Easy ways to improve baby’s comfort during power outages

Navigating life at work and home amid the persistent spectre of load-shedding has disrupted daily routines and caused inconvenience for everyone, particularly for families with infants or young children, as the winter chills set in.

“Load-shedding can be a challenge, especially in caring for a baby. Power outages and erratic load-shedding schedules can disrupt your little one’s routine and comfort,” says Dis-Chem Baby City FMCG executive Ronald Govender.

He proposes practical tips and ideas for parents to ensure the baby’s comfort during load-shedding and make power outages easier for themselves and their little ones.

Emergency lighting and power

By investing in battery-powered lights or rechargeable solar lights, you can turn load-shedding from a major disruption to a temporary inconvenience, ensuring your baby doesn’t wake up to darkness during power outages.

Lighting provides a comforting glow, maintains a sense of familiarity and provides a well-lit environment for changing and feeding, which contributes to the parent’s peace of mind and the baby’s comfort.

The ability to monitor in case of an emergency is important when you have a little one.

For parents who use baby monitors, battery-powered alternatives are available to help you monitor your little one even when the power is out.

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Milk and food safety

“We cannot overemphasise the sterility of milk bottles and food containers,” he said.

As the stages of load-shedding increase when the grid is overloaded, it is worth considering a quick, easy sterilising machine which steams and sterilises bottles in minutes and keeps them sterile for 24 hours with the lid on.

Make use of flasks to store hot water for milk and food preparations.

Insulated bottle warmers help keep water warm when there is no hot water or kettle.

Familiarise yourself with food safety guidelines and the life span for different food items. This will help you determine the safety of perishable items during power outages.

Prepare and freeze individual portions of food in advance. Use small food storage containers to freeze purees or soft foods like mashed fruits and vegetables.

During load-shedding, you can thaw these frozen portions as needed and consume them in a safe period.

Feeding and baby essentials

Stay organised and plan for power outages. Keep a supply of essential baby items such as diapers, formula, wipes, and medication.

It is also good to have a manual or battery-powered breast pump on hand if you are breastfeeding.

By having these supplies available, you won’t have to worry about running out of milk during load-shedding.

Quality sleepwear

When heating is a challenge during the cold weather, layer your baby’s clothing and dress them in rompers to ensure they are warm.

Sleeping bags also help little ones regulate their temperature when sleeping and are less likely to be disturbed by being too hot or cold.

Breathable and all-natural fibre fabrics are more comfortable. Ensure you also get warm blankets for additional warmth.

For newborns, swaddling is great for keeping them warm and recreating the familiar deep pressure of the womb, which helps to calm and relax the baby and prepare them for sleep.

Soothe and comfort your baby

Battery-operated nebulisers are a reliable solution during load-shedding.

With a battery-powered nebuliser, you ensure continuous access to necessary medications and maintain respiratory health, even during electricity disruptions.

Babies can sense your stress and anxiety, so remain calm during power outages.

Comfort your baby with gentle words, a soothing touch, and familiar objects like their favourite blanket or toy.

Your calm presence will help them feel secure. Parents can also use soothers that glow in the dark for an easy location when the baby is fussy at night.

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