Give Grandma Kid Supplies for Your Child-Free Hours
You’re a mom, therefore you’re busy! Where can you turn for help? Your husband’s mom lives nearby, and she could be your lifesaver. In fact, she’s offered to watch your kids while you grocery shop, hit the gym, enjoy date night or volunteer at your older child’s school.
Tonight is one of those date nights, and you plan to talk with your husband about buying a few items to store at his mom’s house. With a few supplies, she’s equipped to care for your kids, keep them safe and provide the help you need.
Toys
Your kids use toys as they learn and stay entertained. Grandma won’t need tons of toys, but consider packing a small toy box with items that are age appropriate, childproof and fun. If the toys require batteries, give grandma the batteries so she can store them in a safe place.
Crib
If your little ones take a regular nap, grandma will need a crib. Purchase a new one rather than using the crib that nestled your husband. New cribs include thin side slots and other safety features that protect your children.
Booster Seats
Mealtimes nourish your kids and provide bonding time with grandma. Buy a booster seat that straps onto a kitchen chair and includes a harness that’s easy for your mother-in-law to snap. In a booster seat, your kids sit securely at the table while grandma prepares and serves meals and snacks.
You’ll also want to provide grandma with an infant or toddler vehicle safety seat. With the safety seat, grandma can drive her grandchild to the park, mall or anywhere she wants.
Bathtub
Soothing baths calm fussy babies during the day and relax kids before bed at night. Provide an infant bathtub and bath supplies including tearless shampoo, toys and soft towels. These supplies allow grandma to bather her grandchildren any time of day.
First Aid
Kids sometimes get sick, and adult medicines are too strong for their small bodies. Give grandma a supply of child safe medicine and first aid supplies.
A thermometer, pain reliever and a dosing syringe or cup top the medicine list. Next, include gripe water and gas relief drops. Cough syrup, decongestant and a humidifier are additional necessities. Since children’s medicine is dosed according to their weight, make sure your mother-in-law knows how much your kids weigh.
Grandma should also have fun kid bandages, antibacterial cream or spray and tweezers. These materials cleanse boo boos and help your kids heal quicker.
Remember to supply prescription medicine. Show grandma how and when to dose it, and include the pediatrician’s phone number in case she can’t reach you with questions or concerns.
After you choose these essential supplies, have a talk with grandma. She may object to the cost of the items or wonder where she’ll store everything. Listen to her, ensure her that you only have her grandchildren’s best interests in mind and help her find a place for everything.
Your husband’s mom loves caring for her grandchildren. Give her essential supplies that enable her to care for them and keep them safe. Then drop off the kids and enjoy a few hours of childfree time!
Cassie is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and she writes on behalf of Sears and other deserving brands.