Preparing with children and babies, without making it frightening

Start with a normal day

Write down the things your child relies on between getting up and going to bed. Think about meals, nappies, wipes, feeding equipment, medicines normally used, comfort and communication. The British Red Cross includes children’s comfort items and activities alongside practical supplies. Check which things you already have before adding anything to a shopping list.

Your household water figure includes children in the people count, but it is not a personalised infant-feeding or medical instruction. If your child has particular feeding, hydration or care needs, use their usual professional advice to plan for a disruption rather than treating a generic checklist as a care plan.

Make baby feeding arrangements specific

Be Ready notes that ready-made or ready-to-feed formula is preferable when you may not be able to boil water safely for powdered formula. Whether and how that fits your baby’s usual feeding needs is a question for your normal healthcare professional. Read product instructions and consider what safe storage and feeding equipment you would need.

Do not dilute feeds, make homemade formula or improvise a substitute. If you cannot follow safe preparation instructions during a real disruption, seek appropriate professional help. This guide does not prescribe a quantity of formula, change a feeding plan or recommend stockpiling medicines.

Agree the collection and communication plan

Check that school, nursery or another childcare provider has your correct numbers and knows the agreed authorised contacts. Be Ready says providers should have their own emergency procedures; ask how you would receive information and what collection arrangements apply rather than assuming you should always travel there immediately.

Use simple language for the household meeting point and trusted adults. Depending on age and ability, practise a parent or guardian’s number and the home address. Explain how and when to call emergency services without turning it into a frightening test. Adults remain responsible for checking the wider plan.

Practise a small, reassuring routine

Try finding the torch together in daylight, choose a quiet activity that needs no charging and put a familiar comfort item somewhere easy to reach. Tell children that you are making ordinary interruptions easier, just as you pack a coat when the weather might change. If a child is worried, listen and keep your explanation short and factual.

• Familiar food and comfort needs considered
• Nappies or feeding supplies checked if used
• Childcare numbers and trusted contacts current
• One age-appropriate explanation of the family plan