Moving and Maintaining Your Sleep Routines
Moving is NOT top on the list of things people enjoy to do! There is so much to do when moving to a new place, not to mention the prep before you move. 😩
Moving is stressful for an adult; is it stressful for a baby or your toddler or preschooler?
The answer is: yes. The stress of the move and a new place can cause sleep problems for your child. According to the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Moving to a new community may be one of the most stress-producing experiences a family faces.”
(As someone who has moved a time or two, I can attest to that!)
If you have been following us for some time, you know babies do best with predictable routines and schedules! Now throw in a new house, new room, new daycare, new school, etc. and the natural stresses that parents face while they try to adapt, unpack and organize! It is stressful.
In this blog post I will share sleep tips to help you get through the move and after.
BEFORE THE MOVE:
Make sure your baby has a predictable sleep routine for nights and naps. Continue to follow your by the clock schedule or wake times. If your baby needs to take a nap on the go, that is fine, just stick to the same schedule and routine!
This is important for toddlers and preschooler as well. You can also talk to them about the move, read books about a new place and bring them on multiple visits; even if it is just a drive by the house or a walk around the new neighborhood! Involve them in the process so they feel like a part of things.
Pack their sleep things separately so they’re easily found and not mixed up with the moving boxes on moving day.
AFTER THE MOVE:
Set up your child’s room first. Spend a lot of time in your child’s new room. Have them be part of the unpacking and organizing. Let your child play in his new bed or crib.
Keep with the same routines and schedule. Having familiar items in an unfamiliar environment goes a long way to keeping up with their sleep routine! If your child is a baby, use the same sleep sack or swaddle. If they are old enough for a lovey, give them their lovey or special blanket and use the same sound machine.
Do not skip naps or do a late bedtime. A baby who is well-rested during the day will sleep better at night. So continue to focus on age-appropriate number of naps and age appropriate wake times!
This blog post discusses appropriate wake times and more about determining their sleep needs here.
Refer to this blog post for more tips on suggested bedtime routines!
If things feel sticky after the move and you just can’t get back on track, set up a basic chat and we will get it sorted out!
