Babies and children change every line of a 72-hour kit: more nappies, different food, and someone who may not understand what is happening.
Babies and formula
- Be Ready notes you may not be able to boil water. Keep some ready-to-feed liquid formula if you use formula, plus sterilised bottles if that is your normal method.
- Follow NHS advice on preparing infant formula. If you cannot boil water, use ready-to-feed or water your midwife/health visitor has said is acceptable — do not invent a method.
- Extra clean water for washing bottles and hands. See emergency water and hygiene.
Nappies and hygiene
- Stock more nappies and wipes than a normal three days — stress and disrupted routines often mean more changes.
- Bin bags and a sealed nappy bucket or double-bagging help when collections are delayed.
- OrCore Prep scales nappies and baby wipes from ages on the Household page.
Children
- Food they will actually eat (familiar tins and snacks), a comfort toy, spare clothes, any medicines.
- A torch of their own can make a power cut less scary.
- Agree who picks up from school or childcare if you cannot; write it in your emergency plan.
Talking without fear
Keep explanations short and calm: "If the lights go out we use torches and stay together." Practise finding the grab bag like a game once, not a drill that worries them.
Extra support
Households with a child under 5 may be eligible for the free Priority Services Register for energy network support in a cut.