Winter Baby Basics

Inclement weather rules the winter months. Be sure you have home and car preparedness kits ready to use in an emergency. In your car, you should have a a first aid kit, portable radio, a flash light and extra batteries, ice scraper, a shovel and a bag of kitty litter (great for getting a stuck tire out of a snow bank), a warm change of clothes and shoes for each member of your family, extra hats, socks and mittens, a charged mobile phone, an emergency blanket and/or warm wool blankets, water, and snacks.

You should also put together a home emergency kit and keep it in a centralized area. In addition to a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, set aside a shelf for matches and candles, an oil lamp and oil, flashlight and batteries, extra blankets, and winter clothing gear. Always keep a couple extra gallons of drinking water and a collection of canned goods or pantry items that don't require cooking on hand. Winter storms can knock out electricity; if your family requires electricity for heating and cooking, you'll need to be prepared.

The winter months are truly a wonderland. As long as you're prepared, your baby is sure to stay warm and healthy throughout this chilly time.