When my kids were little, I took a blanket sleeper a size bigger than what they were wearing at that time, and put the baby's special needs (bottles, formula, diapers, etc.) inside the sleeper. it was convenient, and when my baby grew to the next size, it was easy to just replace that sleeper with one the next size up, and the one that had been in my kit was now the right size for my baby to wear. One size bigger would not be a big deal for the baby to wear in an emergency, and it saves having to buy a lot of extra clothes that likely won't get worn.
Ellie
· 8 months ago
I like to use the ziploc bags to keep my stuff organized in my kit. For example, I put all the clothes in one bag, all the baby food in one bag, all the desitin, washcloths, other hygiene items in one bag, diapers in one or two bags, etc. This way my stuff is organized and easy to find and I can always dump the stuff out and use the bag if I need to. It also helps me separate different sizes of diapers since I have 2 kids that wear them. I also feel better knowing that there's no way the desitin will get close to the baby food, which kind of grosses me out. BTW, I do the same thing in our kits for older people -- 1 or 2 bags each for clothes, food, hygiene, etc. Grocery bags are also good for containing messes. They are bigger than ziplocs and free. It's nice to have some of both.
Jennifer
· 8 months ago
This is a great list (and timely, as I live in Moorhead, right across the river from Fargo, ND). I do take issue, though, with your suggestion that the bum cream would be most useful if you had to use the cloth diapers: my daughter, now 3, wore cloth diapers all the way to the end, and only got a diaper rash in paper diapers. I think cloth diapers get a bad rap, and in reality are often better for baby bottoms.
Megan
· 7 months ago
Something else to consider (and this is a great list, thanks! There are a few things on the list that I had not thought of in my kit!) in an emergency situation is how you will keep your little one safe. A really great thing to have is a sling/pouch/babycarrier. Even if it's not something you usually use, in an emergency situation it could be a real life saver. What if it's an earthquake or flood, and you need to somehow hold your baby or toddler, but you also need both hands to climb over stuff, or hold on to things? What if you have to live in an emergency shelter for a couple of days with lots of other families, wouldn't it be great to be able to keep your little one safely close by in a sling or something similar? I use my sling enough that I don't want to put it away in my emergency kit, but I keep it by the door, and I also know of several ways to fashion and makeshift baby carrier. This great website has some short videos on how to do it and why! http://www.wearyourbaby.com/Default.aspx?tabid=169
Jodi
· 7 months ago
Jennifer, Thanks for the note about cloth diapers. I have never used cloth diapers before, but my mom said that when she used them with some of her older kids we always had diaper rashes. Disposable diapers keep the moisture away from directly touching the body. I think it could possibly be if you get it changed right away you are fine but if the baby is sitting in it for any amount of time it could cause irritation. It also could depend on the sensitivity of each child, the quality of the diapers, etc. Anyway, either way it's a good idea to bring bum cream!
Kari
· 7 months ago
Another good thing for kids, and maybe adults too, is to have a current picture of their family in a ziploc bag. If they are ever lost they can show someone a picture of their family which would make it easier for someone to help them.
Jessica
· 7 months ago
I'd recommend a NoseFrida instead of a bulb syringe, both in and out of the emergency pack. It is so much more effective at unclogging little noses. I'm also including teething gel, because you never know if you'll need it but it can make a screaming, teething baby calm down faster than Tylenol, which is good for the baby and the nerves of everyone him/her!
I thought baby powder was no longer recommended. I've never used it on either of my kids.
Pipe cleaners are a very compact but entertaining little thing to keep toddlers/preschoolers occupied and entertained.
Another thing: if you have a picky toddler, formula may be good to keep in the kit, since it's a more complete nutrition than cocoa mix. When I ran out of milk recently, I mixed some up for my 3 year old and he drank it without question. It's an option for the picky toddler.
I love my sling, but I'm not packing it up. Instead, like Megan, I store it in a closet near the door, where my purse and shoes are, so I'd grab it if we needed to evacuate.
tedy
· 2 months ago
Babies and Toddlers 72 Hour or Disaster Kits These came to mind after reading your article....· Camping wipes to use to bathe baby preferably the disposable kind Baby foods are great to keep in bag if baby needs a lighter diet if gets sick. Suggest food warmers that are used to warm up emergency foods included here for liquids or foods that need warming. A small spoon and straw might prove useful. Clothes especially for rain, snow and extremely hot weather. The baby powder is soothing for all little one’s creases during hot weather. First aid kit include child safety pins, thermometer, sunscreen also the dryer sheets for bug repellent, orajel for teething pain and some type of teether. Button comes off or something won’t close then bring needle and thread. A few comfort toys … include a small soft toy that is easy to wash & dry quickly and a small book with pictures and a small soft ball that doesn’t roll far. For older toddlers…a goodie bag with non choking types of goodies to pop in the mouth one at a time.. cereal, fun crackers, tiny cookies, soft mints, Variety: soft/crunch/ quick dissolving/ chewy/ No lollipops, gum, sticky or choking type items. Vitamins of a fun type that child likes Disposable camera Real small flashlight Organize these into separate bags Keep a list of all that is in the carrying case including expiration dates and keep it handy in a baggie in the case. ·
tedy
· 2 months ago
Babies and Toddlers 72 Hour or Disaster Kits These came to mind after reading your article....· Camping wipes to use to bathe baby preferably the disposable kind Baby foods are great to keep in bag if baby needs a lighter diet if gets sick. Suggest food warmers that are used to warm up emergency foods included here for liquids or foods that need warming. A small spoon and straw might prove useful. Clothes especially for rain, snow and extremely hot weather. The baby powder is soothing for all little one’s creases during hot weather. First aid kit include child safety pins, thermometer, sunscreen also the dryer sheets for bug repellent, orajel for teething pain and some type of teether. Button comes off or something won’t close then bring needle and thread. A few comfort toys … include a small soft toy that is easy to wash & dry quickly and a small book with pictures and a small soft ball that doesn’t roll far. For older toddlers…a goodie bag with non choking types of goodies to pop in the mouth one at a time.. cereal, fun crackers, tiny cookies, soft mints, Variety: soft/crunch/ quick dissolving/ chewy/ No lollipops, gum, sticky or choking type items. Vitamins of a fun type that child likes Disposable camera Real small flashlight Organize these into separate baggies Keep a list of all that is in the carrying case including expiration dates and keep it handy in a baggie in the case.
GnV
· 3 weeks ago
This is a really great list! One thing I never leave without is gas drops. Most of the tummy aches that my kids get are because of gas. My oldest can take an adult size, in an emergency, because simethecone (sp?) is pretty safe. But, I do like to have the drops for the younger ones.
All Comments
I thought baby powder was no longer recommended. I've never used it on either of my kids.
Pipe cleaners are a very compact but entertaining little thing to keep toddlers/preschoolers occupied and entertained.
Another thing: if you have a picky toddler, formula may be good to keep in the kit, since it's a more complete nutrition than cocoa mix. When I ran out of milk recently, I mixed some up for my 3 year old and he drank it without question. It's an option for the picky toddler.
I love my sling, but I'm not packing it up. Instead, like Megan, I store it in a closet near the door, where my purse and shoes are, so I'd grab it if we needed to evacuate.
These came to mind after reading your article....·
Camping wipes to use to bathe baby preferably the disposable kind
Baby foods are great to keep in bag if baby needs a lighter diet if gets sick. Suggest food warmers that are used to warm up emergency foods included here for liquids or foods that need warming. A small spoon and straw might prove useful.
Clothes especially for rain, snow and extremely hot weather.
The baby powder is soothing for all little one’s creases during hot weather.
First aid kit include child safety pins, thermometer, sunscreen also the dryer sheets for bug repellent, orajel for teething pain and some type of teether. Button comes off or something won’t close then bring needle and thread.
A few comfort toys … include a small soft toy that is easy to wash & dry quickly and a small book with pictures and a small soft ball that doesn’t roll far.
For older toddlers…a goodie bag with non choking types of goodies to pop in the mouth one at a time.. cereal, fun crackers, tiny cookies, soft mints, Variety: soft/crunch/ quick dissolving/ chewy/ No lollipops, gum, sticky or choking type items.
Vitamins of a fun type that child likes
Disposable camera
Real small flashlight
Organize these into separate bags
Keep a list of all that is in the carrying case including expiration dates and keep it handy in a baggie in the case.
·
These came to mind after reading your article....·
Camping wipes to use to bathe baby preferably the disposable kind
Baby foods are great to keep in bag if baby needs a lighter diet if gets sick. Suggest food warmers that are used to warm up emergency foods included here for liquids or foods that need warming. A small spoon and straw might prove useful.
Clothes especially for rain, snow and extremely hot weather.
The baby powder is soothing for all little one’s creases during hot weather.
First aid kit include child safety pins, thermometer, sunscreen also the dryer sheets for bug repellent, orajel for teething pain and some type of teether. Button comes off or something won’t close then bring needle and thread.
A few comfort toys … include a small soft toy that is easy to wash & dry quickly and a small book with pictures and a small soft ball that doesn’t roll far.
For older toddlers…a goodie bag with non choking types of goodies to pop in the mouth one at a time.. cereal, fun crackers, tiny cookies, soft mints, Variety: soft/crunch/ quick dissolving/ chewy/ No lollipops, gum, sticky or choking type items.
Vitamins of a fun type that child likes
Disposable camera
Real small flashlight
Organize these into separate baggies
Keep a list of all that is in the carrying case including expiration dates and keep it handy in a baggie in the case.