How do I prepare food storage for an infant?

I always begin by asking myself “What would I not want to do without?” Items quickly come to mind – diapers, food, and acetaminophen. When it comes to food storage I always think in layers, i.e. long term and short term. If you use disposable diapers, storing a month ahead makes sense, but infants change sizes quickly, so don’t buy too far ahead. Instead, purchase some cloth diapers, plastic covers, and pins. That’s your long term plans (it would be better than using fabric or washcloths!).

Next, think food. If you’re breastfeeding that’s great, but what if you and the baby get separated for some reason? What if you get injured or the stress of an emergency reduces your milk supply? Being the frugal mom I am, I saved any and all free formula samples I got – from companies or friends. I didn’t store a year’s worth, but enough to get the baby through until another source of milk could be found. Don’t forget some bottled water in case the water supply is questionable – adults can handle bad water much better than an infant could.

Your baby’s food needs will change quickly the first year. I’ve never regretted buying jars of prepared baby food ahead of time. Even if my infant decided they hated the peas I bought, I can always find another baby who would eat it. There is a period of time where your infant is not ready for traditional food storage foods and baby food is nice and digestible. If you want to make your own baby food, then just think of 30 days worth of store bought baby food as insurance against a time where you may not be able to make your own. If you’re baby never uses it, sell it to another mom who’s child will. A few boxes of rice cereal will be nice as well. I also include a few infant finger foods just for fun – like infant crackers or freeze dried fruit.

Now, can you imagine your infant getting a fever of 103 or more and not having access to something as simple as Tylenol? After 4 kids and always storing a few extra bottles of Tylenol and Ibuprofen, I have never had to throw one out because it was expired and we hadn’t used it. They often last 2 years before expiring and for some reason you always need it in the middle of the night. So save yourself (or your spouse) from a late night run to a pharmacy and have some on hand. The peace of mind is well worth it.

What about an emergency 72 hour backpack for infants?

(Are you a grandparent?

Think about creating a kit like this for your grandchild as a gift.)

Remember seeing parents on the news during the chaos of Hurricane Katrina crying out for help because they didn’t have formula or clean water for their baby? I do – and I never want to be in that situation. So here is how I prepare. I have used a backpack or other bag (start today with whatever you have in your home – even a plastic bag until you find something better).

I add bottled water, formula, a few disposable spoons, some prepared baby food in plastic containers, small infant acetaminophen, diapers, a small zip lock bag of wet wipes, a warm set of pj’s that are a size or so too big, a binki, and a bottle with plastic liners that can be thrown away so I don’t waste water cleaning a bottle. I also pin a few safety pins in there in case the nipple hole is too small for my growing baby. I also include a plastic rain poncho so I can cover the baby in bad weather if need be. It’s hard to carry enough diapers for 72 hours, so I just bring what I think I can get away with. When you think of what to put it in, remember that potentially your arms will be very full with a baby, their pack, and hopefully yours. Also, include a paper with the family’s names on it, address, emergency contacts both in-state and out-of-state. In a crisis you may not even remember your own phone number – so have it written down. I really like to put a photo of the family as well – another lesson learned from hurricane Katrina. The photo would allow me to post a picture on the web or through the media if a member of the family got separated for some reason.

Lastly, remember that unlike an adult, your baby is changing sizes every few months. This is the only year of their life that you may need to update their 72 hour kit 3 times a year. After that, once a year updates are fine.

Comments? Other ideas? Please tell us what you've done for your infant.

Fiber

Living providently is not just about saving money and food storage. It's about using any of our resources wisely - including our earth and our bodies. Our bodies are an invaluable resource and it's important that we take care of them so that we are physically prepared to fulfill our individual divine destinies.

Here's an article written by Heidi B. that can serve as a healthy reminder to all of us.

Let’s face it, most of us do not eat enough fiber. Why should we be concerned about our fiber intake? Fiber does our body good. Fiber helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. One in three women will die from heart disease. Fiber prevents obesity by decreasing our fat intake and causing us to feel full longer. How much do we need? For a woman it is recommended to consume 21-25 grams of fiber per day; most of us only get half of that. How can we increase our fiber intake? By reading labels and picking higher fiber foods. Some good sources of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grain cereal, nuts and seeds and air popped popcorn.

How have you tried to increase your family's fiber intake? Please comment on this blog.

Paper Products

What does paper products and water storage have to do with each other?


Well, having a 2 weeks supply of paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils will not only reduce water needs and expand the life of your stored water, but will minimize your work load as well. This may free you up physically and emotionally to do more important things during a potential period where your family's routine is disrupted.

I've learned having paper products in my food storage also makes me prepared when I deliver an unexpected meal to a friend in need (she won't have to return my dishes) or we have an impromptu lunch with a room full of neighborhood kids.