Moving with a baby might be a daunting prospect but it can be done, and many people do it successfully every day without losing their wits! Here are some helpful hints on how to plan logistically, like a military operation to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Talk about the move
If you have a toddler, tell them all about what’s happening. Small children often understand and pick up on much more than we give them credit for. Talking to them will help them to know what to expect and put them at ease. Use simple vocabulary and make the whole move sound like an adventure or something fun. For Houses for sale in Cheltenham, visit http://www.completepropertygroup.co.uk/ Maybe find a book about moving aimed at young children to help them understand the process. For smaller babies, try not to stress too much as they will pick up on this and it could make them extra tetchy when you could do without it.
Make lists
List-making will be your saviour and help you avoid wasting time hunting for things. Pack non-essential baby things and mark the box ‘nursery’ so you can immediately find what you need. Pack these baby items last which will make it easier to pick out what you need for the actual moving day.
Essential items should be placed in separate bags and put to one side for carrying with you on the day of the move. Some items you might want to include are:
- Nappies
- Baby wipes
- Clothing
- High chair or bouncy chair
- Blankets and a few favourite toys
- Breast pump (if applicable)
- Formula or food/juice
- Snacks
- Toddler cup
- Bottles and steriliser
- Spare dummy
- Blanket
- Pushchair and carrier
- Car seat
- Any medications
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll have your hands full with the baby and the move so ask for help from babysitters, relatives or friends. How much help you need will depend on your child’s age. A newborn who sleeps through most of the day will be easier to keep an eye on than a lively toddler who wants to get into everything. Hiring professional movers can also help you to focus on your baby and maintain a normal routine.
Maintaining a regular routine is important for your baby. It won’t be easy to stick to the normal routine, but a level of consistency will benefit both of you. A routine will help your child feel secure, which is really important during a move.
Don’t forget the importance of baby-proofing your new home. Packing materials should be disposed of as soon as possible and it’s a good idea to give the new place a thorough clean before little fingers start touching everything. Some important baby-proofing actions include:
- Child-resistant locks on drawers
- Safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs
- Tidy away small items that could be a choking hazard
- Secure windows
- Install smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide alarms for the safety of everyone
- Remove any hanging chords from blinds or curtains and cover electrical sockets with guards