Congratulations, you’re going to be a grandparent! Awaiting the arrival of your new grand-bundle of joy is the perfect time to stock up on items you may want to have on hand when the little one comes for a visit. Below is an alphabetized list of suggestions from long-time grandparents about what you will need on your shopping list. Some of the items won’t be necessary until the child is a little older, but you can never be too prepared!
- Age-appropriate toys (for indoor and out), art & activity supplies, books, movies, and music
- Baby bathtub and bathing supplies (mini towels and washcloths plus shampoos, lotions, and toys)
- Baby bottles and baby utensils; toddler feeding sets—bowls, plates, and utensils for those who feed themselves
- Baby gates
- Baby monitor
- Bandages and pain reliever (children’s and infant’s)
- Bathtub chair (the ones with suctions cups on the bottom) for babies who are too big for the baby tub but not yet stable enough to sit up on their own
- Bibs
- Booster seat or high chair
- Bulb syringe
- Car seat
- Changing table (plus diapers, wipes, ointment, etc.)
- Child-proofing gadgets for outlets, doorknobs, cabinets, toilet seats
- Cold teething rings and icepacks for boo-boos
- Crib, pack n play, or play pen
- Dark window coverings for the room where the child will sleep
- Dedicated drawer for extra clothing
- Extra pacifiers
- Extra toothbrush and toothpaste
- Favorite foods in cupboards and fridge (nutritional and not) as well as food stocked for each age and dietary need (vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free, organic, etc.)
- Full cookie jar at all times
- Nightlight for guest room
- Non-skid appliques for bottom of bathtub
- Postage scale and USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail Boxes for sending gifts
- Potty chair
- Quiet music and CD/tape player for sleep time
- Sheets and receiving blankets
- Sippy cups
- Step stool to access the real potty
- Stroller
- Sun block and insect repellent suitable for little ones
- Swing set and sand box
- Thermometer
- Web camera—not just for long-distance grandmas
And most importantly: A reliable rocking chair for hours of bonding time.
Welcome to grandparenthood!
What do you think? Did we forget any essentials? What do you think a new Grandparent can’t do without?
