A baby emergency kit checklist covers several days of feeding supplies (ready-to-feed formula or breastfeeding items), bottled water, diapers, wipes, rash cream, cleaning supplies, comfort items, an infant thermometer, and copies of your child's medical and vaccination records. Check it every month, because babies grow quickly and their needs change.
This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.
The lists below follow the CDC's "Emergency List for Families With Infants and Young Children." Pack only the sections that fit how you feed your baby.
Ready-to-feed infant formula in single-serving cans or bottles. The CDC calls this the safest option for formula feeding in an emergency.
Powdered formula and preparation supplies, if you use it
A liquid measuring cup and a food-grade container with a lid for mixing
Bottled water for mixing
Bottles and nipples
The CDC says to keep enough formula for your baby's current needs for several days, check the kit monthly, and swap out formula that is close to expiring.
One or two boxes of disposable nursing pads. The CDC says skip reusable pads, since they need laundering.
If you pump: milk storage bags or containers, a small cooler with ice packs, pump parts, power cords, extra batteries, and a manual pump in case the power goes out
The CDC also says breastfeeding is the safest infant feeding option in a natural disaster, so keep going if you can.
Nonperishable baby food and snacks that suit your child's age
Disposable cups, dishes, spoons and bibs
A wash basin, scrub brush and dish soap
A mesh bag for drying feeding supplies
A plastic container with a lid to hold all of it
The CDC marks some items, including powdered formula supplies, pump parts, milk storage bags, pacifiers and bulb syringes, as possibly unsafe in certain emergencies. If you can't clean them with safe water and soap, don't use them.
Use bottled water to prepare powdered or concentrated formula until local officials say tap water is safe (CDC).
No bottled water? Boil water for 1 minute and let it cool before mixing it with formula (CDC). Our boil water advisory guide covers boiling step by step.
Wash your hands before preparing formula and before feeding your baby. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available (CDC).
Use prepared formula quickly. The CDC says to use it within 1 hour from the start of a feeding and within 2 hours of preparing it. If it won't be used within 2 hours, refrigerate it right away and use it within 24 hours. Throw out whatever is left after a feeding.
Clean feeding items with bottled, boiled or treated water and soap before each use. If you can't clean them safely, the CDC says children can lap up milk from a disposable cup.
Throw out bottle nipples or pacifiers that have touched floodwater (CDC).
The CDC also suggests considering a small camp stove, fuel and a pot for boiling water. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to use a camping stove only outside.
The CDC recommends a well-stocked diaper bag with:
At least one large pack of diapers
At least two packs of baby wipes
Diaper rash cream
Baby wash and lotion
Gallon-size resealable plastic bags for dirty diapers and clothes
Ready.gov's own kit list also includes infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream for families with babies.
An infant thermometer and a bulb syringe (CDC)
An infant pain reliever. The CDC's list names one with acetaminophen. Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist ahead of time which product is right for your baby and how to use it. This guide gives no dosing advice.
Any prescription medicines. The AAP suggests asking your pediatrician about getting a 2-week supply if possible.
Your child's medical records, including the vaccination record (CDC)
A list of current medicines for each family member, health insurance cards, and contact information for your pediatrician (AAP)
Current photos of every family member, including one of the whole family together (AAP)
Keep papers in a water-resistant bag or container.
A portable crib (CDC). The CDC says your baby is safest sleeping on their back in their own sleep area, and suggests planning ahead for safe sleep in case you have to leave home.
A baby carrier, such as a sling, wrap, or back or front carrier (CDC)
Extra clothes, at least two extra blankets, and burp rags (CDC)
At least two pacifiers, if your baby uses them (CDC)
Books, games or other activities for older children (Ready.gov)
These are example ideas, not part of an official list:
Your baby's car seat, if you might leave by car, kept where you can grab it fast
A favorite small toy or blanket for comfort (not for sleep)
A printed copy of this checklist taped inside the bag
Example 5-minute monthly check:
Check formula, baby food and medicine dates. Replace anything close to expiring.
Check that diapers and clothes still fit.
Make sure there's enough formula or food for several days at your baby's current intake.
Update medical records, vaccination records and photos.
Restock anything you borrowed from the kit.
If your baby seems sick during an emergency, call your pediatrician. Call 911 for emergencies such as trouble breathing.
The CDC says enough to meet your baby's current needs for several days. Babies grow fast, so check the amount every month.
Yes. The CDC calls ready-to-feed formula the safest option for formula feeding during an emergency.
Use bottled water until local officials say the tap water is safe. If you have none, boil water for 1 minute and let it cool first.
Monthly, according to the CDC, so the formula amount, sizes and supplies keep up with your baby.
Family Ready: Emergency Plan is a free iPhone app, with an optional Family Ready Plus subscription. Its editable kit checklist is based on Ready.gov and Get Prepared guidance, with an optional section for children, and you can make an Emergency Card for a child with who to call first, allergies and medications. Its review schedules run every 3, 6 or 12 months, so for the monthly baby kit check the CDC suggests, a simple phone calendar reminder may suit you better.
Get Family Ready free on the App Store
Emergency List for Families With Infants and Young Children (CDC)
Prepare and Store Powdered Infant Formula in an Emergency (CDC)
How to Build a Disaster Emergency Kit or "Go Bag" for Your Family (AAP HealthyChildren.org)