Dear Memsahib:
I’d like to suggest exploring the Wear Your Baby site There are free directions for making your own baby wearing wraps and free videos demonstrating different wrapping/carrying styles. The free printable items have good clear photographs to help in choosing the right fabric for the job. Now that slings have become poplar and trendy the prices have become rather expensive. There is nothing like spending $30+ dollars to find that baby doesn’t like that carrying style or is wrong for momma’s back. I’d rather buy fabric and try different styles (more comfy). If it is a total washout at least the fabric can be used for other projects. Another benefit is the cost is low enough a spare can be handy for those oops that come with babies. HTH, – Stephanie in Arkansas
Jim:
These folks may want to find a way to store and dose antibiotics. Kids develop infections of all kinds from strep to severe ear infections. In a post-collapse environment this may be very hazardous health wise. Buying clothes that are several sizes bigger for the child to grow into is another thought. – Scott S.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rawles,
I love your site. I have been reading for a few months now and hope to get my act http://www.alertpay.com/together here. I am slowly but surely getting prepared (my Dear Husband thinks I am crazy, but I tell him he will thank me one day.) I am starting a homemaker’s preparedness section on my site. You know, what if you have no washer, have to make your own laundry detergent, cleaning supplies. That kind of thing. So this was right up my alley 🙂
I have two Babies and I can offer this advice.
1. Lots of pure water for Mom who is nursing. I have a water filter pitcher that I got on sale and am saving for an emergency.
2. The Nojo Sling is great for Mom who has to nurse/keep baby quiet/put baby to sleep on the go or in emergency situation. [JWR Adds: The Nojo brand slings are quite expensive if bought new. But if you shop around, they can be found in “gently used” condition on eBay or even Craig’s List.] They can double as blankets and changing pads.
3. Lansinoh Lanolin cream is food rated and is not only good for Mom, but cures diaper rash and chapped skin.
4. Acidophilus will stop some diarrheas. Garlic for a natural antibiotic (honey to make it go down for Mom but of course no honey for Baby. Baby will get garlic in breast milk), ascorbic acid (buffered Vitamin C) to cure just about everything.
5. Coconut oil. Not only can you cook with it, you can use it to moisturize sensitive baby skin, it is a natural sun screen, has anti bacterial and anti viral properties, works on diaper rash and can help keep away bugs.
6. Bulb syringes. I just got two at Walgreen’s [pharmacy store] for about $2 each. They suction noses and [can be used very cautiously to] clean ears. Invaluable for when baby is stuffy and can’t nurse.
7. Saline nose drops for same thing. I am “thinking” correct me if I am wrong, that these could double to clean out wounds.
8. Cloth diapers. I don’t use them, but have some to use as light weight blankets, wipe up clothes and for putting in the crook of your arm when you nurses so baby’s face doesn’t stick to your arm.
9. Boppy [style sling baby carriers]. Great for nursing anywhere. (The “Breast Friend” works well for on the go because you can strap it on and walk if you have to, otherwise use sling) and can support baby upward if baby is sick and can help baby sleep.
10. Oatmeal. Great nutrition, easily transported and stored, good for both Mom and Baby to eat and increases breast milk production
11. Dr. Bronner’s soaps are great, multipurpose soaps the whole family can use. I use the Peppermint to clean (it deters pests) and brush teeth, wash baby with Baby soap. Can also use to clean dishes, as a shampoo and to wash clothes. [JWR Adds: I have used a 4 ounce squeeze bottle of Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile Soap for many years, mostly on backpacking trips. A little bit goes a long way!]
12. Rubbing alcohol to cheaply and effectively disinfect everything.
Hope any of this helps. I tried to think in terms of compact and multipurpose. We are in a crowded town, in a small apartment and I am doing what I can and asking God to help me (and trusting him) with the rest. Keep up the good work! Many Blessings – Ace
Jim and Memsahib:
As a mother of 13 children, I am very familiar with prepping for newborns, toddlers, children and teens :-).
Our children range in age from 19 years old to 10 months old, (and one on the way)
Here is what I have stocked up on for the little ones:
==Acetaminophen suppositories (I buy the baby, junior and adult doses).
They are wonderful for when a fussy baby or child will not swallow medicine. A real life saver that has helped me keep my sanity.
==Children’s Motrin and Tylenol liquid. When my babies reached 20 pounds, my doctor said that they could receive a 3/4 dose of liquid Children’s Motrin if the fever was not coming down. I recently had to do this and thank goodness it worked! Keep plenty of both liquids on hand..it goes fast.
==Pacifiers. If your child likes a pacifier, you don’t want to be without one in the middle of the night or during an emergency. I once had a child scream for seven hours until I gave in and went to the store. I have gotten smarter with age and now I have stocked up (I have several dozen in my storage).
==Bottle Liners, extra Nipples, extra holders. If you use a bottle for breast milk or formula, you’ll need these. You can never have to many. Any baby items are good for barter.
==Humidifiers. I always have at least 6 new humidifiers in storage. A baby can be miserable with a cold.
==Baby Food. I try to give the baby what we are eating..but if we are on the road or are eating something the baby probably can’t handle (chili, etc), I whip out the baby food. I keep a years worth on hand.
==Suppositories (Glycerin). Babies do get constipated on occasion. I also keep “Baby Lax” on hand (a liquid).
==Pedialyte [oral rehydration solution]. A must! Keep plenty of it on hand. It could be a life saving item!
==Extra blankets, crib sheets, etc.
==Baby shampoo. I prefer not to use adult shampoo on the younger children as it will eventually get in their eyes and they’ll pitch a fit that’ll raise the hair on a bald man.
==Toothbrushes and special Toothpaste (non-fluoride as they will swallow it!) I have them for the babies as soon as they get their first tooth. I get extra for all age groups.
==Next size up in clothing. They grow fast! Thank goodness we have hand me downs as all my children (except one) are boys!
==Books. Babies love books. Get them now as you’ll be surprised at how young an age they will enjoy listening to you read!
==Toys. Age appropriate toys. The more simple, the better (blocks are a favorite around here).
I’m sure I have more items I could add to this list as we follow the “Alpha Strategy“…but it’s time to make lunch.
God bless all of you! You are an inspiration! In God’s Love, – Walt and Wendy, and our 12 (soon to be 13) blessings from God
Folks,
First, for those who have children, blessings.
Second, in addition to diapers, do not forget more blankets, bedding, a good crib and a safely portable car set/trailer system / transport system depending on your transportation options.
Stock up on supplies for milk, baby food and Pedialyte. (Gatorade is not for small children). Contact your medical provider about infant medical supplies, study and train up for infant CPR. What ever supplies you have on hand, add to them and remember rotate, rotate rotate. Formula is not cheap, and does not have a long shelf life. As to diapers, well that is up to you to choose, but A supply of disposables and cotton washables would be a good idea. The disposables are not cheap.
Adult health products are not for children, including pain relievers and the like, so please consult your pediatrician and your pharmacist. Also review your home for hazards, like exposed electrical sockets and the like. – TFB
JWR Adds: As mentioned before in SurvivalBlog, there are recipes available for make-it-yourself Oral Rehydration Solution. (ORS). Be sure to print out a hard copy for your file. It could be a lifesaver!