72 hour kits and Infants

If you're thinking that you can just grab the diaper bag and go, you either are sadly mistaken or mother of the year! There is a ton of supplies that goes into caring for an infant, and all the what ifs that go with them. don't be surprised if your infant kit ends up bigger than any one elses.

The following are links to articles with a full list for building an infant kit.

http://www.wannabecrafty.com/2011/09/infants-72-hr-kit.html - great list, complete with pictures and packing guide

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/2009/03/25/72-hour-kits-for-babies/good list of supplies

I would add a few recommendations to their lists:

I would use paper cups and plastic spoons instead of regular bowls or add antibacterial wipes of “doing dishes.”

Increase the pairs of socks to 6-10 since they can double as mittens for keeping hands warm too

Pack burp rags (her baby must be different than mine)

2 emergency blankets they retain more heat, but keep the receiving ones since their more comfortable and hand warmers, especially if you live in a colder climate. You can wrap the hand warmers in the blanket (not up aganist them) to help them stay warm)

A roll of toilet paper to catch all the snot, droll, and "other"

Definately pack teething tablets or gel. Murphy's law would have their teeth start coming in when your maxed out already, so save your sanity.

Pedialyte or singles equivalent is very important, especailly if your using water and formula. If they get sick due to unclean water or dishes this could be a life saver.

I would still pack extra water and formula (powdered)– liquid formula requires refrigeration once opened. (so unless you know they can down it in one sitting don’t pack it.

Pack a case of diapers (1-2 sizes bigger or be diligent about rotating diapers). If you use cloth diapers, than be prepared for the laundry factor. Pack extra water and some bleach and soap, and a bucket for your washing machine. (Or make one http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=MC%20W050)

Be sure to rotate your wipes so they don’t dry out, that's one of the most annoying surprises!

— Have a baby wrap or snuggly – an infant reacts to trauma as well and will have an increased need to be held, this also mimics the womb for a newborn and is very comforting all while leaving you with 2 hands free. Think Sacagawea!

— Consider packing a back packing stove for heating water and bottles. Add a thermos for keeping things warm or cold longer.

— Pack extra clothes (everyone loves a good blowout) and Ziploc baggies for dirty diapers and laundry, that way you can seal in the smell.

The most important preparation that you can make is to be prepared to breastfeed – this is the safest food for your baby in a disaster. Even if your using bottled water, and washing, and boiling.

·        Even if you aren’t planning on breastfeeding take a class and be prepared so you have an understanding if you need to. Do this at the same time you take a birthing class.

·        A mother can re-lactate even months after birth. It takes some more work but it is possible- success is more likely the younger the infant is.

o       To re-lactate (not a guarantee but possible)

§         Frequent skin to skin contact (every 2 hours) with sucking

§         Gradual increase in supply is expected

§         You’ll need lots of extra support and encouragement

·        Not only does it help your baby but it also releases a hormone that reduces maternal stress, and anxiety. Besides it gives you an excuse to rest and relax while you feed the baby (or escape into a good book).

·        Pack for soreness if you haven’t been breastfeeding – lanolin and soothies or gel packs

·        Extra water and calories for mom (nursing requires 200-500 more calories)

·        http://bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/NR/rdonlyres/BD58DB77-BFB3-43F1-B34F-DB5BE9129420/0/InfantNutritionDisaster.pdf for more information on re-lactation and breastfeeding in a disaster.

—      An infant kit should be added at the beginning of the third trimester.