Tips for female preppers: How to care for a baby when SHTF

Prepping can be an overwhelming task. Your to-do list can also become more complicated if there’s a baby in the family. Here are some preps that you need to set up if you are expecting or have recently given birth. (h/t to ReadyNutrition.com)

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the most important things you should do for your baby. However, when prepping for an emergency, it’s best to have backup supplies, such as infant formulas and specialty waters to mix with the formulas.

Breastfeeding offers health benefits for both mother and baby:

• Breast milk contains essential nutrients for babies. Health authorities suggest that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for about six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for around one year as you introduce different foods into your baby’s diet. In the first days after birth, women produce colostrum, a thick and yellowish fluid, which is full of protein yet low in sugar. Additionally, it is rich in beneficial compounds.
• Breastfeeding lowers your risk of depression. Some women experience postpartum depression, a type of depression that often develops shortly after childbirth. The condition affects at least 15 percent of mothers. While data is mixed, there is proof that breastfeeding triggers hormonal changes that encourage maternal care-giving and bonding.

You should also stock up on extra bottles and a manual breast pump. Stress can affect breast milk production. (Related: 3 Common medical scenarios and how to deal with them when disaster strikes.)

Store baby formula in your stockpile, just in case. Check your supplies regularly and pay attention to expiration dates. You can also consider having a lactating animal in your homestead.

Diapers

Diapers in different sizes are included in survival essentials. One downside of disposable diapers is that they can take up too much space in your stockpile, so consider getting reusable cloth diapers instead. Cloth diapers require a bit of work, but they’re cheaper than disposable ones. They’re also eco-friendly.

Stock up on mild soaps, like soap nuts, to clean the diapers. Mild soap is better for sensitive baby skin.

Another item you should stockpile are diaper covers. Get at least four to five one-size diaper covers. You don’t need a ton since diaper covers can be washed and dried.

Finally, stock up on reusable cloth wipes. With some clean cloth and non-toxic ingredients, you can easily make them at home.

Baby clothing

Newborns should be fine with blankets, but as your baby grows up, you must provide proper clothing. One option is to stock up on baby clothing in different sizes. You can also barter for baby clothes when SHTF.

If you’re good at sewing, you can recycle old shirts to make baby clothes. Preppers who live in a cooler climate should stockpile warm baby socks and shoes.

Set aside baby hats and warm coats in several sizes that your baby can wear as he ages. Once he grows out of his old clothes, they can still be used for bartering.

Baby carrier

With a baby carrier, busy prepper moms can keep their young ones close while they take care of other tasks. Consider getting a front carrier that suits indoor use. A backpack carrier is better for camping, hiking or bugging out.

A stroller isn’t advisable, especially if you’re in a hurry to evacuate while bugging out.

Baby bug-out bag (BOB)

Prep a bug-out bag before your baby is born. As he ages, remove things that he doesn’t need anymore and update the BOB with other age-appropriate items.

Once your child is older, he can help prep his own BOB. Doing this can be a fun bonding and teaching moment, but don’t get carried away. Make sure he can carry his BOB comfortably and consider his age and size while packing.

Like a mother who continues to care for their child even as he ages, a prepper’s job is never over. Mothers and expecting preppers should include their baby in their preps, so you have what you need even if you’re facing a long-term survival scenario.

Sources include:

ReadyNutrition.com

Healthline.com