Hurricane Preparedness and Infant Safe Sleep: Keeping Your Little One Safe During Storm Season

Preparing for evacuation is stressful. Caring for an infant raises the stakes. Plan ahead to keep your baby safe in any emergency. While you gather supplies, don't overlook this important detail: where will your baby sleep?

Safe Sleep Matters, Even in an Emergency

Emergencies can disrupt routines, but safe sleep practices should never take a back seat. The safest sleep environment for a baby is:

• On their back for every nap and nighttime sleep.

• In their own sleep space — crib, bassinet, or play yard (like a Pack ‘n Play).

• Free of soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, and loose blankets.

  
  

Following these guidelines helps reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, even when you’re away from home.

Hurricane Preparedness for Families with Infants

1. Create a Baby-Specific Emergency Kit

In addition to your household hurricane kit, pack one specifically for your infant:

• Formula, bottles, and extra water (if formula-fed).

• Breastfeeding supplies (pump, storage bags, nursing cover).

• Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.

• Several changes of clothes in sealed plastic bags.

• Baby-safe sunscreen and bug spray.

• Any medications your baby needs.

  
  

2. Always Have a Safe Sleep Option

If you need to evacuate to a shelter, hotel, or a family member’s home, you may not have access to your usual crib. A portable play yard (Pack ‘n Play) is a must-have for hurricane evacuation. It folds up for easy transport, sets up quickly, and meets safe sleep standards.

Tip: If not in use, keep your Pack ‘n Play near your hurricane kit so it’s easy to grab in a hurry.

3. Plan Your Evacuation Route and Destination

• Know your county’s designated hurricane shelters and find out which ones are baby- and family-friendly.

• If possible, arrange to stay with friends or family outside the evacuation zone for more comfort and privacy.

• Leave early to avoid dangerous weather and traffic gridlock.

  
  

4. Stay Informed

• Know your zone and sign up for local weather alerts.

• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your kit.

• Monitor official updates from your county’s emergency management office.

Check out this reminder from our last feature on Tampa Bay's Morning Blend with our Director of Outreach, Lisa Colen, and partner from the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Public Relations Director, Dexter Lewis.