Starter Supplies Every New Grandma Needs

The monitor I have is a simple one that lets you hear the sounds being made in the baby's room. 

There are fancy ones available now that let you see the room and the baby, too. 

It's amazing how technology keeps making our lives easier! 

Check out these new-fangled monitors that do it all.

If you aren't accustomed to children in the house, you may have forgotten how to sleep with one eye open. 

Heavy sleepers may not hear that little one cry during the night or an older child get up and wander the house. 

A baby monitor will let you rest, knowing you will be alerted to anything going bump in the night.

Even if Mom packs a diaper bag, you never know when there may be an emergency. 

The babysitter’s son broke his arm and I picked up my niece who was in her care. 

Poor thing was wrapped in a makeshift dishtowel diaper when her mamma came to get her. 

Having some wipes and diapers on hand sure would have been nice.

Keep these supplies available “just in case”. 

You never know when they may come in handy. 

If you see the baby is close to outgrowing the supply you have on hand, pass them to mom and restock the next size up. 

Be a Boy Scout: 

Be prepared.

If you are changing diapers, you may not want to do this directly on the carpet. 

Or on your dining room table. 

Having a changing pad like this one would come in handy. 

Avoid a messy situation with a washable changing pad.

This is pretty obvious. 

Every baby needs a nice, comfortable blanket.   

And you probably already have some sort of blanket that is soft and baby-appropriate. 

Get it out, wash it up using a mild baby detergent (or whatever Mom prefers - be careful of soap allergies - always ask), and have it ready when the baby comes to visit.

Even if you don't plan to bathe the baby, you never know when dinner or diapers may get messy enough to warrant full-on water instead of just a damp cloth. 

Be ready with a baby-soft towel and washcloth.

Bibs, a spoon, a bowl, and a bottle. 

It would be helpful to have the same type of bottle that the baby uses at home. 

Have Mom supply this for you, or ask her what type of bottle baby uses. 

It is easier for you and for the baby to drink from the same style of bottle as they use at home. 

And bibs - because carrot orange is hard to get out of white onesies.

To entertain this little one, furnish rattles, teething toys, and other baby toys. 

A bored baby is a cranky baby.

New Grandmas should have supplies to treat fever, bumps, bruises, cuts, and diaper rash such as Children's Tylenol, a baby thermometer, a bag of frozen peas, and ointment for a sore bottom. 

In this area, too, it is best to obtain advice from the parents before purchasing or administering any medications.

If you have to leave home with the baby for any reason, you must have a car seat. 

This seat must be appropriate for the child's age and weight and having a fairly new model is a requirement. 

If you get a used seat, it is important to know for sure that the seat has never been in an accident and it must have a current date. 

(They are dated and expire, just like your food.) 

Your best bet is to purchase an inexpensive new one or have the parents leave the seats from their own car for you to use in an emergency.

Car seats must also be installed correctly. 

The local fire station was very happy to show me how to properly install my seats and did it for me the first time. 

While I don't continuously keep their seats in my car, I now know how to securely attach them to ensure my Grandkids will be safe when they are with me.

Some car seats for infants are detachable with a base like this that stays in the car. 

If your Grandchild has this kind, you can simply purchase a base for your own car. 

Be sure to get the proper brand and base that matches the car seat they are using. 

The seat portion can then serve as a pumpkin seat - a dual purpose item.

Having a crib or Pack & Play to use for sleep will keep the baby confined and safe during the night. 

As with the car seat, these must also meet current standards for safety. 

Most likely the baby's parents will have recommendations for you. 

Take note of their instructions regarding any equipment used with their child. 

You certainly don't want to be responsible for any harm to your Grandchild that results from poor choices in this area

Maybe I'm a little old-fashioned, but there is nothing like cuddling a brand new (or any other) baby and rocking in your chair. 

I think every Gram should have a rocking chair. 

Mine is the same one I used to rock my own boys when they were babies. 

You could also get a comfortable Lazy Boy recliner for longer periods of Rock-a-bye-Baby.

If you Grandchild uses a binky, you sure don't want to end up being the babysitter when the binky is left at home. 

Pay attention to the preferred kind and have one stashed away. 

Bring it out only if necessary, but having it could be the difference in a night of ugly crying or a night of peaceful sleep.

You may not be able to keep your eyes directly on this mobile child every minute while in your care. 

After all, there are bathroom breaks and other moments where a little confinement becomes essential. 

An item like this allows you to turn your back for just a quick bit while knowing your Grandchild is not in harm's way.

Whether this means a high chair, a booster seat, or some other alternative method, when your Grandchild is old enough, you want to include them at the dinner table.

When it's time for potty training, it helps if the cycle continues at Grandma's house. 

Here are two options for potty chairs - one that fits on the toilet directly, or an individual, separate one like this.  There is even one that has a ladder (this is cool).