What to stock for babies and toddlers in an outage: formula, bottles, safe water, diapers and comfort items, with health advice left to your paediatrician.
- Keep formula, bottles, diapers and extra safe water together in one bin.
- Follow your paediatrician and the formula label for feeding and water preparation.
- Never heat a baby's room with a stove, grill or generator indoors.
Babies and toddlers cannot wait out an outage the way adults can. They need regular feeding, clean water, dry diapers and a calm adult nearby. A little planning in advance makes a big difference. This guide covers the practical supplies. It does not give medical advice, so speak to your paediatrician or family doctor about feeding, health conditions and any medication.
Feeding a breastfed baby
If you breastfeed, keep doing so. It needs no power, no formula and no clean water. Stress, dehydration and poor sleep can affect how you feel, so keep drinking water and eating regularly yourself. If you pump, consider a manual pump as a backup to an electric one. If you have questions about feeding during an emergency, a lactation consultant or your health provider can help.
Formula and bottles
If your baby uses formula, build a reserve that fits your baby's age and needs. Do not switch brands or types without checking with your health provider.
- Ready-to-feed liquid formula needs no mixing and no water, which makes it handy in an outage, though it is bulkier and often costs more than powder.
- Powdered formula stores compactly, but must be mixed with safe water.
- Check the expiry date on every container. Infant formula has an expiry date that should be respected.
- Keep enough clean bottles and nipples. In an outage, washing and sanitizing is harder, so extra sets or disposable liners can help.
Safe water for formula
Water is the part most families forget. Powdered formula must be mixed with safe water, and during a boil-water advisory or when the water source is questionable, you need to follow the guidance of your health authority and your paediatrician. Many authorities advise using bottled water or water that has been boiled and cooled, and following the preparation directions printed on the formula label exactly.
Include extra water for washing bottles, hands and the baby. For how to make water safe, see how to purify water in an emergency, and for quantities, see how much water to store.
Solid foods for older babies and toddlers
If your child has started solids, keep foods they already eat and that are age-appropriate.
- Jarred or pouched baby food and fruit purees.
- Infant cereal (mixed with formula, breast milk or water per the label).
- For toddlers: crackers, cereal, canned fruit, nut-free spreads if allergies are a concern, and shelf-stable milk if your doctor recommends it.
- Spoons, bibs and a few small bowls.
Watch for choking hazards and allergies, and follow your doctor's guidance on what is appropriate at each age. The no-cook ideas in our no-cook list can help you choose family-friendly items.
Diapers and hygiene
- Stock more diapers than you think you need, ideally a few days' worth beyond your normal supply. Sizes change quickly, so check the fit.
- Pack wipes, diaper cream, plastic bags for waste and hand sanitizer.
- If you use cloth diapers, plan for how to wash them without power or water, or keep a disposable backup.
- Pack a change of clothes, blankets and a hat for each child.
Warmth and comfort
Babies lose heat quickly and cannot control their temperature as well as adults. Keep them warmly dressed in layers in cold weather, and follow safe sleep guidance rather than adding loose blankets or pillows to the sleep space. See how to stay warm without power for safe options. In hot weather, keep them cool and shaded, and see the heat wave guide.
Comfort matters as well. Pack a favourite soft toy, a pacifier if you use one, books, a small battery night light and quiet activities for toddlers. Familiar routines help a child cope when everything else changes.
Put it all in one place
Keep a small baby bin with formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and a printed list of contacts, including your paediatrician. Use the 72-hour checklist to add the rest of the household basics.
Quick answers
Is ready-to-feed formula better in an outage?
It needs no water or mixing, so it is convenient, but ask your health provider what suits your baby.
What water should I use for formula?
Follow your health authority's advice and the formula label. During advisories, use bottled water or water boiled and cooled as directed.