paw Patrol Band-Aids are plastic and may appeal to children who are cartoon fans.
The All Terrain Neon Kids Bandages will fit the bill if you want to make a fashion statement by wearing bold colors. In addition, the manufacturer claims these bandages are gluten-free for those who need to avoid this ingredient. While testing, we noticed that they have good adhesion. The larger sizes have a 360-degree adhesive area surrounding the gauze pad, helping it lay flat on the skin, but the smaller bandages in the box do not.
We think the bandage's plastic outside is not as comfortable as its fabric competitors, and it doesn't last long on fingers after handwashing. However, this product is a win if bold colors are your jam. If you want comfortable bandages that also appeal to kids, the Welly Eye Love U Bandages is our top pick.
The All Terrain Neon Kids Bandages are plastic and add a pop of color.
With a selection of fun designs, the Ouch Essentials Kiddo Care offers great quantity at an affordable price. With eight different patterns to choose from, we are sure there is a bandage here that should please any kid.
The bandages work, but their quality and material did not overly impress us. The plastic is less comfortable to wear and lacks stretch. In addition, the bandage is not ideal for wet environments as the gauze pad soaks up water and leaks when squeezed. However, after hand washing, while wearing a bandage on our hands, it did not unwrap and began to fall off as much as other contenders. We recommend this option to those on a tight budget who want various designs to choose from. You may also want to consider the inexpensive Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack, which offers five different bandage types and sizes.
Besides providing the widest range of design options, the Ouch Essentials Kiddo Care are run-of-the-mill standard bandages.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Important: Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations and consult with your pediatrician if you have any questions regarding how bandages should be used, applied, and changed.
Each contender in our lineup experienced hands-on testing and side-by-side comparison.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
BabyGearLab has the expertise and knowledge (thanks to over a decade of testing) to help recommend products to meet your needs for baby-related gear and toys. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and nanny with over 14 years of experience. Each product in our review was researched, purchased, and rigorously tested hands-on to find the best and identify critical differences using a side-by-side comparison. To evaluate performance, we put each kid's bandage to the test. We wore them for an extended period to assess how they handled real-life activities (handwashing, showering, swimming, and physical activity). We also compared them side-by-side to evaluate the size, material, adhesive, and comfort.
Remove, peel, and press to seal the Nexcare Clear Waterproof Bandages on the skin, offering 360-degrees of protection.
The Solimo Bandages are wider than most of the competition.
Analysis and Test Results
We accessed multiple bandage options to find the best, comparing size, material, adhesive, comfort, and more.
Bandages can use fabric or plastic material.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Material Comfort
Some bandages use fabric, and others use plastic; both have pros and cons. For example, fabric bandages tend to have more flexibility, making them more comfortable to wear, but they can feel wet to the touch and take longer to dry after water exposure. On the other hand, while plastic bandages may not feel damp after water exposure, they do not offer as much stretch, making them a poor choice for areas that frequently move.
While testing, we noticed a few fabric competitors offered flexibility, stretch, and comfort, such as the Welly Eye Love U Bandages and PATCH Natural Bamboo Bandages. These bandages were nearly undetectable while wearing and ranked higher in our lineup for comfort.
Some plastic options, like Nickelodeon's Paw Patrol Band-Aids and Ouch Essentials Kiddo Care, were not as comfortable. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but if you suspect your child may notice material comfort (as some sensory-sensitive kids might), we suggest starting with fabric bandages. And, if you are unsure, the Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack offers bandages of varying materials.
Bandages can vary in shapes and sizes, and we suggest having a variety on hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Size
Bandages come in all shapes and sizes. What size you use will depend on the size of the injury and the body part that needs the bandage. However, not every box offers assorted sizes, leaving you with a small cut and a giant bandage or an extensive abrasion and a small bandage. For this reason, we think keeping a wide range of bandage sizes on hand will increase the likelihood of having what you need when needed.
Among the competition, the Ouch Essentials Kiddo Care and PATCH Natural Bamboo Bandages are the only brands in this lineup that are one-size bandages.
The Band-Aid Bandages Family Pack offers the broadest range of sizes, with Nexcare Clear Waterproof Bandages coming close. However, no matter what style or size you choose to keep in stock, we think it is wise to keep some waterproof option on hand, even if it isn't a primary choice.
Bandages will encounter all sorts of variables, and depending on your needs, you may want to select one that stands up to the test.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Durability
Depending on where you place a bandage, it may or may not get a good seal, especially when adding friction, water, dirt, sweat, and oil. The kind of activity also contributes to the ability of a bandage to stay put and do its job; active children might need more frequent bandage changes or replacements. Don't forget some little ones find a bandage an irresistible item to pick at.
Nearly all of the non-waterproof bandages in our lineup couldn't survive on fingers after handwashing, as the friction and water caused the bandages to loosen and fall off. However, these bandages typically stayed put when applied to larger surfaces, like legs, arms, and torsos, even in semi-wet conditions.
The Nexcare Clear Waterproof Bandages excelled in durability and held up under duress on locations like fingers, toes, knees, and elbows. This product is the best for covering cuts and scrapes that need protection from dirt and water. Also, if your little one will be playing in or around water, this bandage can help keep minor scratches and cuts free from outside moisture.
Tip: Not too Tight
Take special care not to wrap bandages too tightly, as this can reduce or prevent circulation. Often, little ones fail to report tight bandages, not knowing they should not be uncomfortable.
The Welly Eye Love U Bandages come in a handy, sturdy tin.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Every child will experience bumps, scratches, and cuts throughout normal childhood activities. While “boo-boos” are never fun, a cool or unique bandage can lift spirits and provide a germ-free barrier to help wounds heal faster. We consider bandages a household or first-aid staple and suggest keeping a collection of bandages on hand for accidents. Our favorite choices include popular kids' bandages that help keep wounds clean and ready to heal. You never know what you'll need, so having multiple types and sizes on hand for every boo-boo life brings is the best.
