Feeding Solid Foods During a Natural Disaster or Emergency

Introducing solid foods

When infants are about 6 months old and developmentally ready, they can be introduced to foods and drinks other than breast milk and infant formula. These foods and drinks are called solid, or complementary foods.

Good nutrition is important for growth and development. The recommendations for feeding infants and young children do not change during an emergency, but providing healthy foods and preparing foods safely can be more difficult. Families may need support to feed their children safely during emergencies.

Keep children healthy and safe

Before feeding young children:

• Check expiration dates and look for signs of damage, rust, or dents before providing any non-perishable foods. Throw away any damaged foods.
• Check non-disposable items, such as bottles, nipples, feeding tools, or other food containers. Throw away any items that have been affected by flood water or extreme temperatures.
• Check with families about dietary needs, restrictions, and allergies. Make sure these families receive food they can safely eat.
• Make sure there is a place for families to wash their hands with soap and safe water before feeding children. If soap and safe water are not available, provide an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing the product.

Feeding young children:

• Follow all food service guidelines for preparing and serving food within a disaster shelter. Contact your local health department with questions.
• Provide disposable feeding items, such as cups, dishes, and utensils to feed children.
• If families have access to safe water and supplies to clean reusable feeding items, ensure that they clean infant feeding items well after each use.
• Families should prepare table foods that are the right texture for the child's age and development. Foods may need to be mashed or chopped to feed young children safely.
• To help prevent choking in children just starting to eat solid foods, help families prepare foods that can be easily dissolved with saliva and do not require chewing. Encourage parents to feed their children slowly and in small portions and watch them while they eat.

After feeding young children

Make sure families:

• Use safe water and soap to clean bottles, nipples, cups, and other feeding supplies (if using non-disposable items).
• Place washed infant feeding items in a mesh bag to hang dry.
• Throw away any leftover food that cannot be stored safely.

What to feed young children

Offer nutrient-dense foods from each food group. Some examples include:

• Fruits: bananas, oranges, melons, and avocados.
• Vegetables: cooked carrots, peas, and beets.
• Grains: whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas.
• Proteins: soft, small pieces of beef, lamb, chicken, fish, and turkey.
• Dairy: pasteurized yogurts and cheeses.

Avoid foods with added sugars and foods higher in sodium.

Learn more

• Foods and Drinks for 6 to 24 Month Olds
• Feeding Your Child Safely During a Disaster
• How to Clean Infant Feeding Items During Emergencies
• Foods and Drinks to Encourage
• Foods and Drinks to Limit
• Proper Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk
• How to Prepare and Store Powdered Infant Formula During an Emergency