Prepping with infants presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies, you can ensure your baby’s safety and comfort in any situation. Whether you’re dealing with natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies, having a solid plan in place will give you peace of mind. Here’s how to prep effectively with an infant in New Zealand.
Essential Prepping Supplies for Infants
Food and Nutrition
Formula
Stock up on enough formula to last at least two weeks, including ready-to-feed options if water supply becomes an issue. Choose the type of formula your baby is accustomed to, and rotate your stock to ensure freshness.
Breastfeeding Supplies
If you’re breastfeeding, ensure you have a manual breast pump, storage bags, and a way to sterilize feeding equipment. This includes a portable sterilizer or sterilizing tablets that can work with limited water and power.
Baby Food
Keep a supply of age-appropriate baby food jars or pouches. Consider options that don’t require refrigeration until opened. If you prefer homemade baby food, learn safe canning or preservation methods to store purees. Ensure you have a manual can opener and easy-to-use feeding utensils.
Snacks
Have a variety of healthy snacks suitable for infants, such as teething biscuits, baby puffs, and dried fruit, to keep your baby nourished and content.
Water
Infants need clean, safe water for drinking and mixing formula. Store ample bottled water and have a water purification system on hand.
Diapers and Hygiene when prepping with infants
Diapers
In general cloth diapers offer the huge advantage, that they are reusable. Familiarize yourself with different types of cloth diapers such as prefolds, pocket diapers, and all-in-ones. Prefolds are generally the most economical and versatile, while all-in-ones offer convenience similar to disposables. Stock up on extra inserts and liners, which are essential for absorbency. Microfiber, bamboo, and cotton inserts each have different absorbency levels and drying times, so choose based on your needs and availability of drying facilities. Ensure you have enough waterproof covers to go over the cloth diapers, particularly if you’re using prefolds or inserts. These covers can often be reused multiple times before needing a wash. Have a plan for washing and sanitizing cloth diapers in an emergency. This might include a portable washing device, biodegradable detergent, and a method for drying (such as a clothesline or drying rack). Consider using natural disinfectants like white vinegar or baking soda if regular laundry detergents are unavailable. It might also be an advantage to learn how to effectively wash cloth diapers by hand if you don’t have access to a washing machine. Use a combination of soaking, scrubbing, and rinsing to ensure cleanliness. Regularly change and clean diapers to prevent diaper rash and infections.
Keep a large supply of disposable diapers as well, ensuring you have enough to last at least two weeks. Remember to store different sizes if your baby is growing quickly. Consider storing extra in various locations, such as your bug-out bag, car, and emergency shelter. Especially when water or the option to do laundry is not available disposable diapers can be an advantage.
Wipes
Stock up on baby wipes for cleaning and sanitation. If you prefer reusable wipes, keep plenty of cloth wipes on hand and have a method for washing them. Cloth wipes can be made from old t-shirts or other soft fabrics if you need additional supplies.
Sanitation Supplies
Include baby-safe soap, diaper rash cream, and a portable changing pad in your emergency kit. Diaper rash cream is essential for preventing and treating irritation, especially if changing routines are disrupted. Ensure you have hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes for your hands before and after diaper changes, especially if clean water is limited.
Clothing
Store weather-appropriate clothing in multiple sizes. Remember that babies grow quickly, so having a range of sizes is beneficial.
Include warm blankets, hats, and mittens for colder weather.
Medical Supplies
Tailor a first aid kit to include baby-safe medications, digital thermometer, infant pain relievers, and any prescribed medications.
Creating a Safe Environment when prepping with infants
Ensuring a safe environment for your infant during emergencies is crucial. A well-prepared space can prevent accidents, provide comfort, and offer peace of mind. Here’s how to create a secure environment for your baby:
Safe Sleeping Arrangements
Invest in a sturdy, portable crib or bassinet that meets safety standards. These should have firm mattresses and fitted sheets. Look for models that are easy to fold and transport. Use sleep sacks instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm. Sleep sacks reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensure your baby stays covered.
Babyproofing
Secure heavy furniture, such as dressers and bookshelves, to the walls to prevent them from tipping over. Use furniture straps or brackets. Use outlet covers to prevent your baby from inserting objects into electrical outlets. Keep small objects, sharp items, and toxic substances out of reach by storing them in high places or locked cabinets. Install corner guards on furniture with sharp edges to protect your baby from bumps and bruises.
Emergency Shelter
Identify a safe area in your home where you can shelter during emergencies. This area should be free from potential hazards, such as glass windows or heavy objects that could fall. Ensure this area is insulated and weather-proof. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, secure heavy items and have a plan for quick evacuation if necessary. Stock this area with comfort items for your baby, such as toys, blankets, and a play mat.
Environmental Safety
Keep the air in your home clean and safe by using air purifiers to remove pollutants and ensuring proper ventilation. If there are wildfires or other air quality issues, have masks suitable for infants. Ensure that all water used for drinking, cooking, and washing is safe by using water filters and purifiers to remove contaminants. Store an ample supply of bottled water. Maintain a stable temperature in your home with backup heating and cooling options, such as space heaters or fans, in case of power outages.
Lighting
Ensure you have reliable lighting sources, such as battery-powered lanterns, flashlights, and solar-powered lights. Keep extra batteries on hand. Use nightlights to provide comfort and visibility during nighttime, helping you navigate your home safely without disturbing your baby’s sleep.
First Aid and Emergency Supplies for prepping with infants
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit that includes baby-specific items such as infant pain relievers, a digital thermometer, and teething gel. Have a list of emergency contacts, including your pediatrician, family members, and local emergency services, in an easily accessible location. Prepare an evacuation kit for your baby that includes essential items like diapers, wipes, clothing, food, and comfort items, ensuring it’s easy to grab and go.
Regular Safety Checks
Regularly inspect your home for potential hazards and address them promptly. This includes checking smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Conduct regular emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. Practice different scenarios, such as evacuations and shelter-in-place.
By taking these steps, you can create a safe and secure environment for your infant, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. A prepared home not only protects your baby but also provides you with peace of mind, knowing you’ve done everything possible to keep them safe.
Maintaining Routine and Comfort when prepping with infants
Maintaining a routine and ensuring comfort for your infant during emergencies can be challenging, but it is essential for their well-being and sense of security. Here’s how to effectively manage routine and comfort in uncertain situations:
Routine
Consistency is key for infants, who thrive on predictable schedules. Even during emergencies, try to keep feeding, sleeping, and playtime as consistent as possible. Stick to your baby’s usual feeding times, whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula. If you’re away from home, create a similar environment for feeding. For sleeping, replicate your baby’s bedtime routine, including a familiar sleeping environment, to help them feel secure. Use portable cribs or bassinets that they are accustomed to, and stick to their regular napping schedule as much as possible.
Comfort Items when prepping with infants
Familiar items can provide immense comfort to an infant in stressful situations. Pack a few favorite toys, books, or a special blanket in your emergency kit. These items can help soothe your baby and provide a sense of normalcy. If your baby uses a pacifier, ensure you have extras on hand. Familiar smells and textures can be incredibly calming, so include items that carry the scent of home, like a parent’s shirt or a well-loved stuffed animal.
Soothing Techniques
Knowing and using your baby’s favorite soothing techniques can be invaluable during emergencies. Whether it’s rocking, singing lullabies, or using white noise, these familiar actions can help calm your baby. If you usually use a white noise machine, consider a battery-operated or portable version. For babies who enjoy being held, a baby carrier can be a great way to provide comfort while keeping your hands free.
Play and Interaction
Regular play and interaction are vital for your baby’s development and emotional well-being. Include lightweight, easy-to-pack toys and books in your emergency supplies. Simple games, such as peekaboo or finger puppets, can be very effective. Even in stressful situations, try to spend quality time engaging with your baby, as this can provide a sense of security and normalcy.
Health and Hygiene
Keeping your baby clean and healthy is crucial. Maintain their hygiene routine by ensuring regular diaper changes, hand washing, and bathing. Pack extra diapers, wipes, baby soap, and hand sanitizer. If bathing isn’t possible, use baby wipes to keep them clean. Keeping up with your baby’s hygiene routine will help prevent illness and keep them comfortable.
Feeding Comfort
Ensure that feeding times are as calm and consistent as possible. If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you have a comfortable place to nurse. If you’re using formula, bring enough supplies and a method to prepare bottles, such as portable bottle warmers. Having the right supplies and a quiet place to feed can make a big difference.
Parental Presence
Your presence is the most comforting thing for your baby. Stay calm and composed, as your baby can pick up on your emotions. Hold them often, talk to them soothingly, and maintain eye contact. Your calm presence will help them feel secure even in unfamiliar surroundings.
By prioritizing routine and comfort, you can help your infant navigate emergencies with less stress. These practices not only keep your baby content but also provide a sense of stability during uncertain times.
Prepping with an infant requires careful planning and attention to detail. By focusing on essential supplies, creating a safe environment, planning for evacuation, maintaining routines, and leveraging community support, you can ensure your baby’s safety and comfort during any emergency. Remember, the key to successful prepping is to stay informed, stay prepared, and stay calm.