Unpacking with a baby

What you need to know

‍So you’re moving to a new home, have a baby, and have no idea how or where to start unpacking? Well, being a parent is hard enough, and imagine having to unpack with a baby who needs your attention and a bottle, food, or breast feedings throughout the day.

Here are a few things you need to know on how to unpack with a baby that actually works.

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‍Ask for help

‍Friends, family and your partner are your best friends while unpacking. Don’t be shy to ask for help because you’ll need it. Even if it’s for a few hours a day.If you don’t want to be away from your baby, ten have your friends or family over to help look after baby while busy. Have all baby essentials ready and enjoy packing knowing your baby is well taken care of.

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‍Hire professional unpackers

‍Ask your movers to put everything in their designated place, this will make it easier for you to unpack. If you can afford to, hire unpackers. There’s a lot of states that offer this type of services and some moving companies do. Unpackers come to your house and help with unpacking everything.If you can afford it, take that opportunity and save yourself stress and time.

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‍Have some parts of the house ready before you move

‍The first thing you should do before you even move into your new home is have it professionally cleaned and sanitised. A clean house is the best one to move into especially when you have a baby. Try have that done a few days before you move in. If you have help (family and friends), ask them to help you unpack a few items prior to moving in so you don’t have much to do when you get to your new house.

If you can’t afford professional cleaners, dedicate a day or two to thoroughly clean you new house. Have family take care of baby while you do this.

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‍Unpack the nursery first

‍Very important to start with the nursery before anything else because baby needs somewhere to sleep while you unpack. Have this set up as quick as you (preferably before you move in) so your baby will have proper sleep and not wake up to disturb you. Remember that a baby’s bed and baby needs should be the first priority.

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‍Important basics to remember when setting up the nursery:

‍Start with the crib/ baby bed

Curtains for the roomDiaper pail/bin

Clothes

Diapers and medication trolley

Nursery chair

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‍Unpack when baby takes a nap

‍Sometimes you may feel too tired to unpack when baby sleeps and may want to get some sleep too. However, this is probably the best time for you to unpack. Have a baby monitor with you at all times to keep your eyes on the baby while they sleep. Use this time to unpack as much as you can and as quietly as you can.

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Start with essentials

‍Essentials are mainly the kitchen, bathroom and baby room. Once those are all done, you can take time with everything else and you’ll still be okay. When your kitchen is set up, you’ll be ready to make baby food and dinner for the rest of the family at anytime. Don’t forget to set up the baby’s high chair too.

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‍Distract bay

‍Give baby toys to play with to distract them from disturbing you. You can put baby in a pack and play right next to you. Buy new toys that your baby has never seen before, this will draw their attention and distract them for much longer.Playing with toys will make baby tired because it drains their energy and that means longer naps and more time for you to sleep.

‍IMPORTANT:Babies need to be supervised at all times.

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‍Have snacks ready

‍Have snacks for both you and baby ready just to keep nibbling while you unpack and to keep baby busy. Babies require a lot of attention so giving them a snack will distract them from you. Go for healthy snack options.

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‍A few healthy snacks examples for baby:

• Seaweed snacks
• Banana
• Mashed carrots
• Strawberries
• Teething cookies
• Yogurt

Snacks for parent:

• Rice cakes with peanut butter
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Fruits
• Nuts
• Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds etc.
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PRO TIP: Don't forget to drink water.

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‍Have a bag of necessities ready

‍Have a bag or caddy with diapers, milk, snacks, pacifier, wipes handy. This should always be close to you and baby so you won’t have to look all over the house for everything. Keep all these items in one place.

Also have a bag of medication close by for you and baby and a first aid kit. Stay organised to reduce the stress of going through boxes to find these items.

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‍Baby proof the house

‍Once you’re done unpacking the house, baby proof everywhere that you should starting with baby room. Put socket blocks on all open and unused sockets to prevent electrocution. Protect any sharp edges (like a table) so baby doesn’t bump their head on anything sharp.

This is important for baby safety especially when they start crawling and getting into things. If you have stairs in your house, invest in a child safety gate and use it until baby is old enough and able to go up and down without any incidents.

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‍In conclusion

‍Unpacking with a baby is hard no matter how old they are. Babies need supervision and attention at all times. To make sure you are able to unpack successfully, ask for help and keep your little ones busy and distracted. Take your time unpacking making sure you start with the most important part of the home.

Keep in mind that if it takes more time than you anticipated to unpack, it’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Baby needs you more and eventually, unpacking will be done.

Looking for a  professional service move? Capital City Movers offers a wide variety of services. Give us a call at (718) 619 4881 for a FREE QUOTE and visit our website for more information.