Preparing to Become a Grandparent
Home Preparation Tips for Expecting a First Grandchild
Becoming a grandma or grandpa is exciting. Here are ideas for preparing grandma's house to help support the new parents and keep the new grand baby safe and happy.
Not many things in life are as wonderful as looking forward to the birth of one's first grandchild. While waiting for the new baby to arrive, local grandparents can help time pass more quickly by making preparations in their own home.
Preparing For a Newborn Grandbaby
Parents will have the essentials for baby in their diaper bag, but it's nice to have a drawer or container of extras on hand for emergencies at grandma and grandpa's house.
Some ideas for supplies to collect are:
- Good quality "sensitive skin" baby wipes
- Newborn sized diapers
- Diaper changing pads
- Lap pads
- Burp rags
- Receiving blankets
- A couple little outfits in case of multiple messes
- A camera for all those priceless baby picture
- Ask parents if bottles will be needed or if Mom will be breastfeeding
Supplies for Babies Who are Rolling and Playing (about 3 to 5 months)
- A larger not-too-fuzzy safe blanket to lie over carpet to keep baby clean and to avoid pet hair, etc in wet little fingers
- The Miracles and Milestones Pop Open Play Gym by Fisher Price is highly rated.
- Extra drool or spit-up bibs for teething babies
- A couple freezable teething chew toys
- Bigger diapers and probably new wipes
- A couple appropriate size outfits
- A couple small baby-safe toys (check labels) to keep at the grand's house
Grandparent's Supplies for More Active 6-9 Month Old Grandchildren
- Some parent-approved baby foods and drinks
- Sippie cups with lids
- A little bigger bibs
- A little bigger spare baby outfits
- More baby wipes
- More spare diapers
- Age appropriate toys and board books
- A safe place for baby to sleep (as portable cribs and playpens are often difficult for parents to cart around)
- A cozy comforter to keep baby warm during naps
- An "umbrella" stroller (which folds up) for quick walks around the block
- An appropriate carseat if Grandparents often take baby in the car. This is much easier than trading heavy seats from one car to another.
What Grantparents May Want to Have for Grand Babies Age 9 Months to One Year Old
- More advanced age-appropriate toys
- Possibly baby gates for crawlers and walkers
- Food and drinks for new tastes (ask parents for suggestions)
- Bigger diapers and more wipes
- Bigger spare outfits and socks
- Shampoo and bath items if baby stays overnight
- A small portable playpen (which can double as a crib)
Other Tips for First-Time Grandparents
- Parenting ideas and decisions are very private. Try to allow the new parents to lead the way in how they wish to raise their child and be there as a support system.
- As babies age, ask parents for baby-proofing suggestions and help with grandparent's home.
- Offering to baby-sit can be a very special gift for new parents, even if it is for just a short time so they can take a walk alone or have a lunch out.
- New parents may become overwhelmed and very tired. Offering Mom a chance to take a nap at grandma's while grandparents play with baby can also be very supportive.
- Remember what is was like to be a new parent and use this to be the best grandparent possible.
- Do not criticize the parents in front of the children. (Mercy Medical)
- Don't feel guilty if the idea of grandparenthood reflects feelings of sadness along with happiness. Many grandparents do not feel like they are old enough to be grandparents. This is normal and changes once you see your new grandchild. (Mercy Medical)
- Remember, a compliment to the child is a compliment to the parents as well. (Mercy Medical)
For other grandparenting tips, see Best Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts and Long Distance Grandparents Tips.
Good sources for baby items are Target, JCPenney, and Sears Stores.
For more information about senior living, see the author's Squidoo Senior Citizen page.
Resources:
Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City
Dreamtime Baby online store
Special thanks to "Grandma Cindy" for ideas and experienced advice
