Moving in itself can be a lot of work. But moving abroad, and with a baby?
That might be a challenge that not everyone is willing to take on. But don’t worry, what might seem like an intimidating task at first can be easier than you think – as long as you are well prepared.
Here are the best tips and tricks for moving abroad with a baby that help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Decide on a country for your move abroad
Moving abroad with a baby requires a lot of preparation, so it’s essential to start planning early. Research your destination, including the local culture, language, and healthcare system.
If you don’t know yet where you want to go, check out these countries that are great and affordable at the same time when it comes to raising a family!
Once you have decided on a country, make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as passports and visas, and that you’re familiar with the requirements for bringing a baby into the country.
Also, consider the time of year you’ll be moving and how this might affect your baby’s health and wellbeing.
Plan what you need to pack
Once you have selected the country you want to move to, you can start to actually preparing for the move.
With this comes the decision what to bring and what to leave behind.
If you have lived in your current place for a while, chances are that you have accumulated a bunch of belongings. Maybe you have furniture that is sentimental, or you have lots of books that are essential in your life.
All of this is okay. But depending on your budget, you might want to part ways with some belongings and invest in new things.
Basically, you have to make one of the following decisions with each of your and your baby’s belongings:
- Bring it with you
- Have it shipped
- Sell, donate or gift the item
- Discard of the item
- Store the item until you return or pick it up at a later point
When making decisions on whether to bring items or not, consider the value of the item and how much it would be to replace it.
Maybe your baby has lots of toys that it loves playing with at the moment. But how much longer will he need them? Chances are your baby will outgrow certain toys fast, so you might already leave them behind.
However, you might have some sentimental pieces that you just can’t seem to part ways with. In that case, you can see if bringing them with you on your day of moving is an option, or if you can have these items shipped.
So, before you start packing, make a detailed list of everything you want and need to bring with you, and start getting rid of what is not coming.
Hire a reputable moving company
If you have the budget for it, hiring a reputable moving company can help make the process a lot smoother and stress-free.
Especially if you are moving with a baby, you might already have your hands full with taking care of your baby.
A moving company that takes over a bunch of the actual moving labor might be a worthy investment.
Do your research and find a company with good reviews and a track record of reliability.
Make sure you understand the terms of the contract, including any insurance coverage and the timeline for delivery.
Also, consider whether you’ll need help with packing and unpacking, and if so, factor this into your budget.
Pack a first-day(s) essentials box
When you arrive at your new home, you may not have immediate access to all your belongings.
In addition, you might not know yet where relevant stores are, or they might be closed when you arrive.
That’s why it’s helpful to pack a box or suitcase with essential items you’ll need right away. This can include toiletries, baby care products, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies.
This will help you start your new life abroad a little easier and will take some stress off of shopping right upon arrival.
Choose the right accommodation
When you’re moving abroad with a baby, it’s important to find the right place to live.
You’ll want to look for a place that’s safe, clean, and child-friendly, with enough space for your baby to play and explore. If possible, try to find a place that’s close to amenities like parks, shops, and healthcare facilities.
If you don’t have the option to look for a place prior to your move, consider renting a holiday apartment for a month or two and start looking then.
This will give you the option to check out places and neighborhoods in person before committing to a lease.
Research and setup healthcare
One of the most important things to look into before moving abroad with a baby is healthcare.
Make sure you’re familiar with the local healthcare system and what you’ll need to do to access it.
You can also look into purchasing a travel health insurance to cover you for the first few months before you have officially settled into your new home and setup your local health insurance.
It’s also a great idea to research pediatricians in your area and find out if they speak your language.
If you’re moving to a country with a different language, it’s a good idea to learn some key medical phrases in the local language, so you can communicate with doctors and nurses if necessary.
Also, make sure you and your baby’s vaccines are up to date and bring all necessary medical supplies to cover you for the first few months.
Set up utilities and services ahead of time
If you have decided on a place to stay prior to your move, it’s a good idea to set up utilities and services at your new home, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet ahead of time.
The setup can sometimes take a while, so it’s best to start the process as early as possible.
Make a list of all the services you’ll need and contact the providers to arrange for setup and activation.
Learn the language
If you’re moving to a country with a different language, it’s a good idea to start learning the language as soon as possible.
Even if you only learn a few basic phrases, it can make a big difference when it comes to communicating with locals and navigating your new surroundings.
Consider taking a language course or using language learning apps to help you get started.
Connect with other parents
Moving abroad with a baby can be lonely, so it’s important to connect with other parents in your area.
There are lots of ways to find other mom friends in your new home.
Join local parent groups, attend playgroups and classes, and make an effort to meet other families with young children.
Or check out some apps to connect with other like-minded moms in your area.
Not only will this help you feel less isolated, but it can also be a great way to get tips and advice on raising a baby in your new home.
Stick to a routine
When you are moving abroad with a baby, there is lots to do and also organize in your new home.
This means you might have to deviate from your and your baby’s usual routine for a bit.
But I highly recommend trying to get back on schedule as soon as possible.
Babies thrive on routine, so it’s important to stick to a consistent schedule.
Try to stay with your usual feeding and sleeping routines, and make sure your baby has a comfortable and familiar sleeping environment.
Also, consider bringing familiar foods and snacks, especially if your baby has specific dietary requirements.
Establishing the same routines in your new home will not only help your baby feel more secure and settled but can also help you feel more in control during a time of change.
And if your baby is not sleeping well since your move, consider these tips to help your baby get back into a sleep routine.
Embrace the new culture
Moving to a new country can be a great opportunity to embrace a new culture and way of life for you and your family.
Take the time to explore your new surroundings, try new foods, and learn about the local customs and traditions.
Exposing your baby to new experiences can be enriching and educational, and can help them adapt to their new home more quickly.
Take care of yourself
Moving can be exhausting, especially when you’re also caring for a baby.
Remember to take care of yourself during the process, by getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking breaks when you need them.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family members, or consider hiring a babysitter or nanny to give you a break during the first few days.
Taking care of yourself will help you feel more energized and focused, so you can make the most of your new adventure.
Be patient and flexible
Finally, it’s important to be patient and flexible when moving abroad with a baby. Expect some bumps along the way, and be prepared to adapt your plans as necessary.
Remember that it may take some time for your baby to adjust to their new surroundings, and be patient as they go through this process.
Stay positive and focus on the exciting adventure that comes with starting a new life abroad!