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Make your Move as Smooth as a Baby's...
Tips for Moving with a Baby
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| Moving can be a stressful event, especially with small children in tow. Since approximately 20 percent of Americans who move are between birth and age 4, lots of little ones relocate with their families every year. Change can be unnerving, especially for small children, so plan ahead with the following tips from Mayflower to make the process as smooth and tantrum-free as possible. |
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Business as usual |
| When it comes to moving, infants are actually the least affected, as long as they are comfortable and their routines are relatively undisturbed. |
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Know when (and what) to say |
| Toddlers don't understand the difference between a month and a minute, so they only need to know that the family is moving soon. Reassure your young ones that they are moving with the family to calm fears of being left behind. |
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Involve your kids in the moving process |
| Keep your child around you as much as possible while preparations are being made so they feel engaged in the process. Let the child pack a few of his or her treasured possessions and assist in small ways to help strengthen feelings of security, sense of belonging and importance. |
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Like a Sunday drive |
| If you are driving by car, allow enough time for a leisurely trip from your old residence to the new. Just as adults need to stretch their legs during long road trips, babies need the chance to move around, too. Taking regular breaks also allows you to remain on schedule for feedings and to keep your child's routine as close to normal as possible. |
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Pack for the road |
- Safety-approved car seat
- Easy-prep food such as dry formula that does not need refrigeration
- Disposable diapers and a diaper bag
- Bottles of water, as abrupt changes in the water supply can cause some children to have an upset stomach
- Blankets
- Bottles with plastic throwaway liners, nipples and pacifiers
- Baby food, formula, fruit juice, water and a can opener
- Favorite cuddle toy
- Baby toiletries, such as wipes, powder, lotion, cotton balls
- First-aid kit with a thermometer, baby pain reliever and a small hot water bottle, which also can be used as an ice bag and other medications your pediatrician recommends
- Pre-moistened towelettes or paper towels, which are handy for “kids” of any age
- Collapsible stroller and a few additional favorite toys if you are traveling with a toddler.
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Make preparations to ensure successful ZZZZZ's |
| A good night's sleep is imperative to a baby's happiness. If you need to spend the night at a hotel, call ahead and request a baby crib or bring a portable pack-n-play. |
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Patience is a virtue |
| All parents know that patience is key in raising young children, but it is especially important during this time of change. Be tolerant of disturbing symptoms you may see in your child as a result of the change in environment and give your kids a little extra attention. |
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Get help |
| Using a professional moving company can greatly minimize your responsibilites, so you can devote more time to your children. You may also want to hire a babysitter on the day of move-in, so you can focus on the move. If you don't know anyone at the new residence to hire as a babysitter, have one parent or adult in charge of the children and another parent or adult in charge of the move. |
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Clear the area |
| Toddlers can get underfoot in a busy moving atmosphere, so try to have them in an area away from the movers. Choose a room that the movers won't be going into or go play in the backyard or a park until the move-in is complete. |
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