Infants & children during disruption
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Keep children with a trusted caregiver and plan safe feeding, water, hygiene, medicines and warmth around their age and needs. Put written contacts with each child and agree a reunion plan. Use age-appropriate feeding guidance; do not dilute formula or use unsafe water to stretch supplies.
Save the essentials.
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Act on immediate danger. Seek qualified help when reachable and safe, but do not make your first protective step depend on a response. This page is general guidance, not a live alert.
Do now.
- 01
Name the caregiver
Decide who stays with each child during sheltering and travel. Use a familiar trusted backup; do not hand children to unverified helpers.
- 02
Protect feeding
Maintain breastfeeding where applicable. Ready-to-feed formula can avoid preparation water needs when available; follow product and age-specific guidance. Do not improvise formula or change dilution.
- 03
Keep hygiene supplies
Pack nappies, wipes, soap, clean clothing and safe water for essential care. Keep feeding equipment clean and separate from waste.
- 04
Keep a contact card
Use necessary caregiver contact details and medical information without displaying sensitive identity details publicly. Teach older children the agreed safe contacts.
- 05
Use simple explanations
Explain the next action calmly and specifically. Familiar routines and a comfort item can help; avoid promising that you know when danger will end.
PLAN AROUND WHAT YOU HAVE
If help is unavailable.
Use the caregiver plan and safe supplies already available while seeking verified medical or feeding support. Do not stretch formula with extra water or leave a child alone to find supplies.
People & practical needs.
Assign a trusted adult to each person who needs assistance. Keep medicines, essential contacts and a workable reunion plan with the group. Make decisions around the least mobile person, not the fastest; avoid splitting the family without a clear, safe way to reconnect.
Keep essentials within reach
Keep essential medicines, safe drinking water, a battery light, footwear, phone power and written contacts accessible. Carry only what you can manage; collecting supplies must not delay escape.
Next steps.
Plan quantities for the actual feeding and care routine, and ask a qualified clinician for special dietary or medical needs. Include medications and transport or sleeping arrangements.
Watch for.
Infants can deteriorate quickly with dehydration, temperature exposure or illness. Seek qualified care for concerning symptoms; do not rely on adult treatment advice.
Sources & context.
Osprey Zero combines source-based protective guidance with practical household planning. References provide context, not a promise of assistance. Some standards are U.S.-based; local risks, laws and services differ.
Updated 2026-10-02. Editorially reviewed against linked references; not independently certified by a subject-matter expert. Verify changing conditions through sources safe for you to contact.