What Should Be in a Child's Bug Out Bag? A Parent's Guide to Emergency Preparedness

A bug-out bag (BOB) is an essential part of any emergency preparedness plan, and it’s something every family member should have ready to go at a moment’s notice – including children. But what exactly should you include in a child’s bug-out bag? In this guide, we’ll walk through everything parents need to consider when creating a practical, functional, and kid-friendly bug-out bag for their little ones.

What is a Bug Out Bag?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s briefly define what a bug-out bag is. A BOB is a portable kit containing essential supplies that a person or family can use to survive for a period of time if they need to leave their home in a hurry. It’s designed to help you cope with short-term survival needs, especially in an emergency situation where you have to “bug out” to a safer location, such as during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

A child’s bug-out bag, however, differs from an adult’s. While adults may need more complex survival tools, the priority for children’s bags should focus on safety, comfort, and practicality. The idea is to ensure that the child has what they need to stay comfortable, safe, and calm during an emergency situation.

Why Should Children Have a Bug Out Bag?

When it comes to bug-out bags, many people think only of the adults in the family. However, kids are just as vulnerable in an emergency, and they may not be able to carry or manage adult-sized gear. That’s why it’s essential to have a separate, child-friendly bag that they can easily carry and access if needed. Having a bag specifically for your child ensures that they will have everything they need in one place, and you won’t be scrambling to find essentials during a stressful time.

The benefits of a child’s bug-out bag include:

Peace of mind for parents, knowing their child has what they need to stay safe.
Empowerment for the child by giving them ownership over their preparedness.
Ease of access to key items that could help calm and reassure a child in a stressful situation.

Key Items to Include in a Child’s Bug Out Bag

While the contents of your child’s bug-out bag will depend on their age, size, and any specific needs they may have, there are a few universal essentials that should always be included. Below, we’ve broken down what to pack, why each item is important, and how to make it suitable for children.

Water and Hydration Essentials

Water is one of the most important items to include in any bug-out bag. A child can quickly become dehydrated, so having an easy way to hydrate is essential. Consider including:

Water bottle or hydration pack: Choose a child-friendly, durable water bottle that’s easy for little hands to carry. For older children, a hydration pack may be a great option to allow them to drink without stopping.
Water purification tablets or portable filter: In case you run out of clean water, water purification tablets or a portable water filter (such as a LifeStraw) can be life-saving. Ensure that these are age-appropriate for your child’s use.

Non-Perishable Snacks and Food

When evacuating or in an emergency situation, food can be hard to come by. Pack a selection of non-perishable, easy-to-eat snacks that your child will enjoy. Good options include:

Energy bars: Choose bars that are both nutritious and easy for children to eat, with flavours they like.
Dried fruit or trail mix: High-energy and lightweight, dried fruit and trail mix are great options that won’t spoil quickly.
Compact, kid-friendly snacks: Think of snacks like crackers, small bags of pretzels, or fruit snacks that your child is familiar with and will happily eat.

Clothing and Comfort Items

A child’s emotional well-being during a stressful situation is just as important as their physical safety. Include a few comfort items in their bug-out bag to help them stay calm and comfortable.

Weather-appropriate clothing: Make sure to pack a set of clothes that suits the season and climate, such as a lightweight jacket, a warm hat, and a pair of gloves for colder weather or a sunhat and sunglasses for warmer conditions.
Spare socks and underwear: Always pack extra socks and underwear to ensure your child stays dry and comfortable during the journey.
Blanket or sleeping bag: A compact emergency blanket or sleeping bag can be a lifesaver for warmth and comfort if you’re forced to sleep outdoors.

First Aid Kit

Emergencies can lead to injuries, and it’s essential to have a first aid kit specifically designed for children. A child’s first aid kit should include:

Bandages: Both standard and child-friendly bandages (with fun designs to help soothe the child).
Antiseptic wipes: To clean cuts and abrasions.
Pain relief: A child-safe pain reliever, like paracetamol (be sure to have the correct dosage for their age).
Plasters for blisters: Kids often get blisters when walking or running, so it’s essential to have blister plasters on hand.

Additionally, ensure that you have any prescription medications your child may need, such as an inhaler or an EpiPen, and keep these in a waterproof container.

Tools and Multi-Use Items

While a child’s bug-out bag shouldn’t contain heavy-duty survival gear, there are a few tools that can be useful:

Small multi-tool: A child-friendly multi-tool with simple functions such as a knife, screwdriver, and bottle opener can be practical for minor tasks. Opt for a tool with a lockable blade for added safety.
Whistle: A loud, brightly coloured whistle can help a child signal for help if needed, and it’s also a great way to keep track of your child during an emergency.
Glow sticks or headlamp: In case of darkness, glow sticks or a headlamp can help provide light. Choose an LED headlamp that’s lightweight and easy for the child to use.

Identification and Important Documents

If your child is separated from you during an emergency, identification and important documents can be crucial. Store these items in a waterproof pouch:

Emergency contact information: Include a list of emergency contacts and any special instructions, such as medical needs or allergies. Our ICE Card is perfect for this!
Photocopy of important documents: Include copies of birth certificates, health records, and any other relevant paperwork.

UKSN Crisis Centre ICE Cards

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Entertainment and Comfort

While survival is the primary goal, keeping your child entertained and comfortable is essential to help them stay calm and positive. Add some lightweight entertainment items to the bag, such as:

Books, colouring books, or puzzles: Keep your child’s favourite book or a small activity kit to help keep them occupied during stressful situations.
Favourite toy or comfort item: A soft toy, blanket, or another comfort item can help soothe your child if they feel anxious.

Safety and Communication

In case of separation, it’s vital that your child can communicate with you or others. Include:

Mobile phone: If your child is old enough, a fully charged mobile phone can help them reach you or emergency services.
Power Bank: Keeping their phone charged is vital, especially if they enjoy watching videos or playing games to relax.
Apple AirTags (or Similar Trackers): Clip tracking tags to a child's BOB, or even their clothing to ensure they can be tracked at 'all' times. This offers additional peace of mind in many stressful situations!
Pre-arranged emergency plan: Teach your child how to follow a set emergency plan, such as where to go if they get lost, and what to do in different scenarios.

Final Thoughts

Creating a bug-out bag for your child is an essential step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of your family in the event of an emergency. By focusing on essentials such as hydration, food, clothing, and first aid, you can provide your child with the tools they need to stay safe and calm during a stressful situation. Involving your child in the process and ensuring their bag is manageable and easy to carry will also help empower them and make them feel more confident in their ability to handle emergencies.

At UKSN, we believe in preparedness, self-sufficiency, and community support. As a family-friendly community, we understand the importance of being ready for whatever challenges may arise. Having a child’s bug-out bag in place is just one of the many ways families can prepare for the unexpected while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with being self-reliant.

Stay prepared, stay safe, and always keep your family’s needs at the forefront of your emergency planning.

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