Moving with Baby

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

29 Jun 2006 07:33 AM

When it comes to moving your family from one house to another - it is difficult enough to manage, but when you are moving with a baby - it takes on a whole new twist. There's no one hundred percent full proof way to make the move easy, so it's important to keep the following tips in mind. Remember, babies enjoy their routine - a move disrupts their routine in a rude and abrupt fashion because there is very little way to 'prepare' baby for changing their environment and spending a day or three in upheaval.

Babies Under Six Months

Babies who are six months or younger are the least affected by a move except when it comes to sleeping arrangements. You should make it a priority to have the baby's room be one of the first set up. Don't be surprised if your baby has been sleeping in a crib that the first couple of nights in the new house it's hard for the baby to settle down in a new place.

If you are a co-sleeper, your baby is far less likely to be troubled by the change of environment because you will be there. Your baby will be comforted ultimately by you, you may have already noticed that they sleep far better at home than they do elsewhere. Try to maintain the routine as much as possible for both you anre your baby.

Babies 6 to 18 Months

Many people think it's harder to move with a baby who's walking, but from 6 to 18 months, your baby is sleeping a little bit less and is increasing their activity levels through crawling, learning to walk and in some cases walking. Moving can be traumatic on babies at this age, not to mention they are going to be underfoot.

Explore your options - try to introduce the new space to the baby a few times before the move. On the day of the move, make it exciting and then see if there is a family member, preferably one that knows them very well and that you are comfortable with, that can be on hand to look after them. If there isn't, discuss it with the other parent and elect which of you will be with the baby.

We moved in the summer months before my daughter turned 2 and we chose at that time that I would spend the day with her. I helped get the majority of the packing ready, but on the actual moving day, my daughter and I went to spend time at the park and at a restaurant before heading over to the new house where her room was the first part moved and reassembled.

Maintain Their Comfort Level

In between making sure the dishes are packed securely and safely, it's important to also make sure your baby is comfortable both physically and emotionally. Their primary sense of security comes from you. So if you can make moving day smooth and comfortable - you should and you need to maintain your own façade of calm and enjoyment. Baby takes their cues from you.

What advice can you offer to parents moving with a young baby?

Related Articles:

Home Closings

Ideas for Decorating a Nursery

The Military Move

Making a Big Move with Children

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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