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Plus Basic Items Every Grandparent of a Newborn Should Own
I will always remember the day we were presented with a little gift bag. It was a random day and a generic little bag, but when we opened it to find tiny socks and a little yellow duck, it became anything but random! We were going to be grandparents! I was going to be a first-time grandma!
A thousand, (maybe more!) thoughts flooded my mind. And thankfully, I think I kept most of them tucked away for the moment.
You see as moms who have invested over 20 years into this parenting thing, we’ve seen a lot and learned a lot and it can be easy to want to ‘share it all’ with a new parent.
Instead, we celebrated the wonderful exciting baby we knew absolutely nothing about but were already head over heels in love with.
Later I had time to process all my thoughts and emotions, and as customary to my way of approaching life, I made a list.
I called it the First Time Grandma List. And it’s short.
I’m sharing it with you and hoping that it will be helpful to you as a first time Grandma too.
And if I dare say it, this list will serve you well even as that little one begins to walk, run and eventually drive the family car!
1. Be Informed
Oh so much had changed since we had a little one of our own to care for. I wanted to make sure I was educating myself with current best practices.
But instead of asking my daughter ‘all the things’ or heading straight to Amazon on my own, I asked her for a recommendation of books or blogs she is reading so that I could learn along with her.
2. Be Patient
Your grown kids have a lot to think about as they get ready to welcome a new baby.
They are making sure they have things lined up for medical bills, maternity leave, furnishing a nursery, and navigating the new dynamic of relationships as parents in addition to a spouse.
We actually aren’t at the top of their list to keep updated! What to do?
Stay patient.
Send a text, or pop a card in the mail that simply says ‘thinking of you’ or ‘praying for you’ and then don’t worry if you don’t get a reply.
It will be appreciated more than you know!
And you will soon be an important part of a new baby’s life.
3. Be the kind of person you would want to help you.
One of the questions our family asks is “How Can I Help?”
It actually hangs on the fridge and is a daily reminder to be a servant rather than an expert.
Have transparent conversations about what would be doable for you before the baby arrives, and what would be helpful for your grown kids.
Do you live near them, or several hours or maybe even a plane ride away? How does that impact how you can help?
If you live close, popping in and doing some light housework after the baby arrives might be just what is needed.
Stock the fridge with simple meal prep options, or supply the freezer with meals that can be popped in the Instant Pot.
Let them choose which meals they would like.
(And check out this site for great meal ideas! https://thefamilyfreezer.com)
If you are hours away, you might mail gift cards for meal/takeout delivery for some favorite places.
I’ve also heard from friends of grandparents who even hire a cleaning service so the couple comes home to a nice clean place! I’d just make sure to ask on this one ahead of time, especially if you aren’t nearby to coordinate.
Again, ask the question “How can I help?”
4. Accentuate the positive
Our kids won’t do most things just like we did. And for a first time grandma there may be times when you just think “hmmmm…….”
I believe that there are also many times they also wonder about their parenting skills. After all, this is a brand-new gig!
I know I sure had my share of wondering if I was making the right decision, and there are so. many. decisions.
In the big story of this tiny person’s life, the best thing we can do is cheer on our grown kids as they do their very best to raise their kids to be successful adults.
READ: How to Have a Good Relationship With Your Grown Daughter – 5 Keys to Success
Celebrate all the things they do to accomplish that.
The nights they go without much sleep, their search for the ‘best’ car seat, the way they bring a bright smile to that sweet little face.
Those are the times we need to say “You are such a good mom/dad.” I see the way that you _________________.
What a boost that will be to a new parent!
5. Shop!
This one is pretty much a no-brainer for us as grandparents.
There are so many great and helpful baby items these days!
Ask what is needed, and if would it be alright if you purchase it.
Keep in mind the storage available in their home, and the brands you notice they use.
If you live close by (or even close enough that weekend visits are going to be a thing), do some shopping for yourself so you are ready for baby visits.
Some suggestions would be a
- pack-and-play (nearly 42,000 reviews!)
- diapers (check on brand preference and size)
- wipes
- a bottle or two (make sure to match up with what they are using)
- a few spare outfits
- some baby toys (easy-to-store options like this are our favorite)
You’ll have a great setup for those special days!
6. Tell Yourself “Great Job”
You are on your way to becoming a great first-time grandma!