Key takeaways: Build a baby emergency kit with at least several days of supplies: feeding supplies, diapers, medicines, documents, and comfort items. Ready-to-feed formula is safest when clean water and power may be limited. Breastfeeding is a reliable feeding source in disasters. Plan to evacuate early, have a safe portable sleep space, and never run a generator indoors.
Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and storms can disrupt power, water, and medical care. Planning ahead makes a big difference with a baby.
Baby Emergency Kit
Pack enough for at least several days (FEMA and the Red Cross suggest at least 3 days, and more if you can):
Feeding:
- Ready-to-feed formula and disposable bottles and nipples, if formula feeding.
- Manual breast pump and storage bags, if pumping.
- Clean water, bowls, spoons, and baby food or shelf-stable foods for older babies.
- Dish soap and paper towels.
Diapering and hygiene:
- Diapers and wipes.
- Diaper cream.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Trash bags.
Health:
- Medicines, including a fever reducer dosed for your baby.
- Thermometer.
- Copies of vaccine and medical records.
- Your pediatrician’s contact information.
Other:
- Portable crib or play yard.
- Baby carrier.
- Clothes, blankets, and sleep sacks.
- Flashlights and extra batteries.
- Phone chargers and power banks.
- Copies of birth certificates and insurance cards.
- A favorite toy or book.
Feeding Safely in a Disaster
- Breastfeeding provides safe food and fluids without needing clean water or power. Keep breastfeeding if you can.
- Ready-to-feed formula doesn’t need water. Use disposable bottles or clean bottles with safe water.
- If you must use powder, use bottled water or water boiled for 1 minute, and clean bottles carefully.
- Don’t dilute formula to stretch supplies.
Evacuating
- Leave early when officials advise, especially with a baby.
- Know your evacuation route and shelter options, including pet-friendly ones.
- Install your car seat properly and keep it with you.
- Safe sleep still matters in shelters: bring a play yard.
Heat and Power Outages
- Keep babies cool: shade, light clothing, and frequent feeds.
- Watch for dehydration.
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows.
After the Storm
- Avoid floodwater, which can be contaminated.
- Follow boil-water notices.
- Watch for carbon monoxide symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Prepare a baby emergency kit, plan for safe feeding without power or clean water, and evacuate early when advised.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- Ready.gov (FEMA). Plan for babies and young children; build a kit. https://www.ready.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infant and young child feeding in emergencies; carbon monoxide poisoning after a disaster. https://www.cdc.gov
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Getting your family prepared for a disaster. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
- American Red Cross. Hurricane safety. https://www.redcross.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
