Relocating with a baby can be tricky since it takes up a lot of time and energy – things that parents of young children already lack!
Worry not, even if you are juggling boxes and a crying baby. You can do many things to ensure a safe and smooth move with your little one. Millions of parents have successfully done it, and so can you! Follow our easy-to-follow tips below, and your moving day will be easier and less stressful.
1. Prepare your baby for the move. Help your baby process the upcoming changes by exposing them to moving supplies and paraphernalia. Younger babies can explore boxes and moving supplies, and infants can do tummy time on crinkly papers. You can even read moving-related books to older babies. These activities help them get used to the sights and sounds of boxes and packing.
2. Find the right timing to do your packing. Timing is crucial when preparing to relocate with a baby. Pack too early, and you would be living in a sea of packed boxes. You can also risk the boxes falling over and hurting your baby.
You would not want to pack at the last minute either. Instead, plan the timing wisely to save yourself some stress. It is tempting to pack away all the noisy toys and cluttered stuffed animals, but it is best to do it about a week before moving.
The last thing you would want to do when all the items are in boxes is go hunting through them to find your baby’s favorite toy, blanket, or pacifier. These things need to go into a separate box you would have to keep with you during the move. The items in the nursery should be the last thing to pack into your home.
3. Pack up the baby’s non-essentials first. These include things your baby will not need on the actual moving day. Extra toys, blankets, bedsheets, and clothes are several non-essential items.
4. Box up the baby essentials to take with you. These items are the ones you will need during moving day. If you are flying, most of these items should be checked in. Only choose some baby necessities to include in your carry-on. Make sure these items pass the TSA guidelines.
Here is a sample list of things baby essentials you might need during your trip:
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- Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Pack n’ play or Bouncy Seat or Highchair
- Clothing
- Favorite toys
- Security blanket
- Baby food, formula, or juice
- Breast pump and breastfeeding pillow if breastfeeding
- Bottles
- Sippy cups for older babies
- Extra pacifiers
- Baby blanket
- Stroller and carrier
- Bath items
- Extra bags for soiled clothing
- First aid kit and medications
- Car Seat
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5. Book your travel plans. If you are relocating far and planning a long drive, plan out pit stops in your itinerary. Take a break in family-friendly restaurants and parks. When you get too fussy cooped up in a car, this is great for your baby. These stops also allow for feedings and diaper changes. If you are booking hotels or inns along the way, check if they offer cribs and highchairs. Do not bring those bulky items in your car if those items are available.
If you plan on flying, book a non-stop flight, or choose a flight itinerary with a reasonable layover time. Do not forget to bring extra snacks and different activities for your baby! Check with your airline about their policies for car seats, strollers, and carriers to see which items to bring.
6. Reserve a ride with Kidmoto. It is overwhelming when you are already juggling around too many heavy things. Take away the hassle of carrying bulky items on your flight by booking a car service with car seats, like Kidmoto. It is simply unsafe to place your baby in a rental truck, even if traveling by land.
Kidmoto is an app-driven service that provides a car service with car seats. By undergoing proper training, Kidmoto’s drivers correctly install car seats, making moving day safe and hassle-free.
In a couple of steps, you can book a car service with car seats using the Kidmoto app. Just download that app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, fill in the details, and you are all set! Ditch the car seats to make your moving day better. With Kidmoto, relocating is easier for parents with fewer things on their hands.
7. Visit your baby’s pediatrician to check if your baby is up to date on vaccinations. Check for prescription refills or preventive care. Talk with the doctor about any travel concerns like possible allergies in the new location, travel sickness, or any eating and sleeping issues you may encounter. Last, get a copy of your baby’s health records and ask for recommendations for a pediatrician in your new city.
8. Hire childcare for moving day. Since moving day is a hectic day with several people going in and out of the house while carrying heavy things, it would be great to have someone keep a close eye on your baby. Ideally, offsite, ask a friend, relative, or babysitter to keep your baby away from the noise and commotion. If no one is available to look after your baby, designate an empty room where adults can take turns looking after your baby.
Plan to hire childcare for your arrival in your new home in advance. Even if you know no one there, you can search online for a babysitting service that does vetting and background checks.
9. Safely settle in your new home by babyproofing soon. Check for potential hazards and do the steps to make your new home safe for your baby. Installing safety gates, child locks, outlet covers, and anchoring heavy pieces of furniture are the top priorities.
10. Unpack your baby’s space first. Doing this will help your new home be more familiar to your baby. A constant routine is necessary for your baby’s health, so setting up the nursery first will help you be consistent. Unpacking your baby’s space first ensures a safe and quiet place for your baby while you are unpacking your things.
Follow these tips for an easy time during moving day. Take out all possible hassles and simplify much by following these strategies. Soon, your new place will turn into a safe and happy home for your baby. Good luck!
Breastfeeding Moms and Parents
Moving is one of the most stressful events that we can experience. And with a breastfed baby?? Forget about it. When my son was a week old, we were in a situation where were tried to find a new apartment. I do not recommend LOL but if your hands are tied and you must move, the following tips can help:
- Slow down and have skin to skin time to reconnect with baby especially after a busy day of apartment hunting.
- Pay attention to your baby’s hunger cues as not to miss a feeding.
- Avoid using a pacifier except when absolutely necessary. Baby can fall asleep and miss a feeding!
- Being aware that stress can cause a dip in milk supply helps to manage expectations.
- Keep pump chargers/batteries close at hand.
- Learn how to hand express if your pump unexpectedly dies or malfunctions.
- Wear your baby if at all possible. Chocolate Milk Café has excellent carrier support resources!
Featured Image photo credit: Texas Health