Grandma: what do I need?

[Deleted User]

It`s very early days so I can`t shout from the rooftops---yet. I am going to be a first time grandma and I am so thrilled. My dd and her dh live only a couple of miles away and she is the main breadwinner. I am more than willing to help them with childcare but need to learn how to adapt as my youngest child was born 28 years ago

We live in a new townhouse with a large and sunny living-kitchen downstairs plus a study and a cloakroom and as you can imagine we have lots of steep stairs. I am quietly mentally planning, although I am trying very hard to be sensible at least for a couple of months

My plan so far is to use the study as a quiet room and to buy a greco travelcot/basinett, which I can use as a safe space when I need to put baby down. It looks as though this will be good from birth to 3 years. What else will I need as a granny/childminder for the first 6 months as I`m hoping to go step by step as needed?

ooobedoo

Only a mother so haven't got any 'Nana' hints just wanted to say congratulations!!!!!!.

shopaholicsan

Congratulations!!!!
I became a gran for the first time 9 months ago. It sounds like you have the main thing covered in terms of what you need - somewhere for baby to sit/sleep. All I have here are some basic toys, travel cot, high/low chair (only bought about 3 months ago) and cold water sterilising fluid along with a large plastic box for emergency sterilising. My daughter brings bottles with a measured amount of boiled water at room temp and a fantastic little container which stores 3 lots of measured out milk formula. When I need a bottle it is just a matter of adding the measured powder to the bottle and shaking - hey presto!!
HTH x x

astonsmummy

stair gates! good luck with being a granny, my mum loves it!

emmaBZ

a few spare nappys wet wipes and small suda cream also a extra set of clothes for baby in case mums rushing around and forgets something

[Deleted User]

I have to tell you that I am having to make a big effort to sit on my hands and not buy things yet

So far I have succumbed to 2 small items of clothing in the sales but have told no-one as I know I`m being `silly` We`ll all feel more secure after the first scan and I`ll release my emotions then

Thanks for the tips, they`re keeping me on an even keel. I`m just thinking too, how lucky are the new parents who can call on extended family to help out.

AnnieH

Erm...

Have you discussed this with your daughter? I don't want to rain on your parade - far from it, I am thrilled for you as you sound over the moon:D

But have you actually asked your daughter if she would like you to care for the baby when she goes back to work? Have you asked her IF she's going back to work? I would hate to think that you had just assumed that this would happen only to be disappointed and hubby had decided to be a SAHD or some other arragements had been made as they didn't want to inconvenience you or from a misunderstanding.

But hey... Congratulations!!!! :j:j:j

southwestmaid

Congratulations! I became a granny for the first time 4 months ago (my youngest child is 23) and have a beautiful little grandaughter, its the best thing that's happened in years and I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is.

One of the best things I keep here is a baby bouncing chair, I hang toys from the bar and she loves it. Also keep a supply of nappies, changing stuff, bath stuff etc as she sometimes stays overnight. I bought several soft musical toys and a musical cot mobile off of ebay and they were lovely condition (washed them all of course in non bio) also bought bedding for cot and a 'grow bag' this is like a sleeping bag which a lot of mums use now instead of blankets.

Bought a stair gate at a boot sale which I will need when she becomes mobile and borrowed a folding high chair and a cot from my sister in law. Although my daughter may only go back to work for a few hours a week, she spends a lot of time here so really useful to have everything to hand and for overnight stays. I probably have more than you actually need and your daughter could just bring things to you, but I just find it more convenient to have everything to hand.

Enjoy being a 'Granny' I certainly do.

highland

Congratulations Kittie, Freecycle car boot sales and Ikea are all good for moneysaving on baby items, if you do get a cot thats been used before make sure you get a brand new mattress that's the sids advise. Enjoy it and best of health to your dd.

glenstan

Many congratulations Kitty, your world is about to change, being a grandmother is wonderfull. I am Nanna to Thomas aged 14 weeks we have just had a wonderfull christmas with the little fella. We have a silver cross coach built pram,(bought from ebay). Thomas sleeps in the pram there is plenty of room for him till he is at least 9 months old . Also have a cot for when he is a little older. I keep a supply of milk in cartons to save his mummy worrying about being late back from shopping trips, we have a basket with nappys, cream , a couple of bibs and some cottonwool balls in case of emergency baths . Thomas usually comes along with a ready made feed , I just put his bottle into a plastic container in the microwave to sterlise. I cannot sit on my hands when it comes to buying him clothes, I come on moneysaver to save to buy him more.The site i was recommended by mse mums was https://www.nurseryandtoys.com they do brilliant bargains on zorbit brand, got Thomas some beautifull quality disney beddingfrom here.

domestic_goddess

No advice but I just wanted to say that it sounds like your daughter and her family to be are very lucky to have you!

All the best with your new addition
xx