for decorative images

7 Tips for Moving With a Baby

Jon Fesmire | November 14, 2019 @ 2:00 AM

All parents know how much work it is taking care of a baby under normal circumstances, so when you have to move with an infant, life can get incredibly stressful. Previously, we covered how to move with kids. Here are some tips for how to move with babies. They can help you lower your stress, ensure your baby’s comfort, and help you achieve a safe move for everyone.

Stick to Your Baby’s Routine

While your baby may wake up at random times during the night and want to be fed at unexpected times during the day, they still need a routine. You’ll have certain regular feeding times, put them down for a nap at the same time every day, and put them to bed at the same time every night.

Take Time Packing

If you plan to pack all at once, you will mess up your baby’s routine as well as your own. Instead, start a good eight weeks or more in advance. Use sturdy boxes and the right packing materials, of course, but think like a parent.

Do a little packing when your baby goes down for a nap, or a bit at night after they fall asleep. Don’t exhaust yourself. You’re already doing that taking care of your baby’s nighttime needs! Think slow and steady here.

Get Medical Records

If you’re moving locally and staying with your child’s pediatrician, you won’t need to do this. For longer moves, talk to the pediatrician before the move and get copies of your baby’s medical records. Once you’ve moved into your new place, provide them to your baby’s new doctor.

Prepare a Baby Bag

After everything is packed, prepare a baby bag. This should contain diapers, wipes, baby food, toys, blankets, pacifiers, baby powder, and so on. This will go in your car, not in the moving truck.

Other things to bring in the car that may not be in the diaper bag include extra clothes and pajamas for your baby, formula, a breast pump and cooler for breastmilk or formula, bottles or baby cups, the stroller and baby carrier, your child’s bath items, bags for your baby’s laundry, a thermometer and a first aid kit, and bags to keep dirty diapers in until you get somewhere you can throw them away.

And, of course, don’t forget your baby’s car seat!

Get Childcare

On moving day, while your belongings are getting packed into the moving truck and car, get someone to watch your baby or toddler. All the commotion may cause your baby distress, and that can be avoided. Getting a babysitter, family member or friend to take care of them will help things go more smoothly for everyone.

Stop When You Need To

Driving long distance with a baby means stopping when you need to attend to your child’s needs. When your baby is crying, whether they need a change of diaper or a feeding, find an exit or rest stop and give them your full attention.

Set Up the Nursery First

You may have a full room for a nursery, or it may take up part of your bedroom. Either way, set this area up first! Assemble the crib, set up the changing table and so on. This way your baby will have a place to sleep while you and your helpers bring things in. Just like when you were packing the truck, you or your partner may want to take your baby out for a bit while the truck gets unloaded. But with the nursery all set up, you’ll have a safe place for your child over the next several weeks as you unpack the rest of your home.

Find storage near me

Recommended locations