You’ve got your hands full, literally. You’re holding your baby---lifting, changing, feeding, cuddling---and packing boxes at the same time.
There’s no getting around it. Moving with a baby is a lot of work. It can be done, though---safely and without tearing your hair out. Read on for how to make your move as stress-free as possible for you and your baby.
Start with a Moving Checklist
Some of us are skilled at planning and sticking to schedule, and some of us…..not so much. Luckily, even the disorganized among us can copy from other people to keep ourselves on track.
Take advantage of digital and printable moving checklists to help in the weeks ahead of moving. This
checklist maps out what to do in the eight weeks ahead of your move. Why spend time creating a giant to-do list, when someone else has already done it
and scheduled it out for you?
Having this type of checklist means you don’t have to juggle 500 moving-related tasks in your head. You’ll feel a lot less stressed and be able to focus on other things, including enjoying your baby.
Pack Baby’s Things Last
Moving is disruptive for everyone. We all get a little cranky when our surroundings are out of whack, and the same is true for your little ones. With that in mind, plan your packing schedule around your child’s sleep and play areas.
When you’re packing up, hold off on these items as long as possible:
- Bassinet or crib
- Pack-and-play
- Bouncy seat
- Baby swing
- Activity centers (stationary ones, not ones with wheels)
You know your baby best. Some babies won’t even fall asleep in their crib, but will sack out in their pack-and-play. In that case, take the crib apart and keep that pack-and-play handy!
On the flip side, when you get to your new place, unpack and reassemble all your baby’s things as soon as you can. In the days to come, you’ll be plenty busy unpacking. You need safe spots, like a baby swing or bouncy seat, where your baby can be entertained for a few minutes. Or maybe even fall asleep—those swings are pure magic!
Keep Your Diaper Bag Stocked
A few weeks before your move, be sure to stock up on baby supplies. Then, grab that extra diaper bag that you don’t normally use. This is your back-up bag that you’ll keep with you when you travel to your new home. Pack the extra bag with:
- Diapers-enough for several days
- Baby wipes
- Extra receiving blankets or swaddlers
- Bottles
- Nursing bra and nursing pads
- Toys
- Changing pad
- Pacifiers
- Diaper rash cream
- Plastic bags for dirty diapers or clothes
Once the extra diaper bag is full, set it aside. Use your regular bag as long as possible. Dig into your back-up only when your regular supply of baby stuff is packed away—no more than a day or two before moving day. That way, when you get to your new place, all you have to find is the extra diaper bag you’ve kept with you. With a fully stocked backup, you won’t be running to the store for baby wipes during those first exhausting days of moving.
Keeping Your Baby Safe During Your Move
When it comes to your baby, safety is always first. With that in mind, you want to keep your baby away from the action. People will be moving boxes and heavy furniture around corners and up and down stairways. You don’t want your little one anywhere near that.
Have someone you trust watch your baby while the move is happening. You could have that person stay with you or take the baby to their house while the move is in progress. Either way, another pair of hands on moving day will help keep your baby safe.
Some parents love “wearing” their baby in a baby carrier or baby wrap. And some babies aren’t happy unless someone is wearing them! On moving day, don’t let the wearer be you, unless you can stay far away from the hustle and bustle. As any experienced baby wearer can attest, it’s sometimes easy to forget you have a passenger when you get caught up in your tasks. Moving day isn’t the day for that to happen.
Baby-Proof Your New House
Like millions of parents before you, you probably
baby-proofed your home before your little bundle arrive. It’s time to do it again in your new house. Make sure to check on the following and install safety guards as needed:
- Baby gates/stairs
- Windows
- Outlet covers/exposed wires
- Sharp corners on furniture
- Cabinet latches and locks
- Cleaners and chemicals/medicines
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarm
Don’t forget about
securing furniture to the walls. Young children can be
seriously injured by furniture that tips over. Talk with your movers ahead of time about your needs in this area.
Finally, get down and do the infamous baby-proofing crawl. Pop down on all fours and crawl around to see things from a baby’s-eye view. What could a baby grab that they shouldn’t? What’s loose? Find what’s tempting and unsafe and move it out of baby’s reach.
Want to leave the moving to someone else? Contact us or schedule a virtual survey to see how we can help.
