Another Reason To Prepare

If you and you spouse are “expecting” building a bug out bag for baby is going to be just as necessary as buying a new crib or stroller. Preparing yourself and your family for a more self-reliant lifestyle is easiest if you take it one step at a time.

Becoming prepared isn’t something that can be learned overnight, nor will you be able to have long term food storage, and learn all of the prepping skills necessary in a short time frame. You need to look at becoming prepared as a lifestyle, and not something that can be done quickly.

So if you are like many preppers, and people who embracing a more self-reliant lifestyle, one of the first areas you should focus on is the needs of your family. Adults and older children can help a lot with this type of lifestyle. But if your family has younger children or babies, there are some special considerations that will need to go into every aspect of preparing, and knowing what you will need.

First things first, if you have babies, that is children that are not eating solid foods, and still wearing diapers, you should really start stocking up now, and build your stores as well as getting baby ready to bug out if that becomes necessary.

For Babies You Will Need…

Formula

If you have an infant, or are planning on having an infant in the near future formula is one of the most important items you will need to have a large supply of. Even if you are breast feeding, you really need to consider bulking up on infant formula.

I am in complete agreement that breast feeding is best, because the baby will be supplied with antibodies from mom, and breast milk is normally the most perfect food for your baby. However, in difficult times, stress will take its toll on mom, and can interfere, or completely stop milk production. And breastfeeding mother’s calorie intake will need to increase a hefty amount in order to provide adequate nutrition for both mother and baby.

In a disaster situation, that may not always be possible. So by making sure you have an adequate supply of formula, just in case, you will be prepared and able to provide nourishment for your growing infant.

The longest shelf life formula, and most cost effective is the powdered version. It has a very long shelf life, and you will get more servings per canister. It also can be made per bottle, so if you run into a situation where you do not have electricity, you can make 1 serving of formula at a time.

You can also stock up on ‘baby’ water meant specifically for making formula. It does not need to be refrigerated, and again, you can just make one serving at a time.

Also keep in mind you will need to have bottles, nipples, bottle cleaners and soap in order to clean out the used bottles. So yes, breastfeeding would make less items needed, sort of, but is it worth the risk to rely solely on breastfeeding? I don’t think so.

Do yourself a favor, and stock up on formula, etc. to help be prepared for your baby in a disaster situation.

Diapers, Both Cloth And Disposable, And Baby Wipes

The second most important item you will need to have is diapers. Regardless if you are using cloth or disposable, you really need to make sure you have a lot stockpiled. Think about stockpiling as many diapers and wipes as you can in order to be prepared.

If you have read any of the lists promoting the top 35 items to sell at first in a disaster situation, disposable diapers are always on that list. So even though boxes of diapers are not cheap, maybe start by purchasing 2 boxes every time you do your regular shopping, one for now, one for later, and maybe even purchase a larger size.

Your baby will continue to grow and will continue to need diapers until they are potty trained so do yourself a favor, and buy extra when you can afford it. You can never have too many diapers!

And the same goes for baby wipes. Stock up on wipes. They are a very nice item to have, even if you don’t have children. I use these as a ‘luxury’ item in my barn. They work great for my horses when cleaning out their noses or wiping their faces.

Also think about cloth diapers, and receiving blankets. These are great items to have and don’t have to be reserved just for baby use.

Extra Clothing To Grow Into

This doesn’t have to be expensive. If you have older children, save their clothing that they have outgrown. Put them in plastic storage bins, and hang onto them. You may not need them now, but if you do later on, you will be glad you did.

If this is your first baby, check out yard sales or thrift stores. You can usually find huge lots of children’s clothing on eBay for not very much money. And children’s clothing is small, so you can get a lot into a storage box. You could even label it by size, for example in one bin put boys clothing size 2-3T, and so on, you get the idea.

Make sure you have included clothing for your area, if you live in a cold environment having extra socks, hats, gloves and coats would be a good idea to store.

Diaper Rash Cream And Children’s Medications

Kiddos have their own medicinal needs, so be sure to have plenty of children’s ibuprofen, Tylenol, cold medicine, etc. Their bodies break down medication differently, so giving children adult medication is never a good idea. Always have plenty of children’s over the counter medications on hand, just in case. Diaper rash cream is also very important to have. And you can use it for adults as well.

Games And Entertainment

In a disaster type scenario your children may not understand the full scenario that is happening. And that isn’t a bad thing. I am a believer in keeping kids worry free is not a bad thing.

That being said, by getting your children involved in a more self-reliable lifestyle will actually benefit your family in the long run. But children still need to have time to play, and be kids. So have board games, bikes, wagons, toys, etc. For them. Coloring books, and books are good items to keep children quietly entertained.

I am not a big fan of sticking kids in front of a TV as a general rule. Get them outside! Teach them how to play by joining them! Have them help in the garden and feeding the chickens and taking care of the animals. Kids love to help, so let them. Don’t make chores and option, have chores they can help participate in, get them used to it.

Having them used to being outside and playing on a daily basis will help keep your family prepared if something happens, and they don’t have electricity, or the internet goes out, or the video games and TV won’t work.

By having them do more with less technology will not only help keep the stress level a little lower in a disaster type situation, but it will help teach them a more self-reliant lifestyle as they grow. Above all else, be an example for your children.

Food Pantry Items For Baby’s

If you have children, you know they can be picky eaters. Keep this in mind when you are stockpiling your food. Have easily prepared food items that your picky eaters like. Yes, they may not be the most nutritious food items, but if your 6 year old loves spaghetti-o’s stock up on them.

You can use it as a treat, and once in a while dinner or lunch option. Stock up on the necessary ingredients to make bread, and have your children help you. Just like you, they will take pride in preparing meals, or portions of, for your family.

Comfort Items

A happy baby makes a happy parent, this can be something simple, like their favorite blanket, or book. If you have an infant and they like pacifiers, have a couple kept away. In stressful times, comfort items can help sooth a crank baby, or three year old. It is important to keep the needs of your babies in mind when you are preparing for anything.

Bug Out Bag For Baby

Yes, that’s right, not only do you need a bug out bag, your baby should have a bug out bag. You can find cheap diaper bags online, yard sales and thrift stores, and it’s just as important to have a bug out bag for your baby as it is for every member of your family. Have the same types of items, but geared toward your child. For an infant you will need formula, diapers, bottles, baby wipes, and several outfits. You should also have a kiddo first aid kit, and any medications your child usually takes.

Have a baby bug out bag for each child in your family. You can make it fun for your older children by having them help to decide what will go in their bug out bag, and where they want to keep it.

Not only are you having them be an active participant in your families plan, you are teaching them the importance of being prepared, and also accountability. Have everyone in your family actively participate in creating their own bag, so they will know what is in their bag, and they will have a say-so in what they want in their bag for comfort.

Thanks,

Lisa