If you thought moving was a challenge, introducing a baby or toddler into the equation is enough to make you want to quit.
As with all things related to moving however, the key lies in good preparation. Moving with toddlers in particular can be subject to a lot of dynamics, as children this age can be quite a handful.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure the move goes ahead without too much drama.
Assuming you’ve already identified a good moving and storage company to help you with the move (if you are using a moving company, that is), here are five tips you need to know when moving with a newborn and/or toddler in tow.
1. Prepare them for the move
It’s easy to downplay the issue and think they’re just kids, but don’t underestimate the importance of prepping your children for the upcoming move.
Babies care about food, love and care from their parents, and they’ll probably move without a fuss once these needs have been met. It’s important though to remain calm during the process (time to start practising on that deep breathing!) as babies can pick up on stress from their parents.
Toddlers can be a little sensitive as they’re at an age when they can perceive all that’s happening around the house.
Preparing them for the relocation starts by breaking the news to them well in advance of the move. Avoid waiting until the last minute. Discuss it with them (not simply by stating that it’s happening), and make it sound like an exciting adventure.
2. Visit the pediatrician
Before the move, it’s important to visit your child’s pediatrician to have them get a full check up and be given a clean bill of health to travel.
A visit to the doctor is also an opportune time to discuss your children’s vaccinations and request your child’s medical records. The pediatrician can transfer these records to their counterpart in your new city or share any referral contacts they might have.
If you’re anxious about traveling with your baby, the doctor should also be able to give you tips on how best to travel with a newborn.
3. Stick to the schedule
Babies and toddlers are no different from pets; they love a good routine.
It’s not easy to keep a consistent routine during a move, but when it comes to feeding and sleeping (including when they nap), aim to keep your little one’s schedule as normal as possible.
This gives them the sense of security that’s needed during this stressful period, while also helping you maintain your own sanity.
4. Baby-proof your new home
Soon as you move into your new home, it’s important to baby-proof it to ensure it’s safe for a child.
That means doing a thorough clean-up before moving in; getting rid of any potentially dangerous packing materials; covering electrical outlets; using child-resistant locks on drawers holding hazards like knives, lighters and cleaning products; and so on.
Toddlers can be a curious lot as you well know, and moving to a new home is open season for them to embark on an exploration tour.
5. Allow their angst
However exciting the move may be, children can sometimes have a hard time letting go, more so if they had formed a bond with the person or thing they’re leaving behind: a grandparent, for example, nanny, or even the home itself.
If you have a toddler who’s feeling the loss, allow them time to grieve. No one says it will be easy, but at some point they’ll come around.
Kids accept things at their own pace, but experts say it should generally take at least 6 months until they’re fully adjusted to their new surroundings.
6. Ensure they feel safe in their new surroundings
Children, like adults, often equate familiarity with security. Moving away from the home they’ve known all their life can be a make them feel nervous. One way to make sure that they feel safe and secure in their new home is to hire a locksmith (this is a good idea in new homes anyway).
A friend of mine moved to Yorkshire and hired the best locksmith Doncaster had to offer. His little girl was worried that the previous owners might still have spare keys they could use to enter. She’d struggled to sleep since moving because of this, so he made sure she was around to see the new locks fitted. This instantly calmed any uncertainty she had about the new house, leaving her able to sleep easy once more.