Having a baby is a very monumental time in your life that brings a lot of changes and challenges. So is moving abroad. Sometimes these life milestones overlap and you find yourself seeking a new life in a land far across the world while you also are adjusting to having a small baby. This can be a difficult stage in life – so it’s important to know how best to proceed.
Moving abroad with a baby can also be a very positive adventure. You will be moving to a new place where a better job opportunity and a more laid back lifestyle awaits, which will make you happier parents. You might feel that your new home will be the better place for your child to grow up and you are excited about their future there. Your new home will be a place where you can all flourish as a family and live happily ever after.
When it comes to moving abroad with a baby, here are some tips that you should keep in mind. The more you plan ahead and prepare for the big move, the less stressful it will be on the day itself.
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Advice for Moving with a Baby
- If you are anxious about the move, your baby will pick up on this and it will make them anxious too. Try your best to keep yourself calm and that calm will radiate throughout the entire family.
- Get a checkup at the doctor to make sure that your child is healthy and ready to travel long distances.
- Make sure that you have your visas figured out for yourselves and your baby. A visa service such as The Emigration Group can help you with visas when you are migrating. For example, they can help to source Australia Visas for UK Citizens.
- Have a doctor and a daycare already lined up in your new home, so that you are ready for when you arrive.
- Exposure to sunlight helps with jetlag and will help to re-set your body clock to the new time zone. Spend some time outside with your baby to help them adjust.
- It is very important to try to keep the same routine as often as you can, as babies and toddlers are comforted by routine.
- Make sure that you have enough food for the baby for the entire journey, whether that is breastmilk or formula. Also, don’t forget about all of the supplies that you will need in transit such as nappies, wipes and more.
- When you arrive at your new home you should always set up your child’s bedroom first. Try to make it as close to the old bedroom as possible, with the same toys and blankets if you can. It will make your baby feel comfortable and at home.
- Make sure that you protect all of the doorways, walls and floors in your new home as soon as possible and clean up any packing materials, so that your new home is clean and safe for your baby. You can use corner and edge bumpers on the furniture and fireplace if they have sharp edges.
- In the first few days after the move try to stay at home with your baby as much as you can, giving them time to adjust.
- Give yourself a lot of time for the moving, travelling and unpacking process. You will need to be able to take a lot of breaks, so make sure that there are no pressing deadlines.
One of the most important things to remember when you are moving to a new place with your baby is to try to connect with others and build a support network right away. It can be incredibly helpful just to have someone to talk to, a friend who can babysit or someone who can offer recommendations of where to go with your baby in your new city. Reach out to the community, chat to other parents in the area and join groups and clubs – you’ll soon make friends! When you meet other families in your area and establish a friend group you will feel more at home and will have a much better experience in your new home