Caring for Babies During a Crisis
06 Dec 2017
Babies require a lot of time and energy, just ask any new parent. For the last 80 years, Finland has been giving every pregnant mother a baby box filled with all the essentials. The box comes with picture books, teething toy, gender neutral clothes, hats and mittens, snowsuit, mattress and fitted sheet, baby wash, nail clippers, hooded towel, and sleeping bag. The box itself is meant to be baby's first bed. Recently cloth diapers have been reintroduced to the box for environmental reasons. Bottles have also been removed to encourage breastfeeding.
The box has changed over the years, but it has remained a long-standing tradition. The box has increased prenatal care and lowered the infant mortality rate. Women are only eligible to receive the maternity pack if they see a doctor before their 4th month of pregnancy. Women are given the choice between the box and grant money, although most take the box for the first baby then reuse the cloths and take the money for their other pregnancies.
There are several commercial companies that have copied Finland's baby box idea. They rand in price from $70-700. They include different goodies. They make storing baby supplies simple. Everything you need in one box that doesn't take up too much space. You can make your own baby box by collecting a few essentials.
Breastfeeding is highly recommended as the best form of nutrition for a baby. Breastfeeding passes along antibodies from mother to baby. Breastfeeding can help mom recover from childbirth faster. Breastfeeding is free and doesn't take up space. However, breastfeeding is challenging and some women don't produce enough milk.A manual breast pump can help. You' may need to use formula or milk from livestock to supplement feedings. Infant formula should last for 3 years unopened, so you'll need to rotate your supply to keep it up to date. You can donate what you don't use to women's shelters or the local food bank. Infant formula also makes great baby shower gifts.
Cloth diapers have really come a long way. They come in tons of fun fabrics with snaps to adjust the size. Most modern cloth diapers have two parts, the colorful outer shell, and the absorbent pad. Washable diapers will be a must-have in an emergency. You won't be able to stockpile all the diapers and sizes a baby will need.
There are lots of baby carriers on the market. Having one of these will make hiking out to a safer location much easier. Babies like to be warm and snuggled keeping the baby close will help them remain calm and safe. Baby carriers make farming and daily household takes easier.
Babies are small and don't take up much room at first. When they start crawling and walking parents have to be more careful. Having a safe baby proofed area will be a lifesaver. A pack-n-play really comes in handy. This is a safe area for big or small children to play where you can keep on eye on them and they won't be underfoot or in the way. They also double as a crib. Many pack-n-play designs have rockers, changing areas, and different levels for sleeping. It has all your baby gear in one convenient location.
Have some simple toys or books for young children to help them learn and grow. Anything and everything is a toy to a kid. Sticks and cans make great games. But having books and childsafe objects for them to play with would be a good idea.
Essential Supplies
Breastfeeding is highly recommended as the best form of nutrition for a baby. Breastfeeding passes along antibodies from mother to baby. Breastfeeding can help mom recover from childbirth faster. Breastfeeding is free and doesn't take up space. However, breastfeeding is challenging and some women don't produce enough milk.A manual breast pump can help. You' may need to use formula or milk from livestock to supplement feedings. Infant formula should last for 3 years unopened, so you'll need to rotate your supply to keep it up to date. You can donate what you don't use to women's shelters or the local food bank. Infant formula also makes great baby shower gifts.
Cloth diapers have really come a long way. They come in tons of fun fabrics with snaps to adjust the size. Most modern cloth diapers have two parts, the colorful outer shell, and the absorbent pad. Washable diapers will be a must-have in an emergency. You won't be able to stockpile all the diapers and sizes a baby will need.
There are lots of baby carriers on the market. Having one of these will make hiking out to a safer location much easier. Babies like to be warm and snuggled keeping the baby close will help them remain calm and safe. Baby carriers make farming and daily household takes easier.
Babies are small and don't take up much room at first. When they start crawling and walking parents have to be more careful. Having a safe baby proofed area will be a lifesaver. A pack-n-play really comes in handy. This is a safe area for big or small children to play where you can keep on eye on them and they won't be underfoot or in the way. They also double as a crib. Many pack-n-play designs have rockers, changing areas, and different levels for sleeping. It has all your baby gear in one convenient location.
Have some simple toys or books for young children to help them learn and grow. Anything and everything is a toy to a kid. Sticks and cans make great games. But having books and childsafe objects for them to play with would be a good idea.
Essential Supplies
- Cloth Diapers
- Formula
- Manual Breastpump
- Baby Carrier
- Pack-n-play
- Baby wipes
- Diaper cream
- Thermometer
- Nail clippers
- Baby wash and lotion
- Swaddling blankets