Chillin’

The next few months will likely consist of some difficult weather.  It becomes a problem for families with young children who must remain cooped up inside for days (sometimes weeks!) at a time.

Should you be one of those who may begin climbing some of those four walls during rough weather, plan ahead some things you can do to make the time tolerable.  Stock up on flashlight batteries, canned foods and a manual can opener.  Be sure to have formula, diapers, wipes, baby food, Nursery water, Rx and OTC medications, and other supplies you think are a necessity for your baby.

Consider the ages of your children and gather crayons and paper, books, puzzles, toys, etc. that you think will interest them.  Have lots of blankets handy in case you lose your source of heat.  Plan on what room(s) you will occupy.  Do you have cushions from furniture and lightweight mattresses from bunk or twin beds you could bring into a common room?

Try to have several gallons of drinking water handy.  Fill your bathtub for a supply of water that you can use to flush the toilet several times each day.  A bottle of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer will come in very handy during power outages.  If you don’t have wipes for quick clean ups, you can make some by putting paper towels into a large zip lock bag and adding enough water to moisten them.

Healthy snacks, especially raw fruits and veggies, that are not likely to spoil if not refrigerated will add water to the diet and provide filling food. These may include carrot sticks, bananas, apples, grapes, etc.  Cheese cubes and string cheese are quickly accepted by most preschoolers.  Crackers and peanut butter are good choices, as are raisins and miniature marshmallows.  Hey! Most of us enjoy some fun foods.

If there are reports of bad weather, make sure to charge the batteries of your phones, and have batteries for at least one radio.  Be sure to think about any medicines you may need during a winter storm and some things you can do to help pass the hours without power.  Make the time special so that your older children find it an adventure.  Tents, trains made of chairs lined up, singing (or humming a familiar tune and letting your wee ones guess the song and sing it), finger play, dramatic play (acting out a familiar nursery rhyme), etc.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until you are in the cold and dark before preparing for an emergency.  The more prepared you can be, the faster the time will pass.  Being relaxed will help a baby be more ready to deal with the changes in a schedule.

Typically, you won’t need to be concerned about keeping a few things cold during a winter storm, as you will usually have snow and/or ice readily available.  Just be sure you have a clean cooler handy.  Don’t open your refrigerator or freezer unless it is absolutely necessary if you have lost power.  Be prepared, smile, laugh, play, and enjoy!