Are you expecting a visit from your new grandson soon? The first visit of the baby to the house of grandmother and grandfather is a very exciting event. This may be her first visit to her new place or it may just be a long time since she had a “little visitor” in her home. You can prepare for the arrival of her grandchild with a little planning and preparation.
If this is their first trip, mom and dad will appreciate all the help they can get. First, find out from them what equipment the baby will need when she stays with you. A crib, car seat, high chair, toys? These items can be easily rented from a local baby equipment rental company or purchased from a consignment or children’s store. Just make sure that any equipment you get meets all current safety standards and hasn’t been recalled. Be careful when borrowing equipment from friends. Safety standards are constantly changing and a piece of equipment that looks good may not meet today’s standards. Health Canada posts a list of all children’s product recalls online.
A car seat is a crucial piece of equipment these days. Many families bring a seat with them or rent one when they arrive. If you are installing a car seat in your vehicle, read your owner’s manual for the safest location for the seat and the location of the child seat anchors. Under Alberta law, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that passengers under the age of 16 are properly buckled up. Children under 40 lbs (18 kg) or under 6 years of age must be in an appropriate child restraint that is properly installed in the vehicle. Mom and Dad will also have some experience installing their own car seat. Please allow extra time at the airport for it to be checked if you have already installed it in your vehicle.
It’s also a good idea to stock up on some basic baby supplies before you arrive. This will really help mom and dad focus on getting there instead of packing their suitcases full of supplies. Diapers, wipes and baby food can be picked up at your local supermarket. Has it been a while since you shopped the baby aisle? Just check with mom to see if baby has any favorite foods, allergies, or specific brands she prefers. A few baby food jars or a pack of diapers are a great start! Having a few of these basic baby items on hand will really help create a cozy environment for your family.
A few days before your arrival, you will have to take a look around your house for dangers. Baby-proofing your home requires looking from a baby’s point of view. Janeen Webb, co-owner of Safe and Sound Baby Proofing in Calgary, says, “With a few minor tweaks to your home, you can create a safe place for baby.”
She says some of the hot spots she sees in grandparents’ houses are nightstands that have medicine on them. An easily accessible nightstand with dangerous medications will need to be relocated. Also, look in your closet for any dry cleaning bags that could pose a choking hazard. Any small objects that could become a choking hazard should also be moved (marbles, decorative beads, coins, etc.). Safety gates can be installed on doorways or stairways to prevent fall hazards. Janeen recommends choosing a permanent or temporary security gate based on the child’s frequency of visits and the location of the gate. Baby Proofers and security experts operate in most major cities and can provide excellent advice on preparing your home for a visit.
Rhonda Tkachuk, owner of Certified First Aid, teaches parents, grandparents and caregivers the basic life-saving skills needed in an emergency through CPR and First Aid courses. She says that the grandparents she teaches are “much more comfortable and calm after taking the course.” Many of the techniques have changed in treating emergencies like a drowning child. Whether you’re taking your first course or a refresher course, you’ll definitely feel more confident looking after a little one if mom and dad want to sneak off for a night alone.
Looking for fun things to do to keep everyone entertained? Pick up a copy of your local newspaper or Children’s magazine. These children’s magazines can usually be found on newsstands at your local grocery store or library. Inside you’ll find up-to-date listings of kids’ activities in your area. Have some suggestions ready for the family when they arrive. Parents who have just arrived in an unfamiliar city will appreciate that you have researched some entertainment options for them. Keeping some kids’ movies on hand at your local video store can also be a great way to pass the time on a rainy day.
Traveling can be stressful for families with a new baby. By preparing for your visit, you can help make the visit an enjoyable time for everyone!