What New Grandparents Need to Buy
As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site.
New parents need lots of baby gear: from diapers to clothes to cribs and car seats. In addition to the basics, there are gadgets and gizmos galore, as Ariel so memorably sings. But what do new grandparents need to buy for their own home? A lot less than retailers want you to believe. Browsing through the baby section of Target will tempt you to buy things you really don’t need.
So, what do new grandparents need? Whether your grandchild will come to your house every day or once a year, there are some basic items that will make visits easier for everyone. These seven items are the things More Than Grand readers find most useful. You can find all of these items (and more!) in our Amazon Store.
If you don’t want to invest in new things, check local online marketplaces or consignment stores specializing in children’s equipment. These often have quality used items, but always check for recalls before you buy anything used.
1: Porta-crib or pack ‘n play
Even if the baby isn’t sleeping over, you’ll be glad to have to somewhere for them to nap, or a safe space to put them down. We’ve been happy with this inexpensive one from Graco, but parents also recommend the pricer Chicco model.
2: Car seat
Do you need one? That depends. If you live close to parents, maybe. Don’t start shopping until you know if parents would like your help with daycare pickup or are comfortable with future ice-cream dates.
If your grandchild is farther away, and will be coming to visit via airplane, get one if you can. Having a car seat properly installed when you pick them up at the airport will win major brownie points from parents.
Check with parents about what type to get. Babies now need to be rear-facing until the age of 2 unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall, so it’s worth buying a seat that will grow with them. We’ve been really happy with this slim Graco model, but good car seats are available in a wide range of price points.
This is one thing you shouldn’t get used. For one thing, there’s no way to know if it’s been in an accident, which would compromise its effectiveness. Also, did you know car seats expire? The plastic can degrade over time, and any car seat over 10 years old should be abandoned. Visit safeintheseat.com for more information and installation tips.
3: High chair
Even if you only have occasional visits from your grandchild, having a high chair is key to everyone’s sanity. If space is an issue, look for one that folds up like the Primo Cozy Tot so it can be stored between visits. Another option is to get one that mounts to your table, like this one from Inglesia.
4: Diaper changing gear
While new parents will likely always have these on hand, keeping a supply of diapers and wipes at your house will make life easier for all. If visits are infrequent, check to make sure you have the right size and brand before each visit.
5: Swaddling cloths or receiving blankets
These are handy for so many reasons—keep a few on hand so your visitors don’t need to pack as many. You can’t beat the price on these flannel ones from Luvable Friends.
6: Bath time equipment
While you don’t need a special tub, having baby shampoo, a soft baby towel and washcloth is helpful. As that grandbaby grows, toys to make bath time fun are a great addition. We have a list of our favorite bath time essentials here.
7: Books
It’s never too soon to start reading to your grandchild! If you don’t have any saved from your own children, hit the library and stock up before each visit. Or build a small library at home, starting with some of our favorites from our Amazon shop.
These are just the basic, most useful items. Your needs may vary based on things like whether you’ll be providing regular care for your grandchild, how close parents live, or other factors. You may need all these things plus other items, or none of the above. One caution: don’t set up a full nursery in your home unless you’ve first paid for everything new parents need. There is no reason for Grandma’s house to have a nicer set-up than the baby’s room at home.
A final note: It’s important to check with parents before you purchase or borrow anything. You don’t want to end up with baby shampoo that causes a rash or a car seat that has been recalled. Parents will likely have done enough research as they equip their own nursery to be able to guide you to the best products for their baby.