Toddler Go Bag Prepping
Posted by Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 34 comments
We prep for Tuesday & doomsday. I have a big family pack in the closet for if we have to relocate on foot and go bags in each vehicle. That big go bag used to contain things like snacks, extra clothes, etc. for the toddlers & rest of the family, but they are getting old enough now to self carry a few essentials as we go about life. I was wanting to put together a gallon sized bag to hide in their diaper bags that would be helpful in a SHTF situation. I was thinking clothes & snacks. What else could toddlers carry on Tuesday & doomsday that won’t weigh their bags down for everyday stuff?
wihaw44@reddit
Totally, don't for get to keep it light. Mini first-aid stuff like plasters and disinfectant, a water bottle, and a comfort toy would be enough for a little one’s backpack.
TastyMagic@reddit
My son has a tiny North face backpack that he loves to carry around so I got a second one as a go bag.
First off, I don't really expect him to carry anything vital. If he dropped the pack, it would not impact our family unit.
However, I do want him to have something should he get separated from us somehow. So he has a laminated sheet with his personal info and family contact info(including family in other states/continents), a bottle of water, a couple Z bars, a small led flashlight, a change of clothes, a couple wet wipes and some small toys (matchbox cars, crayons and paper, etc.)
Altogether it weighs like 3 lbs. And as I mentioned everything is duplicated in the family go bag.
funke75@reddit
we keep a back with basic baby safe medicine (benedril, main meds, grip water ect) in our diaper bag for on the go needs. If using a phone or screen time to help your toddler cope in an emergency situation is your plan you could pack a solar charging power pack to help the entertainment/distraction going. maybe a few toys like a stuffed animal or something comforting but light would help too.
sabotthehawk@reddit
Clothes, stuffy or other comfort items, snacks, any extra ointment or meds for their situation (if in diapers still, rash cream, wipes, a&e cream, etc - may not have time to change right away in a situation and need to prepare for skin issues from that).
Small toys or other entertainment items.
Water flavor mixes/juice box. Helps boost hydration by making it fun and relieve some of their stress, which will lower yours.
Something they can use to be helpful for you in whatever situation you are planning for. Flashlight to help light way in dark, chem light, small tools if they are of age to use them (my kids lived hammering tent stakes when toddlers so we found a little mini hammer for them to use)
ThrowingAbundance@reddit
Little backpacks with pajamas, socks, underwear, pillow, blanky, and a stuffy.
flybabyfox@reddit
Definitely don't overload it! And keep the essentials in your own pack. Toddlers shouldn't be responsible for themselves, but it's not a bad idea to have a little pack so that they have a few snacks/comfort items/toys/etc., so they have some sense of agency (getting carry a backpack and having the option up pick out a few things to bring, if they want to) and worst case scenario, in case they get separated from you or something happens to your pack.
If you include clothes in something they'll carry themselves, I'd definitely go minimal. Possibly 1-2 pull-ups in individual ziplock bags (even if they're potty trained, stress often causes regressions even in older kids) (individually bags to keep them dry until use, and to dispose of them after!), 1-2 pairs of underwear if they are potty trained, a pair of socks, and a comfy, lightweight set of PJs (or other outfit that can act as a change of clothes, or clothes to layer for warmth, and doesn't take up too much space/add much weight).
A few individual antibacterial wipes, and a mini pack of baby wipes or similar (I've seen cottonelle "flushable" wipes in a 10-pack that's much smaller than real baby wipes, or you can pack some dry wipes & a small spray bottle of water) helps with diaper changes & hygiene & clean-up before & after snacks, etc.
I'd include emergency info. Especially when it comes to "tuesday" preps that are going to be out and about more often, be aware of how someone who knows a kid's name is going to more easily get their trust (the safety reason why they don't recommend having your kid's name visibly embroidered/painted on backpacks/etc.). But inside the pack, I would definitely include a page, laminated/waterproofed, with allergy/medical info for kiddo, contact info for you & other emergency contacts, and the meeting points your family has chosen.
Related, but also acts as a comfort item: family photo. Have one in kiddo's pack and one in yours. It helps in case you've been separated and need help looking for each other, and it helps to prove this is your kid if you do become separated and reunited.
Snacks- I'd look for lightweight and/or calorie dense. It's a great time to have something like freeze dried yogurt drops, if they don't get processed/sweet food all the time, and a lightweight snack (crackers/etc.) that you know they'll eat. Make a note of expiration dates and plan an occasional mini hike/day in the wagon/etc. where they can eat the emergency-pack snacks, after you've bought replacements.
A large drink will be too heavy, but you might be able to include a small juice box or similar, and an empty water bottle/cup if there's a style they prefer to drink from. & look for individual packets of powdered milk, flavored milk powder, even kid-safe fruity/herbal "teas," etc. if there's anything like that to increase nutrition or comfort.
Crayons (or whatever your kids like to draw with) and paper is a good lightweight activity. Kiddo is then even able to help by sharing crayons & scrap paper if you need to write something down in an emergency.
1-2 lightweight books, a comfort item, and a small number of open-ended toys. Consider what situations you're most likely to deal with, or what's most important to you: will the pack get wet? Do you need toys to be quiet?
A kid-friendly flashlight or battery-powered nightlight/etc. is something to consider eventually, but will probably weigh too much (& get played with enough to lose battery quick!) for a toddler. Glow sticks, a light-up/glow keychain, or glow-in-the-dark stars/toys are easier to carry and can help you see kiddo in the dark, or act as a comfort item or distraction if they're afraid of the dark.
In general, kid-friendly versions of survival tools, especially if it's something they'll have fun playing with, can start being added, especially as kiddo gets older. Or add things one at a time, and practice using them- compass & maps, bandaids/first aid supplies...
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
Thank you! This is super helpful. I’ll be honest, the identification inside the bag kinda makes me feel uneasy still. If they get separated I go back & forth on what all to include as far as names & personal information. What specific info would you put? Parents names & family meet up points? Anything else?
flybabyfox@reddit
I'm not sure exactly what to recommend, but if you want to err way on the side of caution:
Don't include kiddo's first name, birthday, or age. Do include allergies, medications, and any medical issues/info that would be needed ASAP in an emergency. Include a photo of kiddo by themselves on the emergency info sheet, and keep it updated, to help anyone confirm that this info is about this kid, if it's ever needed. You can include your family's last name, but consider how easy it might be to find kiddo's first name online from social media/etc.
Include pediatrician's contact info. If kiddo would recognize "Doctor ___"'s name, you could skip the doctor's name (that way no one gains kiddo's trust by saying they're "Doctor Amy's friend," or "Work with Doctor Amy," etc.) and just have them listed as "Pediatrician" or "PCP," with the practice/office's name. You can include part of the doctor's name ("Dr. Last Lastname, MD" if kiddo recognizes their first name, or vice versa) but realize that someone could find the physician's full name pretty quickly online in that case.
Do include contact info for yourself and other trustworthy family members & emergency contacts. List their relation or another identifier ("Parent," "Family friend,") without the actual titles that kiddo uses ("Mom," "Papa," "Grandmom,"). Also include a note about who is relatively local vs. an out-of-town emergency contact. You can skip first/last names (either/both) if you think kiddo would recognize it and it could be used to gain trust ("Oh, I'm friends with your mom, Danielle," etc.) but I would include group photos with kiddo + anyone you would trust to act as an emergency contact/take temporary custody of the kids.
If you have any friends/relatives listed as emergency contacts, who kiddo might not recognize well, consider trying to introduce/visit/video chat occasionally to get them more familiar, and getting a photo album/photo book with everyone's pictures (one without names that you can pack in the go bag, and/or one with names that you read together at home).
You could also consider setting up a secret "code word" that your kids know that only a trusted adult will know: we learned to do this when I was a kid, so if a family friend showed up unexpectedly, and said "your mom asked me to come pick you up, she's in the hospital" (or whatever) and they didn't know the code word, it was an obvious lie. That requires parents being able to communicate during the emergency, I wouldn't recommend telling multiple people the "code word" ahead of time. Alternately, even if your kids won't recognize Aunt Sue, talk about something particular to her (did she do ballet when you were kids? Does she have a big dog? Does she live near the mountains, or ocean, or caverns?) that Aunt Sue can talk about to help identify herself.
flybabyfox@reddit
Oh and yes, include meeting points. Directly outside the house (in case of house fire, meet at the big tree), which doesn't need to include an address/identifier if you're not comfortable including your home address. In-town (meet at the library if it's not safe to meet at home) & out of town (meet at grandma's house two towns over). I would include the actual name/address of the in-town and out-of-town meeting points: it's more important that a stranger knows where to bring kiddo if you get separated than it is to keep your kid's town or a relative/emergency contact's address/etc. private. (But you don't need to list it as "grandma's house," just include the address and possibly grandma's phone number.)
I think including info like kiddo's name, DOB, age, parents names, etc. would not be uncommon to include. Being able to read kiddo's name after they've already handed over their backpack is going to be different than being able to walk up to kiddo and say their name as you introduce yourself. But this is what I'd do if I wanted as much helpful emergency info as possible while avoiding privacy/unearned trust issues.
Fraggle-of-the-rock@reddit
A comfortable toddler is going to be very valuable. Make sure the have comfortable shoes and clothing. A familiar comfort item and snacks/food that you won’t have to fight with the to eat. Also, maybe some scavenger hunt type things to keep them occupied and not stressed (ie a note pad that they can flip through with fun pictures of things to seek)
XDBEA@reddit
Don’t forget a stuffy/blanket or some form of comfort item that the kiddo is used to
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
I’ll be thinking on this! Maybe just a familiar small toy???
UND_mtnman@reddit
I got a pack of 3 of the same stuffed animal. One to give to the kiddo, one in case that one gets lost, and one for the go-bag.
SaveSummer6041@reddit
I go for a brand new toy. Something they won’t miss, and will be excited to have something new they’ve never played with before.
XDBEA@reddit
Yes, something that they’re used to and will bring them some comfort in stressful situations. Maybe a small stuffed animal or toy. Just something that they know and like
CloudFrog21@reddit
Good point! Comfort items can really help keep them calm in stressful moments. Maybe a small toy or pacifier too? What’s your go-to comfort item for your little one?
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
Yeah the problem is our comfort items are massive squishmallows 🤣 but they have some cars they play with a lot that I could find a dupe for & put in there
flybabyfox@reddit
Would they be into it if you got mini squishmallows for travel? Maybe a small version of their favorite, or take them to pick out a special one?
Not the same as hugging a big one, but they've got the same fabric texture & squish, so it may still be familiar & a nice sensory comfort item.
Maybe make a habit of bringing the little squishmallow along in your day-to-day travels, or bring it on a few little adventures and then explain where it's getting packed away, so it's more familiar & so they can "practice" thinking of it as a comfort item.
(But yes also the cars! Something small to play with, especially for open-ended play, is a great idea)
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
Thank you! Mini squishmallows are a great idea 🤩
HajjiBalls@reddit
Diapers.......and then more Diapers.
hunta666@reddit
How about a few small toy packs, generally referred to as blind bags of fidgets or such as little treat items they can open if they're good.
Tombazanaa@reddit
I made a BOB for my five year old and explained it to her and what was in it : water bottle, snacks, paper tissues, pacifier, comforter, crayons+paper, whistle, lamp, copie of our ID's. You never know what can happen and I prefer that she has something on her : ways of surviving, finding help and be identified
InternationalLet7306@reddit
I have a backpack for each of my kids hanging in their closet. I put a gallon bag with emergency packs of water, a few snacks they can open easily, a couple changes of clothes and a small toy, a little flashlight, some bandaids and a emergency whistle. I hope to never be in a situation where I'd have to take my eyes off of them but I want them to be a little prepared just in case they are without me in an emergency for a few minutes. I wouldn't expect them to carry heavy bags with everything they could possibly need of course but it's good to know they had what they needed on their person if God forbid something happened and you weren't there for a few minutes
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
Yes, these are my thoughts. I also want to have some identification information in there as well in case we’re separated.
Warburgerska@reddit
Don't burden a toddler with a pack. He will forget it or be too exhausted from stress to be able to take it. Most likely you will be wearing your toddler (ring sling or such). It's not a small child's responsibility, it's ours as a parent.
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
While I appreciate the input, these toddlers are very active & used to having a reasonable amount of responsibility for little ones. A go bag can actually be a fun thing too. Being a large family with kids spaced 2 years apart means we all pitch in. I cannot reasonably carry all 3 toddlers & all of our stuff. I think it’s good preparation to give them small amounts to get used to carrying. Thank you though.
Warburgerska@reddit
Just keep in mind that no amount of something being fun for a couple hours equals fun for a whole day or days. Your kids will be exhausted, needy and will end up wanting to be carried. Last thing you want is a temper tantrum in the middle of it.
Honestly, I would look for buggy/cart type solutions/ bikes instead of expecting them to walk in a BOS. Depending on your destination you also need to think about sleep, so a buggy type vehicle would be useful for that too, when you want to keep going.
Personally, and unironically I would fixate on finding a solution to be able to carry all kids if a need arises. Slings and baby wearing stuff can be used up to 35kg and with enough creativity you and your spouse can wear them all while "sledging" other less essential stuff.
I am sure you can imagine a scenario where you can't depend on your toddlers running at a desirable speed if such a need arises. I'm a petite woman and used to wearing a 4yo and a 1,5yo simultaneously. Fitness is essential. If shit hits the fan you want to be able to leave everything but your kids, a water filter, foil blankets and some hard mre cakes in an instant.
iwantmy-2dollars@reddit
Go to a store like REI and try on children’s packs with the smallest weight in them and see what is most comfortable. Get it fitted just right with hip straps. Take them hiking and have them carry their water and snacks.
We’ve done this with our 3 and 5yo and are working on making this surreptitious prep like a normal part of daily life. They carry the smallest water bladder, have a whistle attached, a hat, a tiny first aid kit with bandaids etc, snacks, a pair of underwear and socks, and a watercolor kit. You’d be surprised how little this weighs and how well they carry it when it’s fitted correctly. I should note we have very large children, 99th percentile for height most recently. They hang on the back of our hallway closet door and are always ready to go…for a hike, hopefully.
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
Thank you! This makes me feel less crazy. Our toddlers have hiked very long distances relative to other toddlers & carried snacks and water. I feel like adding a couple more things isn’t that much of a stretch for them. Plus they all have allergies and have to get used to self carrying epi pens one day. We’re not there yet, but remembering to bring a daypack is great practice.
No_Albatross7213@reddit
To be honest, I don’t see toddlers carrying anything when you have to leave in an emergency. You’ll be carrying the toddlers. 🤷🏻
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
I have 3. I can’t carry all 3. The older 2 are regular hikers that carry their own appropriately sized toddler packs. So if we have time to grab packs we will.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
If they are toddlers, get them potty trained. Children used to be potty trained around 18 months.
That would save all of the room you would otherwise use for diapers.
I would think
1 change of clothes
2 pair underwear
Water bottle
Small fidget toy or maybe a few crayons and a travel art book? Something to keep them busy and quiet.
And take them camping.
No-Wolverine2472@reddit
Yep clothes, snack a litle water… i gave them a survival wistle also… a headlamp. Small first aid kit… i think it is best they carry all the time and start learning as well… with small cuts!
Sensitive_Mix_4002@reddit (OP)
Headlamp is good!