LDS parents: packing a 72 hour kit for a toddler?

I know this directly doesn't directly relate to religion but I haven't been able to get much feedback from a preparedness section or from a children's section, so I'm asking here.

We're repacking our 72 hour kits and I'm wondering what to do about my toddler. Obviously he can't carry his own kit, so I'm at a loss of what to do about his. What are some tips or tricks that we can try to make packing his kit (and carrying it if need be) easier?

2008-10-15T13:57:05Z

Fireball: 72 hour kits are emergency preparedness kits to use in case of, well, an emergency. They're supposed to contain everything that you'll need if you have to pick up and leave (walking, in the car, whatever) for about three days. Lots of preparedness types and people who have been through emergencies keep them on hand so that if anything happens they are prepared, but they also have become a "Mormon Culture" staple for the religion since a lot of focus is placed on self reliance and being prepared in case of an emergency.

2008-10-15T13:58:40Z

gumby, do you ever worry about having your kid(s) separated from you for some reason? I have this thought in the back of my mind that I need to have a separate and more or less self sustaining kit for my toddler because there's no guarantee that he will be able to stay with one of us. Am I just being paranoid?

pono72008-10-15T14:05:40Z

Favorite Answer

i would get one of those backpacks that also have the option to roll with the wheels. anyone can roll something provided it's packed stably. keep everything individually bagged and labeled. and date everything- some things will need to be rotated regularly while others can last longer. and put it all in waterproof containers. also i vaccum seal the clothes and blankets- to keep them safe and dry, but to also create more room- especially in a small bag for a child. also keep extra clothes for each of your kids and a little 24 hour snack bag for each in your main bag- incase something happens to theirs.

sweats/socks/shirt/ and a pair of shorts
tennis shoes
blanket/also an emergency foil blanket (the cloth one is more for comfort)
a poncho
a small toy-stuffed animal
a small book
brightly colored neon tape or tags to label his clothing in case you are separated with information and how to get a hold of you
glow in the dark sticks (necklaces and such- helps you to keep on eye on them in the dark, and it's fun for them)
and 72-hour food kit (keep small water bottles- children can't drink a lot at once and if you put reg. sized ones, it could go to waste)
band aids
also some family pictures laminated (waterproof) for identification purposes, but also as comfort for your child should you get separated.
you might also want to think about getting id bracelets for your kids- don't put their names on it (predators can use that to gain trust) but put your contact information on it- this is good even in non emergency situations if you and your child get separated at the the mall or something.

Anonymous2014-09-24T15:43:10Z

With every day pass, our country is getting into more and more trouble. The inflation, unemployment and falling value of dollar are the main concern for our Government but authorities are just sleeping, they don’t want to face the fact. Media is also involve in it, they are force to stop showing the real economic situation to the people. I start getting more concern about my future as well as my family after watching the response of our Government for the people that affected by hurricane Katrina.

According to recent studies made by World Bank, the coming crisis will be far worse than initially predicted. So if you're already preparing for the crisis (or haven't started yet) make sure you watch this video at http://www.familysurvival.tv and discover the 4 BIG issues you'll have to deal with when the crisis hits, and how to solve them fast (before the disaster strikes your town!) without spending $1,000s on overrated items and useless survival books.

gumby2008-10-15T13:45:51Z

Double up your kit. A toddler won't need as much food or water so you don't really have to double up just add a bit extra. The biggest thing I've found is that you need to update every six months. I do it on my bday (in June) and around Christmas time. I buy new sweats that are a little bit bigger than their current size. I update diaper sizes. And I update medications. The heavier or bulkier stuff goes in my pack. The lighter/smaller stuff goes in a small backpack for them to carry. Even my 2 year old can carry a small light backpack.

I would bet you could ask around your ward and your family for more ideas. This is just what I have done.

Anonymous2008-10-15T13:47:59Z

You've got 2 hard problems:

They won't carry it

Todlers grow really fast!

Growing up we had a generic baby pack with clothes and some extra water and food in my dads pack; that would have worked fine in an emergency.

LindaLou2008-10-15T13:42:57Z

Unless he can't WALK then he is capable of carrying a small lite weight back pack too. You would just pack light things that were do able for him to carry, clothing, personal items and obviously not heavy food items.

Show more answers (2)