How to Manage Moving Stress with a Newborn
If you’re moving, it’s a big change. A baby addition to this process can be overwhelming. Babies have special needs and demand attention all the time. That is why it may be hard to take care of a baby and organize and perform the move at the same time. On the other hand, with great preparation and some really helpful tips, you can make this process a bit easier and less stressful for everyone in the family.
Pack a Baby Essentials Kit
On the moving day, you might not get everything right away, so it is necessary to prepare a kit of essentials for the baby- all the things you may need to tend to him/her. Put in diapers, wipes, formula or breast pump, extra change of clothes, comforters, and toys, anything your baby may require to be taken care of on a daily basis.
Pack enough in supplies for two days, in case there is a delay in unpacking or otherwise getting set up in your new home. Bring along a portable crib or playpen where your child can take naps and sleep at night during this transitional time.
Hire Help If Possible
Moving with a baby means extra hands are needed, and it is not that easy to handle everything yourself. If your budget allows it, look for professional movers to handle the heavy lifting and transport of your belongings so you can free up some time and energy for your baby’s needs.
Consider hiring a moving company with experience in family moves and good customer reviews. It is always a plus if they are reliable, insured, and can arrive on time. Let them know about your timeline, special needs, and ask if they provide full-service moving, packing, unpacking, or specialty moves such as cribs or playpens. A good moving company will let you head into your new life with far less stress.
Keep Baby’s Routine Intact
Babies have a set routine they like to work by; try to keep your baby on schedule as much as possible. This would include keeping regular nap times, feeding times, and times for sleep, even on the day of moving.
Where moving disrupts patterns, keeping your baby on a routine they’re used to is an important way to avoid stress and prevent meltdowns. Plan a trip around your baby’s nap or bedtime to minimize the disruption associated with long-distance traveling.
Baby-Proof the New Home Before the Move
Safety-proof the new home before the moving-in day: cover the outlets, pad sharp edges, and put hazardous materials out of reach. This way, from the very beginning, the new home will be safe for your baby.
If possible, set up your baby’s nursery or sleeping area before moving in. That way, he’ll immediately have a comfortable place to sleep in a new environment. Having the crib, bedding, and favorite toys ready to go will help your baby transition into the new place more smoothly.
Wear a Baby Carrier on Moving Day
On moving days, you’re going to be busy packing and loading boxes while coordinating logistics, so a baby can be quite hard to keep an eye on. In this situation, this is when a baby carrier saves your skin. Wearing your baby in a carrier or sling keeps them near you and might comfort them because they can easily get overstimulated with all that chaos.
Second, the baby carrier frees up both hands for ease of mobility and comfort in performing tasks. Of course, take the time to break frequently to feed and change your baby and to comfort them when needed.
Childcare on Moving Day
If at all possible, line up someone to care for your baby on moving day. Whether it is through a trusted friend, a family member, or a babysitter, a calm atmosphere away from the chaos can only help your little one. This will free you up for sure to get everything packed and loaded without having to worry about immediate needs for your baby.
Otherwise, if you have a trusted provider, consider taking your baby to a daycare center for the day. It will minimize stress for you and your baby because your infant will be in an environment with which they are familiar and thus more calm while you attend to the moving.
Ease into Your New Place
After arriving at your new home, take some time to settle in. First, unpack only the essentials and put your priority into making it safe for the baby and comfortable. Go room by room, first the nursery or sleeping area of your baby, then go through the rest of the stuff gradually.
Remember, babies also experience moving as a great change. Give time to your infant to get used to this new environment. During the first days in your new home, just like any other big change, spend more time comforting and soothing to help them feel secure.
Conclusion
Moving with a baby can be daunting; however, it can also be pretty smooth and workable with proper planning and being prepared in advance. If you start early, maintain your baby’s routine, and make sure in every respect their safety and comfort are catered for in the move, it will be less challenging for both you and your little one. Follow these tips, and you will be fully ready to go through your move while keeping your little bundle of joy happy and stress-free.
