Tips for Moving With a Young Baby or Toddler
Moving with little ones can be tricky. However, you can manage the process with some careful preparation. Here are tips for relocating with babies or toddlers.
Handle Medical Needs
Visit your child’s pediatrician to be sure you’re up-to-date on all the shots and tests. Being up-to-date will give you a time cushion when you move into your new home.
Secure a pediatrician in your new location before your move, just in case your baby develops a fever right after the move.
Develop a Packing Strategy
Every task requires more time when you have a baby or toddler, so you’ll want to start packing as soon as possible. However, you also want to ensure that you avoid having boxes out that the baby could pull up on and injure themselves.
One strategy is to begin packing in rooms you can shut off from the baby. Another is to take time off to pack closer to your move date. A third strategy is to let the professional moving team pack for you. Often, the packing service adds little to your bill, especially when you consider the importance of your time.
Talk to Toddlers About the Move
Talk to your toddlers about the move. Be sure they understand that all of their stuff will go with you and that the whole family will stay together in the new home. Also, prepare them for the physical chaos of packing and the events of moving day. One way to do this is by reading stories from books about moving, such as New House, Same Underwear, the Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day, and Moving House.
Keep Routines the Same
Babies and toddlers thrive on routines. As much as possible, stick to the same feeding, sleeping, and waking schedules.
Pack a Necessities Box
Pack a moving emergency kit that includes the items you’ll need while traveling and immediately after arriving in your new home. Include items such as:
- Diaper bag items
- Their favorite toys
- Snacks and drinks
- Extra clothes
- Pajamas
- Formula
- Sheets for baby’s crib
Also, pack up your child’s room last and unpack it first at the new home.
Develop a Moving Day Strategy
Find someone to help with your children on Moving Day. They could go to a grandparent’s house or the home of a friend or neighbor until the truck is loaded and you’re ready to leave. If you can’t find anyone to help with your children, consider having one parent take the child with them to run last-minute errands while the other parent supervises the loading of the truck.
Stay Calm
Children pick up on the anxiety of the surrounding adults. Find ways to relax and stay calm yourself. Take a break, go to the park, listen to music, or enjoy a massage. Ask for and accept help and practice self-compassion.
Take Your Time Unpacking
A small child demands a lot of time and attention, especially during times of change. Take your time unpacking boxes and spend time with your little one. Consider having the movers unpack to free up your time to help you and your child adjust to your new home.
Let us help you manage your move with small children. Contact us today.
