Feeding Your Baby During a Power Outage
Winter storms can feel a little unsettling, especially when you have a baby at home. Power outages, icy roads, and unexpected changes can make even simple things like feeding feel stressful. The good news is that a little preparation can help you feel more steady and supported when the weather turns.
Whether you are breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or doing a mix of it all, this guide is here to walk through some simple ways to prepare. Think of this as a friendly checklist from someone who cares about you and your baby.
If You Are Breastfeeding or Pumping
If pumping is part of your feeding routine, planning ahead can help things feel much easier if the power goes out.
Charge your electric breast pump and keep portable battery packs fully charged
Have a manual pump available as a backup
Keep pumping wipes on hand for easy cleaning if water access is limited
If you store breastmilk in a deep freezer, try to keep the freezer door closed as much as possible during an outage to keep warm air out
If your refrigerator starts losing temperature, sealed containers of milk can be kept cold using snow if needed
A car charger can allow you to pump in your vehicle if that becomes the best option
If You Are Formula Feeding
A little extra preparation can also help formula feeding feel more manageable during winter storms.
Keep extra formula on hand
Store gallons of clean water for mixing and washing bottles
Have clean bottles ready to use
A Simple Way to Check Frozen Breastmilk
If the power goes out and you are unsure whether your frozen breastmilk fully thawed, there is a simple trick that can help - the “coin rule” to visually assess if your breastmilk fully thawed or not.
Place a coin (like a quarter) on top of a frozen breastmilk bag.
If the coin is in the same spot, it’s likely your milk hasn’t thawed at all.
If the coin is sunken into the middle, it most likely means it thawed some but not 100%.
If the coin is at the bottom or off the the bag completely, it most likely thawed fully and is unsafe for consumption.
Note: You can refreeze breastmilk it if it still has ice crystals, but never refreeze milk that has fully thawed! When in doubt, throw it out.
other helpful Winter Essentials
A generator, if possible, to protect both breastmilk and/or food in freezer(s)
Plenty of water bottles
Non perishable snacks for parents
Extra blankets to keep everyone warm
Full tank of gas
A thermometer
Infant Tylenol or Motrin if needed and age appropriate
A Gentle Reminder
The goal during winter storms is not perfection. It is a fed baby, a cared for parent, and giving yourself grace when things feel unpredictable. You are doing the very best you can, and that is more than enough.
Stay warm, stay safe, and remember that you are not alone!
