Ready for baby!
When Sandy Eiler's children visit with their own children, they don't have to worry if they accidentally leave something out of the diaper bag. The Ann Arbor, Michigan grandmother is geared up and ready for little visitors.
"When our girls come home to visit, [one lives 20 miles away and the other 2,000] they only need to bring the children's clothes," says Eiler. "I stock diapers, food, bottles, formula, cribs, swings, pajamas etc. With seven offspring, I expect to have many grandchildren so I have no problem re-stocking our home with baby equipment. I also keep on hand baby medications, Tylenol, Orajel, thermometers and off course ipecac syrup in case of accidental poisonings." Eiler, a retired pediatric/emergency room nurse, has gained lots of experience from raising seven children. Currently, she has three grandsons, ages five months, 10 months and three-years-old who come for regular visits.
"My goal as a grandmother is to enjoy our boys, make our home as easy as theirs and help their mothers relax and enjoy their time home with us and their children," Eiler says. "I feel that it is vital for grandparents to establish a relationship with these little ones and for their parents to take advantage as a couple to have alone time for their marriage."
While Eiler admits she may be unusual in how well-stocked her house is for babies, it is important for grandparents to keep some essentials on hand, as well as to babyproof their homes. It's also crucial for grandparent's to be aware of current guidelines for infant safety. When this generation brought their babies home, they would put the baby to sleep on its tummy. Today, doctors stress the need to put babies to sleep on their backs, and to remove any soft bedding, stuffed animals or other items that could potentially suffocate the baby.
Ruth Meyer Brown, author of A Grandmother's Guide to Extended Babysitting, says it's also essential for grandparents to learn the routines of their grandchildren if they will be caring for them. Schedules are particularly important for infants as grandparents need to know when to feed the baby, what the baby can eat, the baby's sleeping schedule and if and when the baby uses a pacifier.
Parents become accustomed to going out prepared with their little ones, stocking diaper bags with changes of clothes, snack food, toys and other items. But there are times when the stock might run low, and it's good for Grandma to have her own supply to be prepared for visits. Here are some items to add to your list:
Essentials
- Diapers and baby wipes -- Keep a supply on hand, especially if your grandchildren visit on a regular basis.
- Diaper rash ointment
- Bottles and formula or a supply of breastmilk
- Baby medications -- infant pain and fever reliever, oral cream for alleviating teething pain
- Baby food -- Make sure Grandma knows if the baby has any allergies
Equipment
- Will you be traveling with the baby? If so, you need an approved car seat.
- High chair -- this is a tough thing for Mom to pack, so it will help if Grandma has one at her house.
- Crib or bed rails for a regular bed to keep the baby from rolling out.
- Toys -- make sure there aren't any small parts which pose a choking hazard.
Babyproofing
- Outlet plugs are a must.
- Remove chemicals and cleaners from under the sink and store out of reach or in locked cabinets.
- Store medications, matches and lighters out of reach or in locked cabinets.
- Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors.
Get down on your hands and knees and examine your house from a baby's perspective. What potential dangers can you spot? Are there electric cords they could trip over or pull out of a socket? Is there easy access to a flight of stairs? If so, you'll need to get some baby gates. Look around for other trouble spots and make adjustments accordingly.
Look up high. Toddlers can climb to high places, especially if they see something that entices them. Are the window blind and curtain cords out of their reach? Do you have TVs or other large appliances sitting on a table where the baby could potentially pull it off?
With a little preparation and planning, you can ensure a safe and happy visit for your grandchildren.
