Moving with a Baby: Top Tips for a Smooth Relocation

Moving to a new home is an exciting time for your whole family, especially if you’ve recently welcomed a new baby into your life. Moving with a baby can be challenging, whether you’re heading out of state or simply going to a new house on the other side of town. Either way, it’s completely doable with a bit of thorough preparation, and you’ve come to the right place to find it.

Learn how to prepare your baby for the big move with these tips from Easy Donation Pickup.

How To Prepare Your Baby for a Move

Moving can be stressful, even without the little ones in the picture. When you add a baby to the mix, you may ask yourself the following:

• How do I prepare my baby for the long car trip to our new home?
• Will the chaos of packing set off a tantrum?
• How can I keep my baby safe during the moving process?

These are all important questions to consider, and we take them just as seriously as you do. Here’s how to move with a baby while keeping the process as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Every parent knows babies thrive on routine, doing best with a consistent schedule of feedings, naps, playtime, and bedtime.

When you’re in the process of moving, one of the most important strategies is to do everything you can to stick to the routine you’ve established. We know you’re busy, and maintaining a routine can be tough, but don’t let that be an excuse to skip it.

Pack Familiar Items Last

Babies feel comforted when they’re surrounded by favorite and familiar things. Ensure you don’t pack their favorite toy at the bottom of a box! When your infant is screaming for their teddy bear, digging through piles of already-packed boxes is likely the last thing you want to do.

Packing non-essential items first and things familiar to your baby last is smart. Go ahead and pack up your dishes, books, and gardening supplies early on. Save packing your baby’s favorite things for moving day.

Introduce Moving-Related Changes Gradually

Going straight to a new home can be a big shock for babies. Your old house has been the only home they’ve known for months.

Make the transition easier on your baby by gradually introducing moving-related changes. Try setting out boxes and talking to your baby about each item as you pack it away. If your baby is approaching the toddler stage, you may want to consider letting them help you pack a few things.

If possible, take your baby to visit the new home a few times before moving in. This helps them better acclimate to the new environment.

Take Familiar Furniture

Your baby will start to recognize the furniture, such as rocking chairs, tables, and dressers when they’re just a few months old. Filling their new nursery with that furniture can make it easier for them to get used to their new room.

When Is the Best Time To Move With a Baby?

Finding the best time to move with a baby is a bit of a balancing act. Moving with a newborn can be tough on you and the baby, depending on their temperament. Newborn babies need near-constant attention, typically don’t sleep through the night, and may cry for no apparent reason. They are also unpredictable, which can cause serious headaches for you during the move.

The older your baby is, the more acclimated they’ll become to their surroundings, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. If your baby is old enough to recognize their environment, suddenly switching to a new home could be rather jarring.

The best time to move with a baby is when they’re around six months old. That’s long enough to settle into a predictable routine, helping you keep things stable during and after the move.

How Can You Ensure Your Baby’s Safety During the Move?

During the excitement of a move, it’s easy to overlook certain things that could spell trouble for your baby. Keep your little one out of harm’s way with these tips.

Baby-Proof the New Home

If possible, baby-proof your new home in advance. If that’s not doable, get it done as soon as possible. Baby-proofing includes:

• Covering electrical outlets
• Securing furniture so the baby can’t pull it over
• Removing small objects that can be choking hazards
• Stashing sharp objects in a drawer out of baby’s reach

Keep Them Away From the Chaos

Preparing for a move can be chaotic, no matter how organized you are. To keep your baby safe, consider packing while they’re napping so they don’t get underfoot. Family and friends may also be willing to watch your baby during the move.

Use a Baby Carrier or a Playpen

Babies tend to crawl wherever they can, which can be dangerous during the hustle and bustle of moving. To protect your baby while involving them in the process, secure them in a car seat, baby carrier, or playpen. Don’t forget to give them a few toys to keep them occupied.

Be Cautious With Packing Materials

Packing materials might seem like fun toys to a baby, but many such materials pose a serious safety hazard. Bubble wrap can suffocate an infant, and eating just one packing peanut can cause them to choke. Heavy boxes could tip over and seriously injure your baby if they land on them.

Play it safe by keeping all packing materials out of your baby’s reach.

Hiring Professional Movers or Seeking Help

Moving with a baby on your own can feel as insurmountable as climbing Mt. Everest. If you can swing the cost, it’s smart to hire a professional moving team to share the load.

Movers will pack everything and deliver it straight to your new home, saving you hours or even days of moving prep. That gives you more time to prepare your baby for the move.

If a professional moving company is beyond your budget, ask your friends and family whether they’d be willing to lend a hand. Most people will jump at the chance to help new parents. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for your baby to bond with the people he or she loves.

How Can You Help Your Baby Settle Into a New Routine in the New Home?

If you’ve already established a predictable routine for your baby, be sure to stick with it at the new home. Keep feeding times, nap times, and bedtimes the same as they were at your old house.

Giving your baby something exciting to look forward to every day is also a good idea. Try taking your baby for a walk around the new city or sitting on the porch with them while you watch the neighbors pass by. Reading a book with your baby before bedtime may help them relax and get used to their new room.

Clear Out Your Closet Before the Move With Easy Donation Pickup

Do you have a closet or bedroom packed with stuff you no longer need? At Easy Donation Pickup, we say, out with the old, in with the new! We offer free pickups for your unwanted goods in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

Just pack your donations in boxes or bags and place them on your doorstep. When you’re moving with a baby, that’s far more convenient than making the trip to your local donation center.

You can request a pickup online or call (855) 628-8387 to schedule a pickup today.