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GrandparentAre you going to be a new grandparent soon and wondering what you should have at your home to make it your little bundle of joy’s home away from home?

We have been blessed with 6 adorable grandchildren and I’ve learned a few things along the way about the things needed to make your home ready for a new grandbaby.  Especially if you’re hoping the little one will spend plenty of time at your house!

I’ve put together my list of suggestions right here for you to browse through!

1.  An area in a corner of a bedroom or other quiet room that can be devoted to a pack-n-play or crib.  We have a guest room, which is actually my Mom’s room when she decides to spend time with us.  I have devoted a corner of that room to baby.

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Finding room for baby in an already crowded bedroom!

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 Babies corner of the room.

Baby must haves

Babies corner decorated with teddy bears and Winnie the Pooh’s 100 Aker Wood map and print.  The macrame’ hanging mobile was made by me and is extremely easy!  Everything, including the crib can be removed from the room in a matter of minutes if the area is needed for something else.

(This post contains a few affiliate links, which if clicked on and a purchase is made, I will receive a small commission to help support this blog.  And I thank you!)

2.  Pack-n-play or crib.  Our crib is fantastic!  I can’t say enough positive things about it!  It is a full size crib, but it is portable.

It is called the Dream On Me Full Size 2 in 1 Folding Stationary Side Crib.  To fold it you simply take the mattress out, undo 1 latch on the bottom and 1 on each side.  Then the sides easily fold in and the crib can be rolled to another location or stored away!

I think this crib is absolutely perfect for grandparents!

Must haves for baby

Instructions for easily folding crib.

Must haves for baby

Remove mattress, undo latch and fold the bottom up.

Must haves for baby

Undo side latches.

Must haves for baby.

Crib easily folds for moving or storage! 

I love this crib.  It is attractive and sturdy, and the mobility is perfect!

3.  Two sheets for the crib or pack-n-play.

4.  Diapers, baby wipes and something to prevent diaper rash, such as butt paste or desitin.

5.  Blankets – one crib size and two receiving blankets.

6.  A few sleepers, onesies and socks.

7.  Pacifiers

8.  If the mother breast feeds, she often will have a breast pump and will store some pumped milk in the freezer.  If this is the case, it’s a good idea for you to have a bottle and some of the pumped milk in your freezer.  If nothing else, God forbid, for emergencies.  If the baby drinks formula, then bottle and formula.

9.  Small diaper bag.  I have a very small one that I really like.  It has a changing pad built in and holds just enough for a short excursion.  The changing pad folds up and becomes the closing flap on the bag.

baby must haves

10.  Baby monitor.  These are so great. I can watch and hear the baby on my phone or IPad.  Otherwise I’m running back and forth peeking in at baby or straining to hear through the door.

11.  A drawer or two for babies things.  If this isn’t possible, try a rolling cart something like this.  Works great!

baby must haves

12.  I also suggest a car seat.  Yes, you can switch the parent’s car seat to your car if needed, but that is a pain.  Find a car seat that can change with the child as they grow and you won’t have to purchase another one later.

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your grandchild!  I can’t begin to tell you how great grandchildren are; but trust me, it will amaze you!  We once saw a sign that said “If we had known how much fun grandchildren were, we would have had them first!”  We all dearly love our children, but there is something so special about grandchildren.  I think that maybe we are just old enough to appreciate them more.

This is a precious little poem that was given to my mother.  It is framed and sits on the dresser, and brings the teddy bear theme together for old and young alike!

Grandparent

Are you a grandparent?  What did you do to get ready for your first grandbaby?

This post will be shared on the link parties found on my “Where I Party” page.

Every product in this post was purchased by me with no remuneration.

{ 40 comments }
Joyce Gillis June 14, 2016, 8:37 am

Your solution to making room for grandchild visits is excellent! How convenient to have a folding crib. With the accommodations you’ve made, family will visit often because they’ll feel so welcome!

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Teresa June 14, 2016, 9:16 am

Thank you so much Joyce! I do love having everything needed so that parents don’t feel they need to bring the kitchen sink, so to speak, with them each time they pop over for a visit!

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Pamela Shank June 20, 2016, 1:19 pm

What a great post! I remember way back when we started having grandchildren and I had nothing! You are so right about having a little corner or space dedicated to them. There are so many new items out there now that we were not aware of. I am going to share this post

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Teresa June 21, 2016, 11:45 am

I agree, the new products never cease to amaze! I’m often wandering where they were when my children were babies. Thank you so much for reading and sharing!

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Kris June 20, 2016, 2:55 pm

I love your list. I have always had a portable pack-n-play as my crib, but I LOVE the portable crib you mention. Our youngest — he’s 2 — can now climb out, and does. No more naps at Nana’s house, I’m afraid.

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Teresa June 21, 2016, 11:49 am

I love the crib too; it’s so easy to move it out of the room if I need to. They learn to escape quickly don’t they! Our second to the youngest grandchild will be 2 this month so she will be bequeathing the crib to her 4 month old baby brother!

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Nina Lewis June 20, 2016, 10:25 pm

Yesterday, I realized I was out of diapers. And I needed some for my littlest grandbaby! Oops! I’ll have to remember to get more — and to stay stocked up.

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Teresa June 21, 2016, 11:52 am

Yes, you don’t want to run out of those! I keep mine visible or I would definitely forget. I would be wondering the aisles at Wal-Mart thinking “I know there’s something else I’m supposed to get!”

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Roseann Hampton March 15, 2017, 7:50 pm

My best friend just became a grandparent for the first time yesterday. I’ll have to be sure to forward her this link!

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Teresa March 16, 2017, 8:58 pm

Thank you! There are soooo many wonderful things out there now that we didn’t have for our children. And of course, when I was a kid none of us had car seats. We roamed all over the car!

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Grammy Dee March 16, 2017, 12:01 pm

All good choices. After our children were grown we never knew we’d need to start all over with crib, diaper bag, car seat, etc…but who knew how much we’d enjoy having our grandbabies be at home with us 🙂 Thank you Teresa for sharing this post at Wednesday AIM Link Party at Grammy’s Grid. I shared it on social media. Hope you get lots of traffic!

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Teresa March 16, 2017, 9:28 pm

You’re so welcome, thank you for hosting. Grandchildren are wonderful little blessings, aren’t they!

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Pam March 16, 2017, 8:24 pm

I made a nursery out of one room because I take care of the baby during the week while her parents work. I had to remember all those things you mentioned and it wasn’t easy. LOL One thing I love is the sound machines they have these days. And a stroller. We’re tall so it wasn’t easy finding one I didn’t have to hunch over to push. 🙂 Great ideas!

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Teresa March 16, 2017, 9:17 pm

Hi Pam, Yes the monitors are really something! I love being able to not only hear the baby, but be able to see him too. And the strollers! My daughter-in-law has had some of the most fantastic strollers to review (she is over at thriftyniftymommy.com). It is amazing how expensive they can be though. Thank you for stopping by and reading! Teresa

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Grammy Dee May 1, 2017, 2:03 am

Thank you Teresa for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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Teresa May 2, 2017, 11:40 pm

Thank you for sharing and for the co-hosting invitation. I am loving it!

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Renee May 1, 2017, 9:09 am

Great list. I love the poem as well.

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Teresa May 2, 2017, 11:38 pm

Thank you Renee!

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Carol ("Mimi") May 1, 2017, 9:42 am

I kinda miss those days when we had the pack ‘n’ play in the guest room. Sadly, our youngest grandchild has outgrown the pack ‘n’ play, now. They grow up so fast! Thanks for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared your post on social media.

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Teresa May 2, 2017, 11:37 pm

They certainly do. I think because we realize that, it helps us to enjoy every moment with them! Thank you for sharing!

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Clearissa Coward May 1, 2017, 12:11 pm

Love the folding crib. That’s a great way to have baby visit and not break the routine. #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’ve shared your post on social media.

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Teresa May 2, 2017, 11:35 pm

It is a fantastic crib for grandparents, aunts, etc. So easy to move room to room! Thank you for sharing!

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Donna May 1, 2017, 1:34 pm

Thanks for sharing these ideas, Teresa. Our grandchildren are still babies so I am stocking up on all of the tips that I can.
Thanks for co-hosting this link-up. I am already looking forward to the next one!

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Teresa May 2, 2017, 11:33 pm

It is so nice to have all the things you need for spur of the moment visits and sleep overs. I’m looking forward to the next party too; this is so much fun!

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Lori Hill-Smith May 1, 2017, 9:14 pm

Perfect list! I have all of those things and things for my older grandkids too. Last weekend I had to get out my little jackets and sweat shirts so they’d be warm enough to play outside. Being prepared with all the things your grandbabies will need makes their visit o nice and comfortable.

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Teresa May 1, 2017, 11:18 pm

It really does! My grandchildren can come to spend the night and everything they need is already here. It’s great!

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Lori Hill-Smith May 1, 2017, 9:14 pm

Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!

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Teresa May 1, 2017, 11:15 pm

You are very welcome!

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Grammy Dee May 2, 2017, 5:20 pm

I’m back again! As I said before – All good choices. After our children were grown we never knew we’d need to start all over with crib, diaper bag, car seat, etc.

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Teresa May 2, 2017, 11:25 pm

And if you’re like me, you want to have those little ones around a lot, so having everything you need to make that easier is great!

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Grammy Dee | Grammy's Grid January 15, 2018, 1:10 pm

All good ideas Teresa! I shared your post on Fb, Pin, and Tw.

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Teresa January 15, 2018, 9:00 pm

Thank you Dee!

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Amy January 15, 2018, 4:50 pm

Such great tips! I am currently redecorating my daughter’s old bedroom with the concept of making it easier for visits with the grandchildren in mind.

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Teresa January 15, 2018, 8:59 pm

We’ve managed to make out home the grandkids second home with their bedroom, beds, toys, etc., etc! Lots of fun!

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Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures January 16, 2018, 5:49 am

What wonderful tips! I especially like your advice about having a car seat. Those are so difficult to move from car to car. Isn’t being a grandparent just the best thing ever?! The only item I might add to your list is a box of tissue for all those tears of joy! 😉 -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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Teresa January 16, 2018, 11:16 pm

It is truly the best thing ever! Seeing my grandchildren’s happy little faces brightens up my life!

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Nancy W January 16, 2018, 12:13 pm

Great advice, I was just looking for a crib as my daughter will coming to visit soon with our granddaughter!

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Teresa January 16, 2018, 11:10 pm

I do love this crib. We leave it up most of the time, but it’s so easy to fold and move out of the room if needed.

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Pamela Shank January 18, 2018, 11:34 pm

Beautiful home and a good article. I started with a corner of our guest room with the 1st grandchild…our crew kept growing to 14 so I have had to make many adjustments over the years!

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Teresa January 20, 2018, 9:49 am

And I know those 14 precious grandchildren keep you very busy! We have another bedroom that is dedicated to the grandchildren, but with babies still in the picture, I like to keep that corner of my Mom’s room for a quiet place. In fact, we have another one on the way now! Have a wonderful weekend!

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