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Babies and emergencies

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Babies and toddlers depend on you for everything, so it is worth keeping a few extra things in your kit for them. This guide covers supplies and practical steps. For anything about your baby's health, feeding or medicine, speak to your health visitor, GP or pharmacist, or call NHS 111.

Feeding

If you breastfeed, keep going as normal. Breast milk needs no preparation, water or power. Make sure you have enough to eat and drink yourself.

If you use formula, keep a supply of ready-to-feed formula. It comes ready to use in cartons or bottles and doesn't need water.

Powdered formula has to be made up with water that has been boiled. In a power cut or a water supply problem, you may not be able to boil water safely, so ready-to-feed formula is the safer backup. Keep enough for 3 days, plus some spare.

You will also need clean bottles and teats. Pre-sterilised disposable bottles mean you don't need to boil water to clean them. Once a carton is open, follow the instructions on the pack about how long it keeps.

Check the dates on your formula every few months and swap it before it expires. Make sure it is the right stage for your baby as they grow.

Nappies and wipes

Keep at least 3 days' worth of nappies, plus a few spare. Babies grow fast, so check the size every couple of months and consider buying the next size up. Baby wipes are useful for changes and quick washes when water is short. Nappy bags help if bin collections are delayed.

Keeping babies warm

Babies lose heat quickly. In a cold power cut:

  • Dress them in layers, with a hat when you are out and about, and add or remove layers to keep them comfortable.
  • Keep the room they sleep in warm by closing doors and curtains.
  • Feel the back of their neck or tummy to check they are not too hot or too cold. Hands and feet often feel cool even when a baby is warm enough.
  • Follow safe sleep advice: don't put hats on a sleeping baby indoors, and don't use loose blankets, duvets or pillows in a cot.

Other useful things

  • Any medicines your baby or toddler takes, with the instructions.
  • A favourite comforter, toy or book to keep things familiar.
  • Spare clothes, especially vests and sleepsuits.
  • A sling or carrier, which keeps your hands free and your baby close and warm.

If you need to leave home

Keep a small bag with nappies, wipes, a day of ready-to-feed formula, a change of clothes and a blanket, so you can leave quickly if you are asked to.

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