10 Things New Grandparents Need to Know
The world may change seemingly every day, but no matter what changes, babies stay the same. They eat, they poop (a lot), and they sleep. Well, sometimes they sleep. But despite these facts, many of the basic ways we care for babies have changed drastically over the past 20 years or so due to new science and research surrounding babies and their development. So this is for all the new grandparents out there. Because so much has changed since you were parents of little ones, I wanted to outline exactly what some of those changes are and why, as well as some other helpful information that you may have forgotten, or never even knew. So let’s dive in so you can be sure you feel confident caring for your new grandchild. And never fear, baby snuggles are still absolutely on the table!
1. Cribs stay completely empty.
A stark difference between when you were raising kids, and the recommendations nowadays. This is a best practice to help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and keep your new grandchild safe. Cribs should contain a firm crib mattress with a tightly fitted sheet and nothing else. Bassinets should be the same, and the pack-n-play should have no extra sheets on top that did not come with it. That also means no blankets, no pillows, no bumpers, and no stuffed animals. The day will come when it will be safe for them to have a bed full of stuffed animals, and they can be tucked under big soft blankets, but for now, the safest place for your grandbaby is alone in the crib, bassinet, or pack n play.
2. Babies are placed on their backs to sleep.
When you were raising your children, the recommendation for infant sleep position was to place them on their stomachs. This advice stemmed from a genuine concern – the fear that babies might choke on their spit-up if placed on their backs. However, extensive research has since disproven this theory.
In fact, scientific studies have shown a clear link between placing babies on their stomachs and a higher risk of SIDS. Because of this critical discovery, pediatricians now strongly recommend placing babies on their backs to sleep for every sleep time, including naps and nighttime. This simple change, known as the “Back to Sleep” campaign, has significantly reduced SIDS rates.
Therefore, when caring for your new grandchild, remember the importance of safe sleep practices. Always place the baby on their back to sleep, whether in a crib, bassinet, or pack-and-play. This small but important step can significantly reduce the risk of SIDS and help ensure your grandchild sleeps soundly and safely.
3. Babies need tummy time.
Especially since babies now sleep exclusively on their backs for the first few months of life, they need tummy time, which is supervised time in which they are awake on their stomachs, every day. Not only does this help prevent flat spots from developing but it also helps them strengthen their neck muscles, gain head control, and view and enjoy the world from a different perspective. Tummy time does not just have to be them laying flat on the floor though. Any amount of being on their stomach and having to work on head and neck control counts as tummy time. If you have Instagram, I recommend giving the account “milestones.and.motherhood” a follow. She’s a pediatric physical therapist who shares great tips and tricks you can use to help your grandchildren grow and learn.
4. No more rice cereal in bottles.
Though this was common practice and often a trick to get babies to sleep longer. It has since been proven to be a choking hazard and can cause babies to gain too much weight too quickly. Now, there are still some instances where babies can take rice cereal in a bottle, typically for reflux issues, but this is following a specific recommendation from the child’s pediatrician. For the most part, babies should only take bottles filled with breast milk or formula, and nothing else.
5. Babies don’t need a bath every day.
Newborns and young babies are especially prone to dry skin, and many lotions & oils can irritate their skin. The overall recommendation is to limit baths to 3 times a week. In between baths, you can always spot-clean dirty areas like the neck or hands with a soft, wet cloth. Babies don’t really do much that causes them to get dirty the way older children and adults do anyway. So, for now, you can skip the everyday bath.
6. Babies and young children should not wear coats in the car seat.
Yep, you read that right. Your new grandchild should not wear a coat or any bulky clothing while in their car seat, even in the winter. If you are worried about their comfort, you can always put a coat or a blanket over their buckled harness. This goes for any children in car seats, not just infants. The account “safeintheseat” on Instagram is a fantastic resource for car seat safety. So much has changed about car seats in the last 20-30 years, even in the last 5 years! Check out her account to stay up to date with the latest in car seat safety.
7. Let parents do things their way
You might have ideas and opinions about the best way to raise a child, but as you’ll know from your own experience as a parent, it’s important to let the parents do things their own way. Your role as a grandparent is to be supportive, not to tell them what they should and should not be doing, so be careful when dealing with unsolicited advice. So, if the parents have certain rules about the baby, try your best to follow them and respect their wishes. You want them to appreciate your support and you can enjoy spending time with your grandchild.
8. Offer to help out.
New parents need all the help they can get so as a grandparent, make it your goal to be as helpful as possible. As you’ll know having been a parent yourself, (though it may be hard to remember at times) there are a million and one things to take care of when you have a baby. By offering to go grocery shopping, do a grocery pick up, cook, or run errands for the parents, you can make life much easier for them. Just ask them what they need. If there is anything you can help with, they will let you know.
9. Prepare to entertain!
Even though your newest grandchild might be tiny, getting down on their level and playing is a fantastic way to connect. Here are some ideas for playtime fun, from infancy all the way to the big-kid years:
For Babies (0-1 years old):
- Sensory Play: Sensory toys engage a baby’s developing senses of touch, sight, sound, smell, and taste. These toys can be simple, like crinkly fabric books, textured balls, or rattles. Sensory play supports a baby’s learning and development in many ways, including:
- Language development
- Cognitive growth
- Motor skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Social interaction
- Memory function
- Ability to calm down
- Recognition of sensory attributes like hot, cold, sticky, and dry
- Concentration and focus
- Simple Games: Engage your little one with classic, interactive games like:
- Peek-a-boo: This never gets old! Peek from behind a blanket or around a corner to elicit giggles.
- Puppet shows: Use colorful puppets or stuffed animals to sing songs, tell stories, or have silly conversations.
- Bubbles: Blowing bubbles is a delightful activity for babies to watch and try to bat at.
For Toddlers (1-3 years old):
Many of the activities enjoyed by babies are still fun for toddlers, but you can add some complexity:
- Toys with more features: Blocks, shape sorters, and stacking toys encourage toddlers to explore cause and effect, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination.
- Sing songs and rhymes: Singing together is a wonderful way to bond and help toddlers develop language skills.
- Storytime: Reading children’s books together sparks a love of reading, expands vocabulary, and promotes imagination.
For Big Kids (4 years old and up):
As your grandchild grows, playtime can evolve into more complex activities:
- Board games: Simple board games introduce turn-taking and basic strategy skills.
- Arts and crafts: Painting, drawing, and other creative activities allow children to express themselves and develop their fine motor skills.
- Active play: Playing catch, tag, or going for walks together keeps everyone healthy and promotes quality time.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and connect with your grandchild. Let their interests guide your playtime choices, and enjoy making memories together!
10. Childproof your house
Whether your grandchildren are visiting for a quick bite to eat, hanging out for the afternoon, or staying overnight, it is important to ensure your home is a safe and happy environment for everyone when they come over. There are a number of ways you can make your home grandchild-friendly. Here are just a few:
- Block Electrical Hazards: Use outlet plugs to cover unused electrical outlets. This prevents curious little fingers from making contact with electricity.
- Supervise Bath Time: Young children can easily slip or drown in even a small amount of water. Always directly supervise your grandchild during bath time.
- Secure Dangerous Items: Keep medications, cleaning supplies, and other toxic items locked away in cabinets or on high shelves, out of reach of children.
- Anchor Furniture: Anchor large furniture, such as bookcases and dressers, to the wall to prevent them from tipping over if a child climbs on them.
- Safety Gates and Door Knobs: Consider using safety gates to block off areas that may be unsafe, such as stairs or kitchens. You can also replace standard doorknobs with childproof knobs that require an extra step to open.
- Sharp Corners and Edges: Cover sharp corners on furniture with soft corner protectors to minimize bumps and bruises.
- Pool Safety: If you have a pool, make sure it is properly fenced in with a self-latching gate. Consider pool alarms or pool safety covers for added protection.
- Stair Safety: Install childproof gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent falls.
Are You a New Grandparent?
There have been a lot of changes to parenting since you were a parent. From rules on sleeping and eating to the toys and games that are out there now. But rest assured, with these new tools on your side, you are ready for your new precious grandbaby to make their arrival! You’ll be able to grow and learn with them with all the new-age items out there. So get ready to learn some new things, have fun, and soak in those snuggles. Cause as you know, it goes by way too fast.
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Originally published May 16, 2024
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