How much formula do I need in an emergency kit?

Plan for 8 feedings per day per baby. A 3-day kit requires 24 servings minimum. Pre-mixed formula in single-serve bottles is most convenient (no water required) but heavier and more expensive. Powdered formula is lighter but requires clean water. Keep both types if possible.

What if I run out of formula during an emergency?

Formula is the only safe substitute for breast milk for infants under 6 months. Do not use cow's milk, plant milk, or homemade formula for infants under 12 months. If formula runs out, contact local emergency management — formula is often distributed at emergency shelters. The WIC program also has emergency provisions.

Can my baby drink tap water during a power outage?

Tap water is generally safe during a power outage unless a boil advisory is issued. If water pressure drops or you're unsure, use stored bottled water for formula preparation. For infants under 6 months, using bottled or filtered water for formula is generally recommended regardless.

How do I keep a baby warm during a winter power outage?

Layer: a onesie, a fleece sleeper, and a sleep sack. Keep the baby close to you — body heat is effective. If the home drops below 55°F, move to a warmer location. Do NOT use electric heating pads, hot water bottles, or loose blankets with infants.

Is it safe to evacuate with an infant?

Yes, but preparation helps enormously. Use a properly installed car seat. Pack a go-bag specifically for the baby (formula, diapers, medications, extra clothes, carrier). Identify pet-friendly shelters in advance if you have pets. Plan for extra stops — infant needs don't pause during evacuations.

Emergency Planner

Emergency Kit with a Baby — emergencyplanner.com

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Printed: 3/25/2026

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Emergency Kit with a Baby: Complete Checklist for Infants

Emergency Kit with a Baby: Complete Checklist for Infants

Preparing for an emergency when you have an infant requires a different approach. Babies can't regulate their temperature, can't eat regular food, need specific medications, and require significantly more supplies per day than adults. This guide covers everything parents need — including what to stock, how to store it, and the specific risks that make infant preparedness different.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, CDC, AAP guidance

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Feeding Supplies

The most critical category — babies cannot eat adult emergency food.

Formula: 3-day supply (if formula-fed)(24+ servings per day per baby)critical
Pre-mixed formula doesn't require water. Powdered formula needs clean water. If breastfeeding, no formula needed but nursing mother needs extra water and calories.
AAP ↗
Extra water for formula preparation(1+ extra gallon per baby)critical
Use stored water, not tap water if water safety is uncertain. Store separately from drinking water.
Baby bottles and nipples (pre-sterilized)(4+ bottles)critical
Pack extra — bottles get lost or damaged. Disposable liners are good for kits.
Baby food / purees (if eating solids)(3 meals/day per baby)critical
Stage-appropriate. Include spoon and bib. Pouches are more portable than jars.
High-calorie snacks for nursing mothers
Breastfeeding burns ~500 extra calories/day. Keep calorie-dense snacks in the kit.

Diapering & Hygiene

Diapers: 8+ per day per baby(24+ per 3-day kit)critical
Buy a size larger than current — babies grow. Rotate every 3 months as baby grows.
Baby wipes (unscented)(2+ packs)critical
For diaper changes and cleaning hands/surfaces. Useful for everyone in the household.
Diaper rash cream
Increased frequency of diaper changes during stress can cause rash.
Hand sanitizer (for caregivers)critical
Wash hands before every feeding. Sanitizer when washing isn't possible.
Waterproof changing pad (portable)
Compact fold-out pads are essential at shelters or outdoors.
Small trash bags for soiled diapers

Baby Medications & Health

Infant acetaminophen drops (Tylenol)(1 bottle)critical
Dosing is weight-based. Keep dosing chart with the medication. Check expiry dates.
Oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte or equivalent)(2 packs/bottles)critical
For diarrhea or vomiting. Critical to prevent dangerous dehydration in infants.
CDC ↗
Any prescription medications for the babycritical
Keep 7-day supply. Store with original label and dosing instructions.
Thermometer (rectal thermometer for infants under 3 months)critical
Fever in an infant under 3 months is a medical emergency. Know your baseline.
Nasal aspirator and saline drops
Infants breathe through their nose. Congestion is more dangerous for babies than adults.

Temperature & Sleep Safety

Babies cannot regulate body temperature — their environment must be controlled.

Safe sleep surface (portable bassinet or firm, flat surface)critical
Never leave a baby to sleep on soft surfaces, with loose bedding, or in a car seat outside a car. Safe sleep rules apply during emergencies.
AAP ↗
Baby-appropriate sleep sack or swaddle blanketcritical
Loose blankets are a SIDS risk. Use wearable blankets.
Extra onesies and warm layers(3+ outfits per baby)critical
Babies need one more layer than adults. Pack for the current and next size.
Baby hat and mittenscritical
Babies lose heat rapidly through their head and hands.
Baby sunscreen and hat (for warm weather evacuations)
Babies under 6 months: keep out of direct sun. Use shade and light clothing.

Mobility & Evacuation

Baby carrier / wrap (hands-free)critical
In an evacuation, a carrier keeps hands free. More reliable than a stroller on rough terrain.
Ready.gov ↗
Stroller (with storage for supplies)
Useful in shelters or on paved terrain. Harder in rough evacuation conditions.
Infant car seatcritical
Required for vehicle evacuation. Keep installed and check expiry date (most expire 6–10 years).
Copy of baby's medical records and immunization recordscritical
Shelters and medical facilities may ask. Store in waterproof sleeve.

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Detailed Guidance

Infant Temperature Safety — Why It's Different

Babies are uniquely vulnerable to temperature extremes: HOT weather: - Infants under 6 months cannot sweat effectively and overheat quickly - Never leave a baby in a parked car (even briefly) - Signs of overheating: hot skin, rapid breathing, no tears when crying - Keep baby in shade, use light clothing, offer extra feedings COLD weather: - Infants lose heat 4x faster than adults relative to body size - One extra layer beyond what an adult wears is the guideline - Hypothermia in infants: cold, pale/blue skin, no crying (a serious warning sign) - Never leave baby in a cold car If power is out and temperatures are extreme, prioritize finding a temperature-controlled environment (shelter, hotel, relative's home) for any infant under 6 months. Source: AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Formula Safety During Power Outages

Prepared formula must be refrigerated and used within 1–2 hours (open bottle) or 24 hours (refrigerated). During a power outage: - Use pre-mixed formula from single-serve bottles — no water preparation needed - Powdered formula: use stored water that is known safe - Do NOT use tap water if boil advisory is in effect - Once power has been out 4+ hours, any prepared formula left at room temperature should be discarded For breastfeeding mothers: - Power outages don't affect breastfeeding — this is a significant advantage - Nursing mother needs extra water (at least 3–4 liters/day) and extra calories - Stress can affect milk supply — rest and hydration help Source: CDC, AAP