Congratulations, you have launched a child into adulthood! Whether they're headed to a college dorm, a trade school or their very first solo lease, it is important to provide them with health and safety guidance before they leave home. You've spent 18-plus years being the one who knew where the thermometer was. Now they need to know.
Here are some recommendations about how to talk with your adult child and what supplies they may need. Make sure to talk with their physician, too, to determine which prescription and/or OTC medications are appropriate for them.
Safety First
A few small items can make a big difference in an emergency, including:
Fire extinguisher(s)
Carbon monoxide detector
Personal safety alarm that can make noise and/or alert emergency services in the event of an emergency
Bluetooth item trackers — attached to keys, a wallet or a bag. These make lost (or stolen) items much easier to recover.
List of emergency contacts — including a local urgent care or clinic near their new address, saved in their phone.
A Home Health Kit
For fevers, pain and stomach trouble:
Digital thermometer
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Antacid
Anti-nausea medication (ask your clinician about a prescription option — it's a small, lightweight lifesaver for stomach bugs or food poisoning)
A few disposable emesis (vomit) bags — genuinely useful for a bad stomach bug or a long car ride home
Oral rehydration or electrolyte packets
For cuts, scrapes and minor injuries:
Bandages in assorted sizes
An elastic compression wrap
A splinter removal tool
Fine tip tweezers or a tick-removal tool (especially useful for anyone near wooded or grassy areas)
For colds, allergies and everyday illnesses:
Diphenhydramine for allergic reactions
A non-drowsy allergy medication for seasonal/environmental allergies
At-home COVID-19/flu test kits
Cough drops
Tea bags and honey
Nasal saline drops or rinse, or Netipot
Decongestant
Antitussive (“cough syrup”)
A supply of basic face masks
Odds and ends:
Glasses and/or contacts, with case and solution, if applicable
Sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV rays
Orthodontics with case and cleaning supplies, if applicable
Sunscreen
Water filter
Important Conversations
Make sure they know their own medical history: That includes allergies, chronic conditions, medications and their insurance information, ideally saved somewhere they can access it without calling home.
Talk about severe allergies. If there's any history of serious allergic reactions, talk with their physician about whether they should bring emergency epinephrine (such as EpiPen).
Talk about opioid overdose reversal medication. This is inexpensive, easy to use and may save the life of a friend, roommate or stranger at a party.
Talk about sexual health. Make sure your young adult has access to contraception and barrier protection, and a plan for where to get STI testing or emergency care near their new home.
Talk about substance safety. Drink-spiking test strips are easy to toss in a bag and can prevent drug facilitated sexual assault.
Your Adult Child Is Ready!
While it can be bittersweet to say goodbye to your adult child, you can be at peace knowing that your child has the tools and knowledge to make good decisions and stay safe. And they have the confidence to independently handle their medical needs.
Your child has got this!
Have questions about what to include for a specific medical history, allergy or condition? Our team at Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh is always happy to help put together a plan before moving day.
About Kirsten Lin, MD: Dr. Kirsten Lin is a direct primary care physician and co-owner of Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh. She owns her own practice in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. She’s also the 2026 president of the Allegheny County Medical Society. To learn more, check out her bio.
