Tips for Moving with Toddlers

Moving day can be stressful enough, but with toddlers under foot it can be down right hectic. Moving your family, whether across town or across the country, does not have to be a battle of wills against the toddler. With a few simple steps, parents can take away some of the stress and make the move go a little bit smoother.

Pack Without the Toddler Present

Seeing you place beloved items in a box can be an emotional assault to some toddlers. Young toddlers especially might not be able to grasp what exactly is happening, and can act out of fear that they are loving their favorite possessions. If it is possible, pack your child's things when he is not present to watch. If that is not an option, finding a babysitter who can keep your toddler occupied can be a huge help.

If you toddler has a small selection of comfort items, such as a special blanket, toy, and book; pack these things in a small tote bag that your toddler can keep. It can sometimes mean needing to repack these items as your toddler pulls them out, but having special things at hand can prevent possible tantrums as you pack other things.

Give Chores

Young children love to help and do what the adults are doing. Find things that your toddler can do to help during the move. Young children can pack nonbreakable items, such as towels or books. Older toddlers may even find it comforting to be the ones that pack their own possessions, such as toys.

Parents can also assign special tasks to the toddler Fetching rolls of tape,. empty boxes, and markers or pens are simple tasks that will keep toddlers busy and happy.

Prepare for the Move

Short moves may be exciting to a toddler, but if the trip is going to take longer than half an hour parents need to bring some entertainment. Books, dolls, and quiet toys are great bring to along for long car rides.

Parents can also look for a travel tray, such as the Snack and play Travel Tray. These attach to front facing car seats and act as a small, safe table for coloring and playing on. Kids can also eat snacks on the tray without making much of a mess.

The First Night

The first night at the new house can be the scariest. It is a new location that is unfamiliar. Toddlers are creatures of habit, and being thrown off of their typical routine can cause them to act out. Plan for the first night by having comfort items at hand. Blankets and special toys can make a toddler feel more at ease. Also sticking to the routine as much as possible will help ease fears.

Some toddlers may regress slightly when a move happens. Parents should be prepared for old, out-grown behaviors to potentially pop back up. Often these are temporary and will fade as your toddler adjusts to the new home.

Knowing what to expect and what to plan for can make moving with a toddler much easier to handle. Keeping them entertained and comforted, both before and during the move is very important. Parents should also be prepared for problems that may arrise after the move from fear, stress, and worry. With a little patience, moving with a toddler does not have to be a difficult thing.