Modiemay

Hello,

I recently moved from Essex, UK to the States. I am currently in an apartment in NYC but we are moving out to Summit, NJ in just over a week.

I have to admit, that although I am technically British I was actually born and raised in NZ and then moved to the UK over 12yrs ago and have married and had 3children there. All my adult life has so far been spent in the UK, so I hope you will still have me here on this forum.

I am wondering if anybody on here lives in or around Summit, NJ? Or if anyone can give me some advice on how to enroll in pre-k for my 4yr old. Any advice for anything will be much appreciated - even if it's to tell me what products to avoid and what are good ones! Food, cleaning etc.

Also, we bought our carseats with us but can anyone tell me if we are able to use them here? I can't find anything that says it's ok, but I can't find anything that says it's NOT ok either.

hope to hear from you soon.

Mel x

lisa67

Hi and welcome. Hope you're settling in ok. It took me about 12-18 months to finally feel I was getting things sorted this side of the pond.
I moved with 2 small children and it helped to get to know the other moms in the area.
Sorry I can't give more advice than that...my kids are now in high school so no idea about the car seats (probably all changed since wew owned one).
I'm sure someone will be along soon with some top tips!

Jerseygirl

Hi and welcome to BE.

I live about 30 minutes away from you but there are quite a few others that live nearer. Sorry I can't help you with your questions about your children...but I'm sure someone will be around soon to help you.

Maybe I'll bump into you one day at The Mall At Short Hills.

Modiemay

Yes, I have heard of Short Hills Mall and have checked it out online. I look forward to visiting. I am hoping to find some craft groups around somewhere close by as well.

md95065

What is and is not required and/or allowed wrt car seats for infants will be different in every state so you will have to figure out what the law is in New Jersey ...

Bob

Welcome to BE and good luck with everything!

There's a few folks in that neck of the woods.

As for the kid, just call around, see who's still taking enrollment and pay deposit...that's it really.

moi

You've found the best quality school system in NJ...Millburn/Summit amongst top ranking in NJ.
There are a few Brits in your area.
Preschool just call around and enroll.
Car seats not sure, but you can pick up good cheap ones at Toys r Us.

Modiemay

Thanks for the welcome guys.

lisa67

Try looking at www.meetup.com for groups in your area

bevinva

Whatever New Jersey's version of the Department of Motor Vehicles will be able to tell you about the car seat laws, look for a website.

penguinsix

This is our basic primer on what you need to do to get your kids in school.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/What_d...kids_in_school

Of course, like everything in the USA, it varies greatly depending on the state, city (and in the case of schools) the neighborhood you live in. But it will give you some of the basics and you can adjust accordingly once you are settled in your new home.

AlienUk

I would call either the local sheriff's office or the local fire station for info in car seats. Can find NO reason why it would be an issue

Modiemay

Thanks for all the info guys. It's been great.

Great idea to phone the sherrif's office (gosh that seems so funny to write) or fire department regarding our carseats. If we have to buy them again, then that is what we have to do but of course we'd rather not!

AlienUk

Lol..he'll probably have a ten galloon hat and spurs right??

Thinking about the car seat, they would be universal, since car specifications would be largely similar...doubt VERY much there would be an issue!!!

Bob

For the car, probably not...for being used on any flights there might be though.