How do I handle moving with a baby in Australia

Moving with a baby can seem daunting. However, with proper preparation, moving with babies can easily be done. You can implement some tips for moving and even get an extra set of hands to ease the process. Here, you can learn how to handle moving with a baby in Australia.

This post also includes tips for moving day and settling in after the move. You can also read up on parental consent and child relocations in Australia.

Complete Guide to Moving with Kids

Cross-country moving or moving long distances with babies can be overwhelming. There's so much to do, but again, having a smooth move and saving your sanity is possible.

Here are a few handy tips and tricks you can implement when moving with kids:

Plan adequately

Planning ahead includes preparing your baby for relocating. You may begin by preparing a moving calendar and a moving checklist.

Visit a doctor

It would be best if you remembered to schedule and make a doctor's visit. Your paediatrician should check your baby for health issues and ensure all vaccinations are complete before moving.

You can also ask for recommendations for a new paediatrician and start transferring your baby's medical records. Ultimately, this early start to these processes will make receiving medical care in the new location simpler.

Schedule packing activities to suit the baby's schedule

Packing time can be less stressful if you do it during baby naps. This way, the loud noises will be less likely to frighten your baby. For example, you can pack pots and pans when the baby is sleeping or away from home.

Work on adjusting sleeping habits and potty training

Babies sleep better during moves if they are used to the sleeping environment. That is why you should adjust your sleeping habits ahead of the move. Introduce the sleep sack, portable crib, or playpen that your infant will use during the move ahead of the move.

You can introduce sleep props during naps and then during night sleep until babies are familiar with them. You can do this a few weeks before the move. Remember that babies can be sensitive to family lifestyle changes.

Make moving-day childcare plans

This includes scheduling childcare for moving day and fixing it in your calendar. Childcare support will be helpful when moving day activities, such as loading the moving equipment, is ongoing. You may request family and friends to help or hire someone to babysit while busy.

Sorting out baby's essentials

Sort out baby's essentials and baby's non-essentials. Keep the baby's essentials box and comfort items handy during the trip. Baby's essential items include extra clothes, specific types of blankets, a first aid kit, and diapers. You may stock them in a baby bag.

Also, keep some zip-top plastic bags handy.

You can use them to hold and dispose of used diapers or simply hold soiled clothing. Likewise, keep baby food and supplies easily accessible. This includes a breastfeeding aid such as a breast pump, favourite toys, a blanket, and a cooler.

Tips for Moving Day and Settling In After the Move

Tips for moving day

This is the most critical aspect of your move. Plan your move correctly to cover the period before, during, and after the move. The following moving tips can keep you and your baby more comfortable during the trip.

• It makes sense to use a family-friendly moving-with-babies service. This will give you room to travel at a convenient pace.
• Schedule trip stops with allowance for delays. You may schedule such stops near feeding and nap times and give room for delays due to fussiness.
• The installed car seats should be comfortable, especially for a long trip.
• Flights are more manageable if you purchase a ticket for the baby. This will give enough room. Remember to ask the airline about their rules for travelling with babies.
• A moving company can help you with moving insurance, labour, car shipping, and other moving needs.

Settling in tips after the move

• Also, think about having childcare help while moving in. They can watch the baby during the unloading and unpacking process.
• Prioritise setting up the baby's room with nursery things to ease the first day and night stays.
• To create a familiar environment, the room and furniture layout should resemble your previous home.
• Remember to take safety measures and baby-proof your new home. This can include resolving choking hazards and hazards from electrical outlets, stairs, and cords.
• Maintain daily routines. Even though there may be sleep disturbances, try to stick to napping and feeding schedules.
• You can also consult a paediatrician or moving company for tips.

Parental Consent and Child Relocations in Australia

If you are relocating with your child from Australia, note that Australian law requires you to have the other parent's consent. This is especially true if the other parent lodges a Child Alert Request with the Australian Passport Office and the child's baby name has been placed on the airport watch list. Also, note that you must bear the costs of returning your child after implementing a court recovery order.

Tips for Moving House with Babies and Toddlers

You have to consider the needs of your babies and toddlers when moving house. This applies to moves into a new town or city. You must factor in emotional, psychological, and physical needs throughout the transition period.

The following tips for moving with kids can be helpful when you are moving house:

• You can use a moving checklist that takes care of things like utility connections and address changes.
• Gather moving supplies well ahead of time. This includes cleaning products and moving boxes.
• When moving boxes, keep one aside and stock everything you'll need for moving day and 24 hours later.
• You may decide to keep your babies and toddlers in their strollers and carriers and ensure they are watched on moving days.
• You can involve your older kids in the moving process to occupy them.  
• Your kids can have a special bag they can keep with them in the truck or plane. It can contain favourite toys, blankets, and treasured outfits.
• Labelling boxes clearly will help you identify them more easily during unloading and unpacking.

Factors Affecting Moving Costs

Here are some cost considerations you need to make when moving with kids in Australia:

• You need to factor in the costs of moving. This includes cleaning costs and final utility payments. 
• Likewise, consider the costs of re-registering your vehicle if it's an interstate move.
• You can hire a storage container or moving container to hold your belongings. A storage container is a good option if you are not moving in immediately.
• Another way to cut costs is to use a backloading service to move larger items. Remember to secure furniture and label items appropriately.

A Moving Company Can Help

Here are some ways a professional moving company can help ease the process of moving with a baby in Australia:

• An experienced team can help you pack your items. This includes providing moving boxes and packing materials.
• They can ensure a smooth process of loading, driving, and unpacking the moving truck. You can be sure of comfortably installed car seats using their car service.
• Some moving companies can even fully prepare your new home for moving in.
• Meanwhile, professional removalists can provide references to reliable cleaners and other services for a hassle-free move.
• They will also be ready to give itemised moving quotes with flexible options.

Hire a Moving Service

After reading this post, you no longer need to ask: "How do I handle moving with a baby in Australia?" You now know more about the process and should have more confidence in managing your move. Moreover, a good moving company can help ensure you and your baby have an excellent moving experience.