Moving Insanity: Moving with a Baby 101

The first year of parenthood may be one of the most challenging human experiences. While babies look glamorous from a distance, we who have had them know the truth about these cute, stinky, vomiting and demanding little precious monsters. Your life becomes centered around the baby's every whim and need unless you are one of the fortunate who have family, friends or a sitter that will allow you to take a nap for a couple of hours. Even with that help, those short breaks are usually dedicated to much needed sleep, not actually getting much done. 

So when for some reason you need to move with a baby, it can be a bit tricky to say the least. If there is anytime you could afford to get a mover, now is the time. Obviously this is not an option for all of us, but you should at least do some pricing around to see if there is anyway that you can spring for it. 

With lack of sleep,time and no sanity to spare, moving is going to be very difficult with your baby. You are parent though, so we aren't confident that you'll be able to handle this. Here are some tips to help you get through the ordeal. 

1) Stay Calm. Babies can pick up on when adults are stressed. Moving is something that stresses about 99.9% of adults out, but try not to show it around the baby. 

2) Keep a schedule. We all know that babies are ticking little clocks when it comes to naps, feeding and the like. Try to build your moving schedule around the baby's regular schedule if at all possible. 

3) Get a sitter. While not strictly necessary, it can be infinitely helpful to have someone watch the baby while moving.

4) Don't wait to pack the baby stuff. You may be tempted to not pack some of the baby stuff till the very end. Think about it though, a lot of stuff can get packed pretty early on to get it out of the way. 

5) Start packing everything you can, as soon as you can. Anything that can be packed, should be packed as soon as possible. This tip is helpful for any move, but can especially come in handy when dealing with a baby and a move. 

6) Move a short-distance if at all possible. While most of us do not have a choice about how far or close we move, the shorter the distance the easier it will be on you at anytime. 

7) Find doctors, hospitals etc. If you are moving far or just to another town, make sure you know some of the hospitals and doctors in the area and on the route. This way, god forbid, any emergencies come up you will know exactly where you need to go or who you need to call. 

8) Bring baby supplies for long-distance moves. The worst part about long-distance moves with a baby is that you will be dealing with transportation via plane, car, hotels, etc with a baby. This is absolutely no fun. Take everything with you that you will need, and also take stuff you will need on arrival if possible. Moving companies can be late, and can leave us unfortunately unarmed for having a baby when we first arrive to our new homes. Include clothes, blankets, food, a safety-approved car seat, toys, bottles, pacifiers, formula, wipes, lotion, powder, cotton balls, first-aid kit, collapsible stroller, sling and anything else you use regularly.

9. On an airplane. Dealing with TSA with pre-pumped milk can be an issue. Know your rights. Bottled milk is an approved by TSA to get through security. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise If you plan on taking a plane, leave early to make sure if they try to give you any grief that you won't miss your flight.
Everyone dreads being on the plane with the crying baby. One thing you can do is attach a note to your baby-carrier explaining that you and the baby are doing everything that you can do to keep quiet. You may still get some scowls, but the note will make the person seem even more like a jerk than they already are.  

10. On the road. If you are moving a long-distance via car taking a lot of breaks along the way will help the baby keep calm. Fresh air will be great for you and the baby, and it gives you a chance to stretch your legs.