Moving is challenging and stressful. Packing your entire home, lifting heavy furniture, and coordinating movers, contractors, and utilities are just some of the many things you have on your to-do list. Add an infant into the mix and things can get downright chaotic. Bekins Moving Solutions has helped many parents get settled in their new homes with sanity still intact. We are happy to share with our best-kept secrets for moving with an infant.
Designate a Baby Space
Before you begin packing, choose a corner of your home to be for the baby. In that corner, keep all necessary daily items such as a swing, toys, blankets, clothing and spare feeding equipment. Leave this corner last to pack and load this corner last. That way baby’s things are the first to come off the truck when you arrive at your new home.
Make Your Home Safe During Moving
While many parents spend hours baby proofing their home, moving can completely change the layout of your house. It is important that you keep safety in mind even when packing and unpacking. Do not stack boxes that baby could climb on or pull down on themselves. Anchor furniture as soon as possible to prevent tipping. Keep sharp or small objects away from the baby. When you keep safety in the forefront of your mind, you can make the right choices to keep everyone safe.
Pack an Infant Emergency Bag
Whether you are moving long-distance or just moving locally, having everything you need on-hand is necessary with an infant. Choose a larger diaper bag (or even a large storage Tupperware container will do) and pack it full of infant essentials. Some items you will want to include:
- Diapers (estimate 1 per hour)
- Full pack of wipes
- Diaper cream
- Two changes of clothing
- Extra pacifier
- Extra formula
- Small insulated lunch bag to store breast milk
- One thin blanket
- One thick blanket
- A few favorite toys
- Snacks (if applicable)
- Portable bottle warmer
- Paper with new pediatrician’s contact information
Add anything that is unique to your infant and make sure to bring enough toys to be entertained during your trip.
Use a Carrier
Bulky strollers are just hard to maneuver around and become a pain during a move. Instead, carry your infant in either a harnessed carrier or wrap. This will allow you to pack and unpack while also being close and able to soothe your infant. Many people use their infant car seat to carry and transport their baby, especially when they are sleeping. While it may be tempting to leave them in the car seat to snooze, it can be incredibly dangerous. Infants don’t have the neck control to keep their heads upright. In a car seat, an infant can cut off their air supply by positioning their head forward. In a wrap or baby carrier, you can support their head and neck adequately to prevent tragic accidents.
Plan for the Worst Case Scenario
When moving with an infant, it is necessary always to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Before making your way to your new destination, find a local hospital and choose a new pediatrician. If your baby gets sick during the move, knowing where to go will relieve a lot of stress and panic.
While moving with an infant can be hard, it is much easier when you have the help of a professional mover. Call Bekins Moving Solutions at (877) 594-1187 today!
