Prepping with a baby is a big responsibility for any family because infants depend on their parents for every aspect of their survival. Babies require a variety of food, resources, and clothing sizes in their first year. Even in the worst-disaster scenario, parents need to make sure that their baby is fed, healthy, clothed, and loved.
Thinking of what to buy and store for your infant can be tasking. Therefore, you need to make a list of everything that you will need. Buy and gather the items little by little, and you should also learn how to produce or make most of these babies’ needs yourself.
For Expectant Preppers
Pregnancy and birth happens during a crisis. And, if you’re pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should prepare to stay safe and healthy for the baby’s arrival. You will need to pack a bug-out bag for your baby. And in this bag, you should have some essential first aid items. Antiseptic cleaner, extra blankets, surgical scissors, etc., should be in your first aid kit in the event of an emergency birth.
You should speak with a midwife or doctor about delivering your baby unassisted if you cannot get to the hospital. There are books and websites that you should consider checking to learn about giving birth unassisted. Even though you may not need to deliver your child alone, you may need this knowledge to help others.
Mobility
During a bug-out, you will need to carry your baby using any traditional baby transportation option. You should get a baby wrap carrier that will be tied around your shoulders and adjacent hip, or you could get the one that goes from the back over your shoulders. This way, you can remain hands-free or carry only your bug-out bags.
Other options include wagons and strollers, but they come with their own set of problems. Pulling your infant in a wagon behind you could be labor-intensive and distracting since you need to frequently look behind to check on the child. The upside to using these options is they have handy storage compartments that could carry most of your baby items.
Feeding
Breastfeeding a baby remains the best option in a disaster scenario, but you will need to have other baby food items with you. The baby’s mother may be unable to produce breast milk due to health issues, lack of nutrition, stress, or other factors. So, it is important to have a baby powdered baby formula. As months go by, your baby may start to eat vegetables, fruits, and other solid food. They will begin eating part of the food in your stockpile; therefore, you should have special baby food with long shelf life. You also need to learn how to make your baby food from raw food items; this will help you maintain a steady food supply.
Diapers
You need to store a lot of baby diapers because babies go through them quickly. Stock up different sizes since you don’t know how old your baby will be when a disaster happens. And, since diapers are not cheap and take up a lot of space, you should have reusable diapers.
Cloth diapers are washable diapers that your baby can reuse. It’s important that you carry them along in case you run out of disposable diapers. You will also need to have diaper covers to act as a waterproof barrier between the soaked cloth diaper and your other items.
Clothing
Infants outgrow their clothing fast, so you should store at least two years of clothes. Go to thrift stores and pick out clothing for every season for your baby. Don’t forget hats, socks, shoes, jackets, blankets, and head warmers. If your child outgrows their clothing, you can use them as barter items or give them out to a prepper in need.
Sleeping
Buy a co-sleeper that doubles as a baby bed or playpens that have bassinet attachments. They don’t take up much space, which makes them practical for everyday life and emergencies. Be sure to carry sheets and blankets for your baby’s comfort.
Medicine
Pack various medicines and learn herbal remedies that could come in handy if your child is sick. You should have a thermometer, anti-fungal cream, diaper rash cream, teething tablets, cold medicine, baby cough syrup, Vaseline, and other medicines. Ensure that you prepare for your infants’ medical needs. Your baby’s medical needs may be a little different from others.
Cleaning
Your baby has to be clean to stay healthy. Be sure to pack baby wipes and clothes to use in case you run out of wipes. Also, pack baby soap and shampoos that are good for your baby.
Before you buy or store these items in large quantities, you need to test and ensure that the soap is good for your baby. Babies are sensitive to certain products. Remember to pack other baby hygiene items like towels, baby lotion, fingernail clippers, cotton balls, q-tips, and any other item that will keep your baby clean.
Don’t forget to pack play items. When prepping for a disaster, fun is the last thing you think about, but your baby needs to play. Carry items that can provide comfort and hours of entertainment.