If you have kids, then relocating to a new place will be 10 times complicated. Especially if you have a toddler or little baby there are plenty of precautions and items you’ll have to worry about. And one of those items involves sleeping issues for your kids.
What are the reasons that affect kids sleep?
So, why is it so hard to relocate? And how, exactly, does relocation affect toddlers and little kids? Well, when your anxiety rises so does theirs. Although they won’t fully grasp the problems at hand, they will feel the stress and worry. Plus, they become accustomed to their regular routine their room, house, institution or daycare, as well as classmates or ally.
How relocation Affects Toddlers and Babies
When relocating, the pressure of a move involves a modification or change to a routine. This can be a wild turn for a parent and baby. Toddlers and preschoolers don’t feel the exact tension you do, but they are aware of their surroundings in some way. A few ways you can see them show their anxiety are listed below:
- Increased Clinginess (to objects, you, etc.)
- Decreased Appetite
- Anxious habits and mannerisms (biting nails, licking lips, twirling hair, etc.)
- Unusual Behavior and Regressive Behavior
Does Relocating Affect Sleep Routine
There’s no doubt that the relocation will affect your baby or child in some way. Before the move, expect stress to alter sleep routines for both you and your child. Your child may miss their regular daytime naps or have less time to sleep during the day. In addition, believe it or not, the tension of the relocation can cause your child to have nightmares or grind their teeth during the night. These are notable changes due to stress. If your kid has to sleep in a car seat, on an airplane or hotel apartments, their sleep routine is definitely going to have some disruptions.
On the actual Big Day or moving-out day, you’re most likely going to be running on very little sleep especially if you’re performing a cross-country or international move.
After the move, the unfamiliar environment may also cause a few changes in your child’s sleep cycle. They may wake up constantly or refuse to go to sleep. This is especially common if a new bedroom is being set, there’s a new color of paint and other modifications. New noises will also affect your child.
As we mentioned, performing a long distance move will add more challenges to your family’s sleeping routine.
Read more helpful tips to help your child go to sleep during and after the move in Part 2 of our article.