Emergency supplies for babies and young children

After an emergency, a household may have to get by on its own supplies for several days. The basic kit covers water, food, light and a radio, but babies and young children need their own supplies on top of it. A storm or flood can also leave tap water unsafe and the power out, which changes how formula has to be made.

For babies

• Infant formulaReady-to-feed formula is the type to use in an emergency.
• Bottles and nipplesThey need to be clean and sanitized.
• Diapers and wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Bottled water for mixing formulaIf only concentrated or powdered formula is available, mix it with bottled water or water that has been sterilized.

For young children

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities
• Any medicines the children takePack them with the household's other medications.
• An extra pair of eyeglasses, if a child wears them

Mixing formula when the water may not be safe

• Use bottled water that hasn't touched floodwaterWithout bottled water, boil water for 1 minute and let it cool. A doctor or public health officials can say whether water needs boiling.
• Ask the pediatrician about extra precautions for a young babyThis applies to a baby younger than 3 months, born prematurely or with a weakened immune system.
• Follow the label for the water and scoopsUse the scoop that came with the formula, and measure the water first, then add the powder.
• Use mixed formula within 24 hoursRefrigerate it right away if it isn't fed immediately. Throw out whatever's left in the bottle after a feeding.
• Never make homemade formula
• Skip warming if you can't do it safelyWarm formula isn't necessary. To warm a bottle, hold it under running warm water without letting water into the bottle or onto the nipple, and test a few drops on the back of your hand. Never heat formula in a microwave, which can leave hot spots that burn a baby.
• Don't freeze formulaFreezing can make it separate.

Keeping the kit ready

• Check the formula's use-by dateDon't feed formula past that date.
• Replace expired items as needed
• Rethink the kit every yearUpdate it as the children grow and the family's needs change.