Winter storms can disrupt power, water, and access to stores—making a little preparation especially important for families feeding babies. Whether you’re formula feeding, pumping, combo feeding, or directly breastfeeding, having a plan can help reduce stress and keep your baby fed safely.
Here are key considerations to help you feel more prepared:
🍼 For Families Who Formula Feed
Stock enough formula for at least 3–5 days. If your baby uses a specialty formula, plan ahead since it may be harder to find.
Use ready-to-feed formula if possible—it’s especially helpful during power outages or if clean water access is limited.
Have safe water available for mixing powdered formula (bottled distilled water or previously boiled and stored water).
Extra bottles & nipples so you’re not relying on frequent washing if water is limited.
Plan for warming bottles safely if you lose power—remember, bottles don’t need to be warmed to be safe!
🤱 For Pumping Families
Backup power options for electric pumps (battery packs, car adapters, manual pump as a backup).
Manual pump on hand in case power is out.
Cold storage plan for expressed milk: ice packs, a cooler, and knowing how long milk stays safe in a fridge/freezer during outages.
Extra pump parts so you can rotate if washing access is limited.
🔄 For Combo Feeding Families
Balance supplies for both feeding methods—enough formula and a pumping/breastfeeding plan.
Protect your milk supply by having a way to pump or hand express if your routine is disrupted.
Flexible feeding plan so you can adapt if one method becomes harder temporarily.
🥶 Milk Storage Guidelines (During Normal Power & Outages)
Breast Milk (General Guidelines)
Freshly expressed at room temp (≤77°F / 25°C): up to 4 hours
Refrigerator (≤40°F / 4°C): up to 4 days
Freezer (0°F / -18°C): best within 6 months, acceptable up to 12 months
During power outages:
Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
A full freezer can keep milk frozen about 48 hours (24 hours if half full).
If milk partially thaws but still has ice crystals, it can be refrozen or used within 24 hours in the fridge.
Thawed, fully liquid breast milk should be used within 24 hours (do not refreeze).
Formula (Prepared & Opened)
Prepared formula at room temp: use within 2 hours
Prepared formula in refrigerator: use within 24 hours
Once baby has started a bottle: use within 1 hour, then discard
Opened ready-to-feed formula (refrigerated): follow label, typically 24–48 hours
During power outages:
If fridge temperature rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours, discard prepared formula.
Ready-to-feed single-use bottles can be especially helpful during outages.
🧼 Clean & Safe Feeding Essentials
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
Paper towels
Dish soap and a wash basin
❤️ Emotional & Mental Load Matters
Storms are stressful—especially with a baby. Remember:
Any safe feeding method is a good feeding method.
It’s okay to adjust your plan to meet your family’s needs.
Support, flexibility, and preparation can go a long way.
A little planning now can bring peace of mind later. If you’d like help creating a personalized storm-ready feeding plan, your lactation and infant feeding team is here to support you—whatever feeding method you choose.
Stay warm, stay safe, and take care of yourselves and your little ones. ❄️🍼