Having children is a very different matter. Most prepping for babies focuses on bringing survival supplies either in a separate diaper bag or your emergency bag because a baby doesn’t carry a bag, obviously.
While preparing with infants, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. It’s an essential part of your survival strategy, even if you don’t have any newborns in your family or support network right now.
A long-term disaster is inevitable, even if you take all the necessary precautions to avoid it.
Here are 7 simple steps on how to prepare your baby’s bug-out-bag.
- Make a list of the essential items you will need for your baby during a disaster or emergency situation. These may include diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, a change of clothes, a blanket, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications.
- Determine the size of the bag you will need based on the number of items on your list and the length of time you will be away from home. A backpack or duffle bag may be a good option, as it will be easy to carry and will leave your hands free to hold your baby or other essential items.
- Pack the bag with the essential items you have listed, making sure to leave room for any additional items you may need to add later.
- Consider adding a few non-essential items that will help make your baby more comfortable during the disaster or emergency situation. These may include a favorite stuffed animal, a small toy, or a pacifier.
- Make sure the bag is easily accessible in case you need to grab it quickly in an emergency. It may be helpful to keep it in a central location in your home, such as near the front door or in a closet.
- Review the contents of the bag periodically to ensure that all items are still in good condition and that you have not forgotten any essential items.
- Make sure you and anyone else who may be responsible for caring for your baby during a disaster or emergency situation is familiar with the contents of the bag and knows how to use all of the items. It may be helpful to go over the contents of the bag with them and practice packing and unpacking it to ensure everyone is prepared.
So How Do You Pack the Bug Out Bag?
- Prioritize items: Consider the importance of each item on your list and prioritize them based on their level of necessity. For example, diapers and wipes may be more essential than a change of clothes, so they should be placed in the bag first.
- Leave room for additional items: Make sure to leave some room in the bag for any additional items you may need to add later, such as snacks or a favorite toy.
- Pack items in a logical order: Pack the items in the bag in a logical order, with the most frequently used items at the top or in a separate compartment for easy access.
Checklist of Items for the Bug Out Bag
- Diapers: Pack enough diapers to last for a few days, as well as a small bag of diaper rash cream and any other diaper-related items your baby may need.
- Wipes: Pack a package of baby wipes to use for cleaning your baby’s face, hands, and diaper area.
- Formula: If your baby is formula-fed, pack enough formula to last for a few days, as well as bottles and a bottle brush for cleaning.
- Clothes: Pack a few changes of clothes for your baby, including a warm outfit for colder weather and a light outfit for warmer weather.
- Blanket: Pack a small blanket to keep your baby warm and comfortable.
- First aid kit: Pack a small first aid kit with items such as adhesive bandages, gauze, and rubbing alcohol.
- Medications: If your baby takes any medications, make sure to pack an adequate supply to last for the duration of the disaster or emergency situation.
Food for Your Baby During Emergency
During a disaster or emergency situation, it may be difficult to access commercial baby food or have the means to prepare fresh food. Here are a few options for making homemade baby food in an emergency or disaster situation:
- Pureed fruits and vegetables: You can puree fresh or canned fruits and vegetables in a blender or food processor to create a smooth puree. Be sure to remove any seeds or pits and avoid using any foods that may cause allergies.
- Mashed fruits and vegetables: If you don’t have a blender or food processor, you can mash fruits and vegetables with a fork or potato masher to create a thicker puree.
- Rice cereal: Rice cereal is a simple, easy-to-digest food that can be mixed with breast milk, formula, or water to create a thin, smooth consistency.
- Oatmeal cereal: Oatmeal cereal can be prepared by cooking oats in water or milk and pureeing or mashing them to the desired consistency.
- Homemade formula: If you are unable to access commercial formula, you can make your own formula using a recipe that includes ingredients such as cow’s milk, water, vegetable oil, and a source of vitamin C. It is important to note that homemade formula may not provide all of the nutrients that a commercial formula does and should only be used as a last resort.
- Breast milk: If you are breastfeeding, your breast milk will be a vital source of nutrition for your baby during a disaster or emergency situation.
Lastly, here are a few tips for keeping your baby’s mental wellbeing during a disaster or emergency situation:
- Provide a safe and secure environment: It is important to create a safe and secure environment for your baby during a disaster or emergency situation. This may include finding a secure location to shelter in, making sure your baby has access to clean water and food, and protecting your baby from any potential hazards.
- Maintain a routine: Try to maintain as much of your baby’s normal routine as possible, including feeding, sleeping, and playtime. This can help provide a sense of familiarity and stability for your baby during a stressful time.
- Comfort and reassure your baby: Hold and cuddle your baby frequently to provide comfort and reassurance. You can also talk to your baby in a soothing tone and use reassuring words and phrases to help calm them.
- Engage in age-appropriate activities: Engage in age-appropriate activities with your baby, such as reading books, singing songs, or playing with toys. This can help distract your baby from any stress or anxiety they may be feeling and provide a sense of normalcy.
We should be prepared for emergency situations. It is even more important if you have a baby in your family. I hope you found this useful. If you have any comments or suggestions, I would love to hear from you in the comment section below 🙂
