How to Move With a Newborn

Start packing a few weeks -- or even months -- before the move. Giving yourself plenty of time means you'll be able to pack your stuff safely while still dealing with the logistical issues that come with having a baby in the house. If you start packing early, it may mean you'll need extra baby-related items such as blankets, bottles and bottle warmers. Some of those things can be packed away, others should stay among the things you pack at the last minute.

Place your baby in a portable crib during his nap time, to get him used to sleeping in there. During your move you'll probably need to use a foldable crib for at least a day or two, and if your infant is not used to it, it could cause more unnecessary stress.

Buy a sling or other baby-wearing device that can allow you to pack and unpack boxes with your baby in tow.

Pack a box that has all the kitchen items you need to make formula or simple snacks for the nursing mom. Kitchen stuff can take up a lot of boxes, and you don't want to have to unpack all of them to find the things you need. Also make sure that every box is clearly labeled so that each box goes into the right room as it's unloaded. Also, keep your baby's bedding, crib and essential items in a location where it can be one of the first things off the moving truck.

Stick with your child's regular sleep and eating schedule throughout the move. All the upheaval may cause your infant to be more fussy than normal, reminds the National Network for Child Care, so it's important to stay with your old routine to minimize the issues.

Enlist the help of a mother-in-law, aunt or trusted friend to mind the baby when you're engaged in important tasks. You may be able to pass off at least some of the moving duties to the movers, your spouse or other helpers, but inevitably you'll have leases to sign or paperwork to deal with that will take you away from your parenting role. Having someone there to deal with the baby can be a big help. If that's not possible, have a baby monitor that you can carry around while you're moving things in an out of the house.

Plan your journey so that you're not spending a large amount of time in the car. Newborns do sleep a lot, but they also need to eat every few hours. That means those marathon driving sessions are a thing of the past. Give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B, since chances are you're going to be exhausted from the recent birth and the excitement of the move. Set up a mirror or pack the car so that you can sit near your newborn. She's tiny and she's going to need close attention.