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.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/11.jpg)
Breastfeeding during an emergency
![Parents comforting baby on a train.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/3.jpg)
![Mom breastfeeding baby while grandmother watches.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/4.jpg)
![Mom breastfeeding her baby with a shield protecting her from germs.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/5.jpg)
![Mom breastfeeding her baby.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/6.jpg)
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.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/8.jpg)
![Mom talking to a healthcare provider while holding her baby.](/infant-feeding-emergencies-toolkit/media/images/9.jpg)