Posted by Sabina Hearty
3 Things Nobody Tells You About Moving to St. Louis with Kids
If you’re relocating to St. Louis with little ones — or one on the way — people will tell you all the good stuff. Great schools. Amazing food scene. Surprisingly affordable. Friendly people. All true.
What they won’t tell you is that some of the most important logistics of life with kids need to be figured out before you get here. Here’s a list of 3 things I wish someone had handed me.
1. The Daycare and Preschool Waitlist in St. Louis is No Joke
Last month I was working with a family relocating from Colorado with a newborn. We were at closing when the dad mentioned he was in town for closing obviously, but that he was also touring backup daycare options — because the first place they’d waitlisted might not have a spot by their move date. Another parent at that same facility had gotten on the list in 2024.
This is not a horror story. This is Tuesday in St. Louis. I know, because I too am currently exploring waitlists.
- Quality childcare spots fill fast — infant, toddler, and preschool rooms alike. Waitlists at top facilities can stretch a year or more.
- Get your name on multiple lists as early as possible — before your move date, before you close on a house, before the baby arrives if you can.
- There is no such thing as too early here.
The STL “Secret Weapon”: Home-Based Daycare
While big centers have year-long waits, home-based (family) daycare can be the secret weapon for relocating families. They offer shorter waitlists and a more intimate feel—but they require serious detective work.
The Vetting Checklist
St. Louis is a word-of-mouth city, but don’t rely on a “good vibe” alone. You must verify the provider’s status:
- Check the License: In Missouri, Licensed homes are inspected and limited to 10 kids. Unlicensed (Exempt) homes are legal for up to 6 kids but face much less oversight.
- Search the Database: Use the Missouri Show-Me Child Care website to check for past violations or safety red flags.
- Manual Outreach: These spots rarely have websites. You’ll need to call, interview, and ask for local parent references to ensure they meet your standards.
Bottom line: Home-based options are found via networking and deep digging, but the extra vetting is non-negotiable for your peace of mind.
2. Finding a Pediatrician in St. Louis Takes More Than a Google Search
I made a list of well-reviewed pediatricians and started calling. More than half required a voicemail. Most never called back, even when their websites said they were accepting new patients.
What actually worked? A referral from my mom’s friend. A real person answered, got set up quickly, done.
What to know
- Ask people you already know in the area, and I bet your realtor, a co-worker, or another parent friend would be more than happy to share.
- A warm referral will get you further than any search result. St. Louis is a word-of-mouth city. Lean into it.
- Start this search before you move if at all possible — getting established early gives you breathing room.
St. Louis has world-class children’s hospitals—but everyday access to pediatric care can still be a challenge.
3. There Are Great Ways to Find Your People — If You Know Where to Look
Relocating with kids means starting a social life from scratch, which is its own kind of exhausting. The good news: St. Louis has solid on-ramps everywhere.
What’s worked for us
- @explorestlparks free hikes — a different trail each week, parents and kids of all ages, low-pressure and outside. One of our favorite weekly rhythms and a genuinely easy way to meet people.
- Music and Me with Laren Loveless Music — we did this in south city and Alden was obsessed. Music, movement, other kids. Highly recommend for toddlers and young kids. Plus it was fun for me, so it’s a true win win.
- Swim schools, gymnastics, and tumbling classes — we haven’t tried them all yet, but they’re plentiful around St. Louis and tend to build the same-faces-every-week community that makes a new city start to feel like home.
Don’t wait until you feel settled to start showing up. The connections come from showing up.
The Bottom Line
St. Louis is a great city to raise a family — but childcare, pediatricians, and community don’t sort themselves out on their own. The families who land well are usually the ones who started asking questions early.
If you’re relocating and want the honest, on-the-ground rundown before you get here, I’m always happy to connect.
On the Move: Kid-Approved St. Louis is a monthly feature by Sabina Hearty, a mom and realtor on our team, sharing parent-tested places and ideas for enjoying St. Louis with babies, toddlers, and young kids. From free indoor favorites to outdoor spots that help little ones burn off energy, this series highlights places that truly work for real family life — no overplanning required. This is about rediscovering the city through a parent’s eyes, building simple routines, and making the most of the places that make St. Louis such a great place to raise kids.
