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Preparedness

Preparedness when you have children or a baby

Children have needs that adults easily forget in a crisis. Here is what families with babies and children should have ready – and how to give children a sense of safety when something happens. The page works without internet once you have visited it.

If life or health is at risk: call 113 (ambulance). This is general information – always follow advice from your doctor and health nurse for your child.

Babies and infants (0–2 years)

Small children depend entirely on you having thought through their particular needs in advance.

Food and drink

  • Infant formula for at least a week if the child is not breastfed.
  • Extra clean water for mixing – count a little more water than for the rest of the household.
  • Bottles and a way to clean them.

Care and health

  • Nappies and wet wipes for at least a week.
  • Children's fever medicine (paracetamol at the right strength) and a thermometer.
  • Extra changes of clothes and something warm to wrap the child in.

Do not do this

  • Do not rely on shops having infant formula in a crisis – keep your own store.
  • Do not mix formula with water you are not sure is clean. Boil the water during a boil-water notice.
  • Do not forget any regular medication the child takes.

Older children

Children cope better with a crisis when daily life hangs together a little and they know what is happening.

Food and comfort

  • Food the child actually likes and will eat – not just 'sensible' emergency rations.
  • A soft toy, favourite book or a cherished blanket.
  • Their own torch or head lamp – the dark is scarier without one.

Activities without power

  • A deck of cards, board games, drawing materials and books.
  • Tasks the child can help with, so they feel useful.
  • Download audiobooks or games onto a tablet in advance.

Talk about it – calmly

  • Explain simply and without frightening them: «We are practising managing on our own for a while.»
  • Let the child help pack – it gives a sense of mastery and overview.
  • Agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.

Security is preparedness too

For children, the feeling of safety matters as much as the equipment.

Keep fixed routines where you can: meals, bedtime and a little play give predictability.

Children pick up on adults' mood. If you are calm, they become calmer.

Practise in small ways – an evening without power, with candlelight and a board game, makes a real situation feel familiar rather than frightening.

Write down important numbers (health nurse, out-of-hours clinic, family) on paper, in case the phone is out of battery.

Sources: DSB, Helsenorge and FHI. In case of conflict, advice from health professionals and the authorities' own channels always applies.