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
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)
Special thanks to "Grandma Cindy" for ideas and experienced advice
The copyright of the article Preparing to Become a Grandparent in Grandparenting is owned by Janienne Jennrich. Permission to republish Preparing to Become a Grandparent in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.