Moving is a logistical operation. With a baby, it's also a disruption of their routine. Both require different preparations.
What a baby perceives about a move
They don't understand the project, but they sense the changes. New smells, empty rooms, echoing sounds, tense adults.
Temporary regressions are common: disturbed sleep, variable appetite, increased need for contact. They usually fade within a few weeks.
What offers the best protection
The consistency of routines matters more than the speed of settling in. A bath at the same time is better than a tidy living room.
Our article on routines and emotional security details this mechanism.
A simple reverse planning
One month before
Sort through your belongings, especially baby gear. It's a good time to pass on or resell what you no longer use.
Our guide on second-hand baby equipment specifies what can and cannot be passed on.
Two weeks before
Label boxes by destination room, not by content. On unloading day, this makes all the difference.
Reserve a separate box for the child's room, to be opened first.
The day before
Prepare the essentials box, keep it with you and never load it into the truck.
The essentials box
- Diapers, wipes, a complete change of clothes in duplicate.
- Milk, bottles, water, and something to clean them with.
- The comforter and a piece of clothing with a familiar scent.
- A first-aid kit and health documents.
- A foldable mat to create a clean space anywhere.
This last point is often overlooked. A starting or arrival floor is neither clean nor safe. Our foldable and reversible playmats unfold in seconds and can then be wiped clean. The role of the comforter is explored in our article on the transitional object.
Safety on moving day
Open doors, stacked boxes, tools lying around: the home temporarily becomes dangerous.
The best solution is to have the child cared for during handling hours. If this is not possible, designate an adult whose sole mission is to supervise the child.
Secure first, decorate later
In the new home, prioritize safety before aesthetics. Outlets, stairs, windows, furniture to be secured to the wall.
Also locate the bathroom and its access. Our article on drowning prevention reminds us why this room deserves special attention.
Re-establishing routines
Set up the child's room first, with the same objects in the same relative places. Familiar arrangements are more reassuring than novelty.
Keep bedding unwashed for the first few nights. The familiar scent helps with falling asleep.
Wait a few weeks before introducing new furniture or new toys. One change at a time is enough.
To remember
- Routines take precedence over the speed of settling in.
- An essentials box stays with you, never in the truck.
- On moving day, one adult is exclusively dedicated to the child.
- The child's room is set up first, with familiar landmarks.
Need advice on our foldable products? Our contact page is at your disposal.
