There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to moving, pun intended—and if you’re adding a baby to the mix, the logistics can feel doubly daunting. Between packing and managing your baby's needs and essentials, the right strategy can make all the difference.

We’re not gonna sugarcoat it: moving with a baby takes a lot of patience. But with some preparation and a few deep breaths, it's totally doable. From enlisting the help of friends and family to utilizing versatile products like the Tushbaby Carrier, we've got you covered with tried-and-true tips to streamline your move below. 

Guide to Moving With a Baby

Table of Contents

• Make lists to organize your packing process
• Take (at least) a day off from work to pack
• Hire movers and take baby out of the house or apartment
• Try to maintain your baby’s routine
• Find a pediatrician in your new area before the move 
• Put all of baby’s necessities in the same box for easy access
• Have a pack-n-play handy for the new house
• Be patient with the moving process while taking care of baby
• Have a moving day essentials bag ready for baby

Make lists to organize your packing process

Packing is always a process that requires careful planning, even more so when moving with a baby. To help your move go smoother, create a strategy for packing and write it down. Consider factors such as which items you’ll need to set up in your new home the fastest, as these should be the first off the truck. Most of your baby’s things will likely be on this list. Next, consider where these things will go in your new home. Can you pack them all together to make the unpacking process smoother?

With a baby, there are some items that you’ll inevitably need to keep with you until the last moment, or keep on hand the entire time. Make a list of these to ensure you have them when needed, because some baby activities don’t stop just because you’re moving. Gear like breastfeeding pillows and baby carriers may be more helpful if not packed at all. With the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier, which doubles as a breastfeeding pillow, you can reduce the number of items you need to keep with you on the move. 

Take (at least) a day off  from work to pack

It can be hard to admit that we need time off work. When it comes to packing and moving, though, taking the day can be a lifesaver when you’re on a tight timeline. You may even be more focused on work after allowing yourself the space to pack and decompress about the move. If you normally have childcare while you’re at work, you can take advantage of this time to pack without having to tend to your baby. 

Hire movers and take baby out of the house or apartment

Investing in movers or childcare can make your move less stressful while keeping your baby safe around all the moving pieces. If the budget allows, hire full-service movers to pack and move your belongings. While they do so, you and your baby may be able to stay with a friend or family member to avoid potential hazards. If you hire movers, communicate with them about your needs and help them work to your advantage. Consider listing items that are most important to have quick access to, such as your baby’s essentials, favorite toys, rockers, and so forth. If movers are aware of what items are most important to you, they can pack these items last and unpack them first. 

Try to maintain your baby’s routine

Babies are sensitive in every way. Disrupting their routine can mean losing sleep for both of you, which is the last thing you’ll want during a move. In the time leading up to your move to the actual move itself, do your best to plan ahead and maintain your baby’s normal routine. For instance, if your little one is used to winding down at a particular time, ensure that packing noises or last-minute tasks don't interfere.

You might consider packing gradually—maybe a box or two each night after they've settled into bed or during their midday naps. By pacing yourself and aligning packing activities with your baby's routine, you can minimize disruptions. Once you're in the new home, prioritize unpacking their room or designated space first. This brings back a sense of familiarity for them and gives you peace of mind knowing that their space is safe and ready.

Find a pediatrician in your new area before the move

Getting settled in a new area will take some adjusting, so explore ahead of time on what kind of providers you’ll need to set up for your family, like doctors, dentists, etc. Finding a pediatrician ahead of time can reduce stress, and while you may not need one right away, you’ll want to have established care when the need arises and take time to research trusted pediatricians. Connecting with other moms in the area prior to your move can be a great way to get referrals and firsthand reviews. 

Put all of baby’s necessities in the same box for easy access

Fitting all of your baby’s necessities in one box is probably impossible, but there are likely some essentials that you can’t go without. Think through which items are needed daily and set them aside in clearly labeled and accessible boxes. These items should be packed last, and if they’re really important, you may not even pack them all the way—strict necessities such as diapers, wipes, blankets, and toys should be set aside for easy access. During the move, you may need a portable changing pad (one that wipes down and is easily stored)  and a practical tote bag with plenty of storage space, or a fanny pack bag to organize just the essentials and keep them handy. 

Have a pack-n-play handy for the new house

Unpacking can be a lengthy process, so ensuring your baby has a comfortable space during this transition is essential. While a pack-n-play is a versatile choice for naps, playtime, and diaper changes, there are other alternatives too. You could use a baby lounger for supervised relaxation or a secured playmat area for tummy time and toys. Remember, the goal is to create a safe, temporary space for your baby while you get everything in place. Whatever option you choose, it's all about making the transition smoother for your little one.

Be patient with the moving process while taking care of baby

Moving with a baby requires patience, careful attention, and planning. Not only will you want to ensure you have access to things you need, but you’ll also want to ensure a safe space for your baby at all times. Planning ahead can help determine how much time you’ll need to pack and unpack and when you’ll can find the time to do it. While you probably can’t wait to get the move over with, take it slow and be thoughtful in the process. As any parent knows, patience is key.

Some of your essentials may need to be packed away during a move, so keeping versatile products like Tushbaby on hand can save the day. Our Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier features five storage pockets to keep the necessities close when you’re navigating your baby’s needs and your moving needs, like diapers, wipes, a bottle, keys, and your wallet. With an easy fold-up design, it’s lightweight, easy to store, and even offers a feeding position for quick transitions on the move. And now, with The Snug, you can convert your Tushbaby to a hands-free carrier to keep them close while you check off those boxes on your moving to-do-list.

Have a moving day essentials bag ready for baby

From the days before to moving day and unpacking after, parenting doesn’t stop. There are items you’ll need to keep handy at all times, and at Tushbaby, our Totebaby and The Pack give mom and dad something to level up their style while they streamline the storage for all their essentials. Our vegan leather Totebaby diaper bag is expertly designed with a zipper pocket for storage and removable features, like an organizer, changing pad, and divider pocket—perfectly designed to hold a Tushbaby when it’s time to store it on your move. The Pack functions as a mini wearable diaper bag that can be strapped across your chest, back, or around your waist to store baby’s things while keeping your hands free—and when you’re off baby duty, it’s the perfect go-bag for a solo hike with free hands.

On the move with a baby? Shop Tushbaby products designed to make life with a baby easier!