When it comes to planning your next family vacation, the options are endless. But where better to escape than to the welcoming and familiar comforts of grandma & grandpa’s house? Everyone loves to visit grandma, especially the little ones. They are always ready to get spoiled and loved on; and parents are always eager to get some down time with the help of grandparents!
As you’re planning a visit to grandma, the inevitable question arises:
Does grandma have everything we need? Is grandpa’s house safe for baby? If the answer to that question is a resounding no, don’t worry! We have a foolproof plan to help you visit grandma with all the comforts and safety of home.
By taking time to plan and prepare with grandma prior to your arrival, you can ensure an all-around safe, fun-filled, and relaxing time.
Here’s the 4 most important steps to take before you visit grandma:
1. Safety
Safety is the #1 priority when it comes to caring for babies and small children. Ask yourself these questions before you visit grandma’s house:
- Is grandma’s house “baby proofed”?
- Are there stairs or dangerous areas that might require a baby gate to keep little ones safe?
- Are breakables and small items that baby might put into their mouth safely out of reach?
- Are hazardous items, such as cleaning products kept in locked cupboards away from curious toddler’s prying hands?
- Do all electrical outlets and plugs have safety covers?
- Are medications secured in high cabinets?
- Do you or does grandma know the car seat laws at her house?
- If you don’t plan to travel with your child’s car seat, does grandma have an age appropriate one for you to use?
- Are grandma and grandpa prepared to safely care for their grandkids?
Baby proofing grandma’s is easy as long as you and grandma plan in advance what needs to be done in order to make the home safer for your little ones. Don’t worry. Grandma and Grandpa are ready and willing to make their home safer for their grandkids!
Once the obvious hazards are handled, parents or grandparents can get in touch with a local baby gear rental company like BabyQuip who can supply essential safety items such as baby gates, enclosed playpens/play yards, padded play mats, baby monitors, even baby swings and bouncers to keep little ones safe, happy and occupied. These essentials are guaranteed to provide much needed peace of mind while you visit grandma.
2. Sleeping Arrangements & Bedtime Routine
The #1 goal when traveling with a baby is to create a sleep environment that’s as similar and familiar to home as possible. This way, baby will sleep well and everyone will get the rest they need. It’s also a good idea to stick with the same bedtime routine to ensure baby is comfortable in the new environment.
- Where will infants and toddlers be sleeping when you visit grandma?
- Will you be sharing a room or will they be in their own room?
- Does grandma have the “comforts of home” that baby (and sleep deprived parents) rely upon to ensure a restful and relaxing bedtime?
- Does baby get a bath and a story before bed? Make sure grandma has a safe baby bath (if necessary), a thermometer and an assortment of age appropriate books.
Parents can solve part of this dilemma by traveling with lightweight items that little ones are accustomed to from home. Items such as a favorite blanket, lovey or stuffed animal can easily fit into a parent’s suitcase or travel bag. Bulkier and heavier items such as cribs, pack ‘n plays, bassinets, noise machines, humidifiers, bed rails, baby baths and books can all be rented from BabyQuip, so that parents don’t have to lug a bunch of baby gear to grandma’s house. With over 600 locations across the US & Canada, it’s easy to find someone who rents baby gear.
Related articles:
- An Essential Guide to Baby Proofing Your Home Room-by-Room
- Car Seat Safety Laws: State-by-State
- Baby Sleep Problems: Top Things That Disturb Baby’s Sleep
- The Power of Hugs
3. Fun & Entertainment
Now that the important stuff such as safety and sleep have been resolved, it’s time to have fun while you visit grandma! Ask yourself the following questions:
- Does grandma have age appropriate toys?
- Are there any events or activities taking place in relative proximity to grandma’s place that kids would enjoy, such as fairs, theme parks, child friendly concerts or shows?
- Does grandma have a stroller at her house for all the adventures she’ll take the grandkids on, or will you need to bring one, or rent one?
- How can we keep babies and toddlers entertained?
For the most part, grandma will just be thrilled to be in the presence of her beloved grandchildren, but keeping babies and toddlers entertained is a lot of work! A good rule of thumb is to get outside, weather permitting of course. It can be as simple as grandma’s backyard. If it’s hot outside, a toddler pool, a sprinkler or a water table is enough to provide endless hours of entertainment and a great way to cool off.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, a trip to the zoo or the park is a foolproof way to put a smile on everyone’s face. If you’re trying to beat the heat, a visit to a local library or indoor play gym would provide a refuge from the sun. Find some fun events to do at your destination as a group or maybe an event that the grandparents can do with the kids (and then you’ll get some alone time!). Here’s a list of city guides that might be helpful! Finally if you’re after a more relaxing vibe, a story from a favorite children’s book read by grandma herself will keep eager minds engaged, while mom and dad take a much needed catnap!
Since you’ll be renting safety and sleep necessities for grandma’s house, make sure to include a toy package too! This is a great way to provide entertainment for both the children and “children at heart” (aka grandma and grandpa!). When you visit grandma, you’re sure to have tons of fun no matter what!
4. Consumables
It’s no secret that babies and toddlers require lots of consumable products: diapers, wipes, food, formula, etc. Instead of rushing to the store as soon as you arrive to go buy all the things, why not ship everything you need for your visit with grandma and grandpa. Check with the grandparents to see what they already have and then make your list and order! Here’s some things you may want to consider:
- Diapers and Wipes or Pull Ups for older children
- Formula
- Children’s over the counter medications
- Snacks or favorite foods that are must haves for when you arrive
Another option is to do a grocery delivery order—this is something you can plan in advance and have scheduled to arrive when you get there! (PS: some BabyQuip Quality Providers offer personal shopping!) This way grandma doesn’t have to worry about grocery shopping as part of her “the grandkids are coming” preparations. BUT, if she insists on doing the grocery shopping, send her a list so she can be prepared!
Other things to consider when you visit grandma:
If you’re traveling in the near future during the COVID-19 pandemic, Delta Variant pandemic (or even during the normal flu season!), there are some extra steps you may want to take to visit grandma and grandpa safely.
- It goes without saying that you should wash hands while traveling and while visiting the grandparents. Although, we think this is just a best hygiene practice over all!
- Make sure everyone is wearing masks en route to grandma and grandpa’s house. While you are out exploring the area, make sure you mask up as well. You’ll want to be aware of who may be at higher risk when you visit grandma; it may be your parents (the grandparents) or other family members visiting too.
- We know it can be challenging to practice social distancing with babies and toddlers, but whenever possible, make sure you and the family are doing this as best you can.
- Before you travel, it’s also a good idea to consult public health and infectious disease resources (CDC and local public health departments) for updated information about cases, area restrictions, and requirements.
- And if anyone is sick, stay at home, and find out the vaccination status of those you’ll be visiting (if you don’t already know).
Want more tips on how to safely travel during COVID? Here’s a great list of advice!
Are you ready to visit grandma? We know the kids are! There’s truly no better way to spend quality time together as a family then multigenerational travel; and a trip to grandma and grandpa’s sounds pretty good to us. (PRO TIP: plan a date night while you’re with the grandparents. You’re welcome.)
Jennifer O’Neill is an Independent Quality Provider with BabyQuip, helping families travel lighter and happier. She is a mother of two boys and enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends and of course, traveling.
This is nicely worded and helpful, thankyou.
My mom will usually buy a new toy for my son when we visit. But, it’s definitely worth renting toys for our little guy to stay entertained.