Grandmas have always been special to me. I remember when I was young going to grandma’s. It was always a fantastic time, made even more so since I had cousins around!
Fast forward a few decades. Oh alright, many many decades! If you’re like me, the prospect of having your own grandchildren visit has you walking on clouds of anticipation, especially if they’re visiting from out of town.
I firmly believe in supporting my (adult) children in whatever career path they’ve chosen. Even if that means it’s away from our home state for a while, or for the long-term, so be it. THEY have their lives to live! That being said, when grandchildren come into the picture, I’ll admit, it’s hard not having easy access. My kids were very lucky to have grandmas that lived in the area. So it’s all the more reason for me look forward to visits!
When they do come into town there’s preparation to be done!
You’d think grandbabies would be the easiest to prepare for, but for humans so small they’ve sure need a lot of STUFF!
Depending on
•How far they’re travelling
•Length of stay
•Their mode of travel; and
•How much gear your grandbaby’s parents want to bring with them.
This will determine, to some extent, what you’ll want to have on hand.
In general, babies’ needs can be summarized in these categories:
●Nursery Items
•Crib vs Pack-n-Play vs Baby Boxes
What you choose depends on how much dedicated space and disposable income you have available. Similarly for changing table, rocking chair and/or any bureau. Just do NOT use Fisher Price’s Rock-n-Play’s Sleepers!
•Monitor—if Mom & Dad don’t bring theirs, it’d be a good idea to have one at your home
•White Noise Maker—this can be accomplished with a fan or download an app onto your phone if you’d rather not purchase a machine
•Nightlight
●Diapers
Trust me, they’ll run out. Be prepared!
·Unscented baby wipes
●Blankets
●Bath TIME!
Sure you can purchase a baby bathtub, BUT your kids can also carry their baby into the shower or bath with them. You will want to have on hand more gentle version of baby bath products for:
·Baby soap
·Baby shampoo
●Clothing
Mom/Dad will probably bring enough clothes for your grandbaby. Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t go shopping for more! There are such CUTE and ADORABLE little girl and little boy outfits nowadays! And in all cases, they’ll need to be washed! I used Ivory Soap to wash my babies’ clothes because it was more tender, baby skin-friendly. You can ask what the parents prefer or just get some type of:
·Gentle laundry detergent
●Feeding
Mom is probably breastfeeding, but even so, she may be pumping so Dad, caregivers—or grandparents—can offer baby a bottle. Breastfeeding is very personal and Mom’ll probably bring all the gear she uses with her: the pump, bottles, cleaning equipment, and bottle warmer. In addition, you might want a couple:
·Bibs
·Burp cloths
·1-2 pacifiers
●Baby gear
Your grandbaby will have their car seat/car carrier with them whether they’re travelling by car and/or plane. They may bring a stroller as well because carrier’s easily snap into them. Additional gear you might want to consider having on hand:
·Portable high chair
·Baby bouncer, jump-n-play
●BOOKS & TOYS
Of course, THIS is the category I LIKE BEST! Babies are not too young for books nor are they too young for PLAY. In fact they need to PLAY and they love being cuddled close to you to be read and/or sung to! Choose books and play with your grandbaby every day because #PlayMattersInChildhood! It’s laying the foundation of their future success!
Main thing at grandma’s is to have FUN! Create memories—maybe give the parents a little respite—and revel in this next generation.
Share any and all photos of you and your grandbabies you’d like!
Yours in PLAY!
Teacher Karen
They’re growing too fast!
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