Grandparent Starter Kit: 10 Essentials You'll Actually Need

When I found out we would be grandparents, I asked my friends about the items that I should plan to have here at my home, so the kids don't have to pack quite as much in their diaper bags. I have tried to create a setup so that they can just "drop in" anytime, without having to give much thought to planning what to bring with them. The goal is to always be ready for babies at any time:). Here's the list I came up with, with lots of input from veteran grandparents: (Underlined products are followed by affiliate links- thank you for your support of Camp Granna! )

#1 and #2 : Crib/Mattress and Crib sheets. I considered a pack and play, and I really think it just depends on how much space you're willing to dedicate.....but I am also sentimental and I wanted to have a crib that every single one of the grandkids could say they napped in as children at my house. Nothing fancy, it came from Walmart and is perfect in a corner in our bedroom. There's no room for a changing table, too, so we just change diapers in the crib. I got the Newton Original Crib Mattress that is breathable and washable, and don't forget Newton Baby Organic Fitted Crib Sheets and a couple of blankets! I love the Caden Lane Luxe Blankets-find those at www.cadenlane.com. You may also want the Newton waterproof mattress cover. It washes so easily and has never stained!

#3 and #4: I bought a swing and a bouncy seat --there are so many to choose from, but these are the ones I got, and I love them. Some of them are outrageously priced. These are affordable and meet the need just fine:) The Graco Simple Sway Swing has five speeds, music and white noise sounds, and volume control. I love that it has a deep seat so that they are actually reclining more in a sit, not just laying down in it, if that makes sense. The Bright Starts Vibrating Bouncer with Toy Bar is colorful and you can use rings to attach more toys to the toy bar if you like. After a feeding I know you want to do nothing but sit and stare at them in your arms....ha....but when you do need to put them down for a second, I have used these two things SO much!

Of course you want to have #5 : Diapers/wipes, and diaper rash cream. I have a three tiered cart that I keep all of these things on beside the crib. We love the Pampers Pure Diapers and Wipes, and the Bordreaux's Butt Paste for the cream.

#6: Keep a few outfits on hand (my husband teased that I was getting rid of all of his things in one of the drawers to make room for baby clothes:) I love these Caden Lane sleepers that have the dual zippers--NO SNAPS!!!!-and these zipper sleepers from Gerber. I have a six pack of socks just in case we need them. Hats like these beanies from Keababies are good to have around in the winter and besides that, newborns just look sweeter in hats:) I usually keep clothes that are two sizes ahead of wherever the kids are when they are babies. They seem to grow overnight and I'm always glad that I have the next size up when those toes stretch out those sleepers:)

#7 and #8: I have bottles on hand, (Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Anti-Colic Glass bottles )and a bottle warmer (Grownsy Bottle Warmer). My grandbabies are on breast milk, but if your little one is formula fed, don't forget to keep a can at your house so they don't have to pack formula when they visit. I do keep Willow 8oz breast milk storage bags here, so that if one of my girls pumps while they are here, they can store it in one of my bags and either take it home with them or I freeze it here at my house to have for next time.

#9: I also keep pacifiers up in the cabinet with the bottles. Neither one of my grandsons really love a pacifier all the time, but they are handy at really fussy times when nothing else seems to be working:) And it doesn't hurt to have some of the cute pacifier clips so that they don't keep falling on the floor. Here are the ones that worked for them: Bibs Color Pacifiers 4pk, 0-6months, Nuby Pacifinder Baby Pacifier Clip-2pk.

#10: It's nice to have all of the "products" stocked and ready for your kids and grandkids to visit, but remember that the most important thing to have is open arms:) Your kids are likely overwhelmed, exhausted, unsure if they're doing things "right", and they just need YOU. Remind them that they're doing great. Offer to hold/soothe/feed the baby while they take a nap in your guest room or go get some dinner and have a few minutes to themselves. YOU can encourage and build them up and you don't need a room full of products to do that:)