What New Grandparents Really Need: 7 Essential Items for Your Home
New grandparents often worry about making wrong purchases or not knowing what's truly needed. After surveying grandparents and parents directly, here are the seven essential items that will actually get used and make visits easier for everyone.
Picture this: Your adult child calls to say they're bringing the baby for a weekend visit. Your heart fills with excitement, but then the questions start flooding in. How can I make this visit comfortable and easy for everyone? Where will the little one sleep? What about mealtime? Will I choose the right things? What will actually get used?
If these thoughts sound familiar, you're in good company. When I asked grandparents on social media about their biggest concerns, 47% said they worried about making wrong choices, while 38% were concerned about not knowing what's really needed. Others mentioned practical worries like cost, storage space and whether their purchases would be used often enough to justify the investment.
Here's what I learned from parents themselves: they want to spend time at your house, and they have clear favorites for what makes visits easier. The good news is that babies don't need as much stuff as retailers would like us to believe. With just a few well-chosen essential items, you can create a welcoming, safe environment that truly serves your family.
What new grandparents need for safe and comfortable visits
When my son was eight months old, we drove across the country on our way to my husband’s new job. We stayed with various friends and relations all along the way, setting up a portable crib in one guest room after another. When it was mealtime, we had a plastic milk crate that we plopped the baby into, a strange but effective substitute for a high chair. Since we were traveling by car, it wasn’t hard to carry along all the things we needed. But it’s not always that easy, especially if your grandchild will be arriving by plane.
Before you start shopping, the key is knowing what's truly essential versus what's just nice to have. Let's walk through the seven items that will make the biggest difference in your grandchildren's visits.
The 7 essential items parents want you to have
When I asked parents what they found most useful at grandparents' homes, their answers were refreshingly clear. Here are the items that will actually get used and make visits easier.
1. Portable crib or pack 'n play for naps and safe space
This topped the list when I asked parents what they valued most at grandparents' homes. Even if your grandchild isn't sleeping overnight, you'll want somewhere safe for naps or just a secure space to put them down. A portable crib serves multiple purposes—it's a sleeping space, a safe play area, and a contained spot when you need both hands free.
Storage solution: Look for models that fold compactly, like the XXX. Many fit under beds or in closets between visits, addressing that common storage concern.
Will it get used? Absolutely. From newborn naps to toddler safe play space, this item serves your family for years.
2. Car seat for safe transportation with grandchildren
This might be your most important purchase. Car seat guidelines have changed significantly since we were raising our children, so it's worth investing in a seat that will grow with your grandchild. If your grandchildren visit infrequently, you might consider renting one.
Always check with parents before purchasing any car seat. They’ve likely done extensive research and may have specific brand preferences or safety requirements you need to know about.
If your grandchild and his or her parents are arriving by plane, having a car seat already installed when you pick them up at the airport will earn you gold stars. It’s crucial to read installation instructions carefully—both the ones from the car seat manufacturer and your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Important: never buy a used car seat—there's no way to know if it's been compromised in an accident or recalled for safety issues.
Storage tip: There’s no way around it, car seats are bulky and take up valuable storage space. We keep the ones we bought for our grandkids on a high shelf in the garage. Two tips from experience: make sure they are clean before storing them so they don’t attract mice or bugs, and check them carefully for spiders when you get them out for their next use.
What parents love: Traveling with children is hard enough. Lugging a car seat makes it that much harder.
3. High chair and feeding supplies for easy mealtimes
This was another top answer from parents, and for good reason. Having a dedicated spot for meals makes everything easier, but don't stop at just the chair. Parents specifically mentioned feeding tools as incredibly helpful: child-sized plates, bowls, utensils, and bibs.
Smart storage: Choose a fold-up high chair that stores flat against a wall or in a pantry, or one that attaches to the table. Keep feeding supplies in a designated basket or drawer, or even in a bag on a top shelf.
What parents love: Having everything ready means they don't need to pack feeding gear or worry about a curious toddler breaking your regular dishes.
4. Diaper changing supplies parents appreciate most
Not surprisingly, this was the third most-mentioned item by parents. Keep a basic supply on hand: diapers in the current size, wipes, and diaper rash cream. Check with parents before each visit to ensure you have the right size and preferred brands. If you end up with a supply of outgrown diapers, a local organization that serves families may be able to pass them on.
Storage tip: A small basket in a closet or bathroom cabinet keeps everything organized and out of sight.
Why parents love this: One less thing to pack, and they know you're truly prepared for their visit.
5. Safety gate and other baby proofing supplies
While your grandbaby may not be mobile on their first visit, it won’t be long until they are. Parents shared that having a safe place for their child to play can make a visit truly enjoyable. The opposite is also true: having to worry constantly about safety makes visiting grandparents stressful and unpleasant. Buying the necessary baby proofing supplies is an easy investment in making your home more welcoming.
Storage tip: Between visits, baby gates are easy to stash under a bed or next to the dryer in the laundry room.
6. Bath time essentials for safe and fun experiences
You don't need a special baby tub, but having the right supplies makes bath time safer and more enjoyable. Stock up on gentle baby shampoo, a soft baby towel, and washcloths. As your grandchild grows, bath toys become wonderful additions that make the experience fun rather than a chore.
7. Books for early reading and bonding time
It's never too soon to begin reading to your grandchild. Board books are perfect for little hands and can withstand the enthusiastic "reading" style of toddlers. Choose sturdy options with simple pictures and few words. See our favorites here.
How to avoid common grandparent shopping mistakes
Based on what you told me, let's tackle the worries that keep grandparents up at night.
"What if I choose the wrong thing?"
The beauty of focusing on these seven essentials is that they're universally useful. Every family with young children needs safe sleep space, feeding solutions, and diaper supplies. You're not guessing—you're choosing items that serve basic, universal needs.
Safety net: When in doubt, ask parents for specific brand recommendations or even ask them to send you links to products they prefer.
"How do I know what's really needed?"
Trust the parent feedback: portable crib, high chair with feeding supplies, and diapers topped their list. These aren't random suggestions—they're proven winners from families who've been there.
"Where will I store everything?"
Each item I've listed includes storage solutions. Fold-up chairs, compact cribs, and supplies that fit in small baskets mean you don't need to dedicate entire rooms to grandparent gear.
"Will this stuff actually get used?"
Focus on frequency of visits and your grandchild's age. A portable crib serves families from birth through toddlerhood. Feeding supplies get used every single visit once babies start solids. Even occasional-use items like car seats become invaluable when they're needed. Renting equipment is another smart option, especially if your storage space is limited.
Why checking with parents first prevents problems
Here's the most important advice: Always check with parents before purchasing anything. They have done their research, and respecting their choices will ensure your grandchild’s safety. Remember, your goal is to make visits comfortable and easy for parents, and that starts with honoring their preferences.
Parents may have specific brand preferences based on their child's needs. Some babies have sensitive skin that reacts to certain products. Others may have outgrown items faster than expected. Taking a few minutes to coordinate with parents shows respect for their role and helps avoid those "wrong choice" worries.
Budget-friendly tips for buying grandparent essentials
You don't need to spend a fortune to be well-prepared. Many of these items can be found at consignment stores specializing in children's equipment. Just be sure to check for recalls on the manufacturer's website or with the Consumer Product Safety Commission before using anything secondhand.
Focus your budget on items that prioritize safety—like car seats—and look for deals on convenience items like high chairs and pack 'n plays.
Creating comfortable visits that bring families closer
Remember what matters most to you—making visits comfortable and easy for parents when they come with the baby. When parents feel confident that their child will be safe and comfortable at your home, they're more likely to visit frequently and stay longer.
The investment you make in these basics is really an investment in your relationship with your grandchildren and their parents. It shows thoughtfulness, preparation, and respect for everyone's needs.
Next steps for preparing your grandparent home
Start with the most essential items for your situation. If your grandchildren visit regularly, prioritize the car seat and high chair. If visits are less frequent, focus on the portable crib and basic supplies.
Most importantly, have that conversation with your adult children about what they'd find most helpful. They might surprise you with insights about what would make visits easier or point out items you hadn't considered.
Being a well-prepared grandparent isn't about setting up a full nursery, it's about having the right things to create a safe, welcoming environment where memories can be made. With these seven essentials, you'll be ready for whatever adventures your grandchildren bring to your door.
Ready to start shopping? Check out our recommended products and find everything you need to create the perfect grandparent home setup.
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