Water Preparedness For Children and Infants
When planning for emergencies, it’s easy to default to a “one-size-fits-all” mindset for water. But for families with young children and infants, water planning must be far more intentional. Babies and toddlers are especially vulnerable to dehydration, waterborne illness, and hygiene-related issues.
If you haven’t already, visit our Emergency Preparedness Water Guide to get a baseline for how much water you need per person. Then come back here to learn why children require special consideration—and how to prepare accordingly.
Why Children Are More Vulnerable
Young children, especially infants, lose fluids more quickly than adults and can’t regulate their body temperature as well. They also have smaller immune systems, which means they’re more susceptible to illness from contaminated or improperly stored water.
Even small lapses in sanitation—like washing a bottle with unclean water or using contaminated water for formula—can lead to serious health consequences.
That’s why emergency preparedness water planning should account for more than just extra volume. It needs to account for safety, flexibility, and backup options.
Formula Mixing and Bottle Cleaning
If your baby drinks formula, you’ll need to store extra clean water specifically for:
- Mixing powdered formula
- Sterilizing bottles, nipples, and pacifiers
- Washing hands before handling feedings
You’ll also want a method to boil water or use purification tablets that are safe for infant consumption. Don’t rely on general-purpose filters unless they explicitly meet purification standards for microbiological contaminants.
And remember: if you lose power or gas, your normal routine for heating and sanitizing may no longer work. Always have a backup method.
Additional Hygiene Needs
Infants and toddlers create a surprising amount of laundry. Spit-up cloths, bibs, burp rags, and reusable diapers all increase your water demand. If your plan doesn’t include water for cleaning cloth items or for safe sponge bathing, it’s time to update it.
Washing pacifiers and teething toys with unclean water can also introduce harmful bacteria. Set aside a sealed container of sanitized water just for rinsing these sensitive items.
Tips for Parents Preparing for Emergencies
Planning water for your kids means thinking beyond just hydration. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Store enough infant-safe water for at least 7–14 days
- Keep sealed, pre-sterilized bottles on hand
- Include purification tablets rated for baby-safe use
- Pack extra water pouches in diaper bags or go-bags
- Rotate water stored specifically for formula more frequently
Talk to your pediatrician about emergency water safety if your child has medical conditions or uses medical equipment that relies on water (like a nebulizer).
Prepare With Purpose
It’s not about paranoia—it’s about love. As parents, we prepare because we care deeply. Emergency planning may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Hope Force International equips families just like yours with practical resources, compassionate training, and real-world tools. If you want to go even further, get trained as a Hope Force Reservist and learn how to serve others before and after disasters strike.
And if you’d like to help provide clean water and urgent care to families in crisis, donate today. Your support brings hope—and safety—when it’s needed most.
