Breastfeeding During a Disaster and Other Emergencies

At a glance

In emergencies, breastfeeding is the safest way to feed your baby. Continue to breastfeed to help your baby stay healthy. Breastfeeding helps protect your baby against some illnesses. During emergencies, babies may be more likely to get sick than adults.

Mother caring for her baby in a shelter setting.

Breastfeeding during an emergency

Parents comforting baby on a train.
Comforts your baby during emergency travel.
Mom breastfeeding baby while grandmother watches.
Keeps your baby hydrated. If your baby is less than 6 months old, they do not need to drink water or any other liquids, even in hot weather.
Mom breastfeeding her baby with a shield protecting her from germs.
Helps protect your baby from germs that can cause colds, ear infections, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Mom breastfeeding her baby.
Provides a reliable and consistent source of nutrition.

If your baby is breastfeeding well

You do not need to also give infant formula because:

  • Formula can make babies feel full and stop breastfeeding.
  • Powdered formula can increase your baby's exposure to harmful germs.
  • Water might not be safe to mix with powdered formula and clean bottles and nipples.
  • Your breast milk supply can go down if you feed your baby formula and breastfeed less often.
Mom breastfeeding an infant with drops of milk that are increasing in size to show an increased milk supply.
If you think you have less breast milk than normal, breastfeed more often to increase your breast milk supply.
Mom talking to a healthcare provider while holding her baby.
If you are worried that your baby is not breastfeeding well, talk to a health care provider right away.

Learn more

Photo of CDC's handout of Breastfeeding During a disaster or other emergency.
Learn about breastfeeding during an emergency.

Download handout.

Keep Reading: Breastfeeding Facts
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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)