8 Tips for Moving with a Baby

With peak moving season right around the corner, many of the thousands of Americans moving between April and September will also have a little mover with them as well. Although moving is challenging enough, having to juggle moving boxes and a crying baby can be especially difficult. However, if countless other parents can manage moving with a baby (without completely losing their minds), so can you!

To ensure a successful moving experience, planning ahead and taking simple steps are going to be the key. We also recommend establishing all of the relocation logistics and baby proofing details as early as possible. However, before you start packing up and getting ready for your upcoming move, we’ve listed these tips below to help ease the stress of moving with a baby, or even a small child. That way, you can truly enjoy the transition and have much less to worry about!

1. Stick to a Routine

When it comes to raising a baby, consistency is absolutely crucial. Babies both love and need a routine. Therefore, you should try your absolute best to not let your long list of moving to-dos and packing get in the way of the daily routine you’ve already established. Although sticking to your strict feeding and napping schedule won’t be an easy task, try to adhere as closely to the normal routine as possible during the move.

Instead of staying up all night to pack up your whole house, spread the packing process out over an extended period of time. Take advantage of the baby’s nap times and early bedtime to tackle packing in pieces. It’s not only babies that need their sleep, you do too!

The consistency of a routine gives your baby a much-needed sense of security and comfort, which is essential during any times of change – especially a stressful moving process. Not to mention, sticking to a schedule will also help you as a parent stay, relatively, sane.

1. Create a Moving Calendar

To help simplify your move, it’s always a great idea to plan it out. For best results, start the moving process at least 8 weeks out from your moving date. Check out our Comprehensive Moving Checklist to help you draft up your calendar and ensure that nothing is missed. Spreading out your moving over 8 weeks allows you to tackle the massive endeavor day-by-day, while still sticking to your baby’s regular daily routine. Not to mention, you also get the satisfaction of checking things off your list when they’re complete!

1. Consult with Your Pediatrician

As I’m sure you’re already aware of by now, your pediatrician is an excellent resource. If your move is long-distance, ask them for some tips on how to keep your baby happy during a long car ride or on a place. Schedule a final appointment with your pediatrician to ensure that your baby is healthy and all vaccinations are up-to-date.

Also, use this time to collect copies of medical records and prescriptions, and ask for recommendations on finding a new pediatrician for your baby in your new location. It’s always recommended to set up a meet and greet with the new doctor as soon as you move.

1. Discuss the Move

While it may sound silly, you should talk to your small child about the upcoming move. Of course, if you have a newborn baby this won’t be necessary. However, if you have an older baby or toddler, you’d be surprised how much they understand. Talking to them about the move will help them know what to expect and help to put them at ease.

When speaking with your toddler or small child about the move, use simple vocabulary and make the move sound like an exciting adventure. There are a number of children’s books you can read to them that explain moving, such as “The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day” or “My New Home.”

Again, if you have a newborn this tip simply doesn’t apply. However, remaining calm during the moving process can go a long way at keeping your newborn at ease, as children are very keen at picking up on the stressful emotions of their parents.

1. Strategize the Packing Process

Along with creating a moving calendar, it’s highly advisable that you make lists for strategizing the moving packing process. For example, break up packing into two categories: the non-essentials and the baby essentials. Start by boxing up all the non-essentials first, such as extra toys, clothes, blankets, and anything else that you won’t need on moving day, or in the few days that follow. You’ll be able to avoid a lot of wasted time hunting for toys and pacifiers if you separate the essentials from the non-essentials.

Once all the non-essentials are packed up, collect all of the essentials into one or two separate bags or boxes. This should include any items that you need to take with you and keep on hand during the moving process. Your baby essential belongings may include any of the following:

• Wipes
• Diapers
• Pacifiers and extras
• Clothing and pajamas
• A high chair, pack n’ play, or bouncy seat to keep the baby contained for a short amount of time
• Favorite toys
• Favorite blanket or stuffed animal
• Snacks
• Sippy cups
• Formula, juice and/or food
• Breast pump and all the breast-feeding essentials
• Bathing items
• Bottles and extras
• Car seat
• Stroller and carrier
• Any medications needed
• First aid kit and thermometer
• Blanket
• Extra bags for dirty diapers and clothes

Quick Tip: When you move into your new home, the baby’s nursery should be the first thing you unpack. This ensures that the child has a calm and consistent space that helps ease the transition into their new surroundings.

1. Use Childcare

On the actual day of your move, when boxes and furniture are being shuffled around, it’s best for your little ones to be nowhere in sight. We highly recommend enlisting the help of a babysitter, family member or trusted friend to take care of your baby while you’re moving. Whether they do so at your old home, your new one, or somewhere off-site, you don’t want rambunctious toddlers getting in the way of the moving process.

You also may want to consider using childcare in the days leading up to your moving day. That way, you can check more things off of your moving calendar and make sure that everything is ready for the big day. If you don’t’ have someone in mind, there are a number of excellent online resources to help you find quality and qualified childcare in your area.

1. Baby Proof the New Home

Last, but certainly not least, is to baby-proof your new home as soon as you can. Make sure that any potentially dangerous packing materials are removed and the space is cleaned extensively before you move your baby in. Here are just some of the steps you should take to make sure that your home is safe and baby-proof:

• Install child resistant locks on drawers that contain hazardous items.
• Use safety gates to block stairways and other dangerous areas.
• Secure furniture to avoid possible tip-overs.
• Use window guards to secure the windows shut.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure the batteries are switched out once a year.
• Cover electrical outlets with outlet covers.
• Keep the crib away from possible choking hazards, such as the chords on blinds.

1. Enlist the Help of Professional Movers

One of the best ways to make moving with a baby a smooth and easy experience is to hire professional movers to assist you. Enlisting the help of movers will save you loads of time, and will also make it much easier to stick to your baby’s daily feeding, napping, and playing routine.

If you’re in need of professional movers, look no further than Three Movers for the job. Allow us to ease the transition for both you and your small child. Contact us today to schedule your free, moving estimate and find out how you could save up to 20% when you move with us!