Emergency Preparedness with Infants

January 25, 2015

When an emergency strikes, the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA suggest having food, water and other supplies to last your family for at least 72 hours. Families with babies should take special note and also have an additional kit ready for baby. In Emergency Preparedness with Infants, we suggest storing these items in a large diaper or duffle bag and keeping the “baby-go-bag” in an easily accessible place, such as a front hall closet.

Emergency Preparedness with Infants

A 72 Hour Emergency Kit for Babies should contain the following:

• 2 gallons of nursery or purified water
• At least 1 gallon of water per day for nursing moms.
• 1 large, sealed can of powdered formula (more than enough for 3 days) or consider powdered formula packets to save space
• Formula scoop if not included with the can
• 3-5 bottles with nipples
• Baby food pouches (for babies that eat solids)
• Finger food such as Cheerios or “puffs” (for babies that eat solids)
• Camping stove (may be necessary to sterilize and clean bottles.)
• 30-35 diapers
• 2 large containers of disposable baby wipes (for diapering needs and also for cleaning spills, hands, and bodies.)
• Diaper rash cream
• Diaper changing pad
• 2 boxes of sealable plastic bags (like Ziploc) for storing dirty diapers and laundry
• Pacifiers (if your baby uses them)
• Clothing:
  • 5 seasonal changes of clothes (combination of onesies, pants, footed one-piece outfits)
  • 3 footed pajamas
  • Sleep sack or swaddle
  • Seasonal items such as hats, socks and mittens.
• Swaddle blanket
• 5-6 burp clothes or washcloths
• Travel baby kit with baby soap, lotion, shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby Tylenol or Motrin
• Warm emergency blanket
• Hand warmers
• 2-3 small toys

If you need to leave your home: 

• Baby carrier (wearing a baby can be invaluable)
• Additional toys
• Stroller
• Jacket, coat or bunting depending on the weather 

As baby grows and changes, the kit will need to be updated. For example, a newborn would require a different diaper size, nipple, and clothing than a 10-month old baby. We suggest revising your baby’s 72-hour kit every 4-6 weeks.

For more information about packing 72 Hour Emergency Kit for your whole family, visit these resources:

• American Red Cross 72 Hour Kit: http://www.redcross.org/flash/brr/English-html/get-a-kit.asp
• Ready.gov Build a Kit: http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
• FEMA: Kids: An Important Part of a Family Disaster Plan: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/kids-important-part-family-disaster-plan