Tips for moving with a baby?
Moving with a Baby: Practical Advice
Moving house can be a demanding process, and the presence of a baby introduces additional considerations. Careful planning and preparation are essential to ensure the move is as smooth and comfortable as possible for the entire family.
Early Preparation and Planning
Beginning the moving preparations well in advance is highly recommended when a baby is involved. Planning should ideally commence 8–12 weeks before the moving date. This allows for tasks to be spread out, reducing the need for intensive activity closer to the move. Creating a detailed moving checklist can help manage the numerous tasks.
- Delegate Tasks: Where possible, assign packing, sorting, and cleaning tasks to other family members or engage professional services.
- Childcare Arrangement: Consider arranging temporary childcare for the baby on moving day. Having a relative or trusted friend look after the baby away from the property can significantly ease logistics and ensure the baby's routine is less disrupted.
- Communicate with Professionals: Inform your removal company or man and van service that a baby will be part of the move. This allows them to understand specific timings, such as needing the baby's cot packed last and delivered first.
The Baby's Essentials Box
A dedicated 'essentials box' or bag for the baby is crucial. This should remain with the parents and not be loaded onto the removals lorry. It contains everything needed for immediate use upon arrival and during the moving day itself.
- Daily Necessities: Nappies, wipes, nappy cream, a changing mat, feeding bottles, formula or baby food, bibs, and sterilising equipment.
- Comfort Items: Favourite toys, comforters, blankets, and dummy.
- Clothing: Several changes of clothes for the baby, and perhaps a spare top for the parent.
- First Aid & Medicine: Any prescribed medications, pain relief suitable for babies, and a basic first aid kit.
- Sleep: A portable cot or bassinet, along with a clean sheet, if the baby will need to nap at the new property before their main cot is assembled.
On Moving Day
The actual moving day is often the most intense part. Maintaining a calm environment and adhering to the baby's routine as much as possible is beneficial.
- Dedicated Carer: If childcare away from the property is not feasible, ensure one adult is solely responsible for the baby throughout the day. This individual should avoid packing or directing movers.
- Safe Zone: Designate a safe, clear room at the current property where the baby can stay. This room should be packed last and cleared first, ensuring it remains free from hazards.
- Snacks and Feeds: Keep a plentiful supply of snacks and drinks for older babies, and ensure feeding times are maintained as consistently as possible.
- Flexibility: Understand that delays can occur. Remaining flexible and prepared for minor changes to the schedule will reduce frustration.
Settling into the New Home
Upon arrival at the new property, prioritising the baby's needs helps everyone adjust more quickly.
- Baby's Room First: The baby's bedroom should be among the first rooms to unpack. Assemble the cot and set up a familiar sleeping environment as soon as possible. This provides a sanctuary for the baby and a clear area for parents.
- Immediate Childproofing: Before the baby is allowed to explore, identify and address immediate hazards. It is wise to plan how to childproof the new home thoroughly in the weeks following the move, but focus on the most critical areas first, such as plug sockets and securing tall furniture.
- Maintain Routine: Re-establish the baby's feeding and sleeping routines quickly. Familiarity helps reduce anxiety in a new environment.
- Explore Gradually: Allow the baby to explore the new surroundings in stages, supervised. Introduce new rooms and spaces gently.
- Unpack Gradually: Avoid the pressure to unpack everything at once. Focus on the essentials first, particularly those related to the baby's comfort and care.