New Ministry of Health advice on infant feeding in an emergency

The Ministry of Health has published advice for health practitioners, district health board emergency management staff and consumers on infant feeding in an emergency.

This includes advice on breastfeeding, formula feeding and lists the emergency supplies needed to feed a baby safely during an emergency.

Babies need special care and attention, as they’re more vulnerable to dehydration and infection.

It is important for people to think ahead about how they and their family would manage if the water and power supplies were disrupted.

Breastfeeding is the safest way to feed babies, particularly in an emergency. These new resources provide some useful tips for parents and carers on how to continue breastfeeding during an emergency.

If breastfeeding is not an option, extra care needs to be taken when preparing infant formula, as well as having enough safe water and the right feeding equipment.

For more information see the Ministry of Health website: Feeding your baby in an emergency

 


Published: Feb 15, 2016, 3:38 PM