Providing life skills, safety skills, and child care training in order to build safer communities.
Leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time can be both an emotional and stressful experience for a new parent, even when the babysitters are Grandma and Grandpa. You may find yourself fighting the temptation to leave a comprehensive babysitting manual of every technique you have found successful. Remember, Grandma and Grandpa do have some parenting experience (they raised you, remember!) and it’s best they keep their attention on the baby and focus on the four routines to provide the B-E-S-T care.
With an infant, the most important thing to emphasize is to place the infant on his or her back and keep the crib clear of pillows, blankets, or stuffed toys. For toddlers and older kids, share the bedtime routine you have in place, and remind Grandma and Grandpa to give a 30-minute bedtime heads-up, especially for school-age children.
This is when that tote of toys your parents were saving for their grandchildren finally makes its debut! The nostalgia of pulling out your Polly Pocket may bring tears to Grandma’s eyes, but it’s important that you remind her that toys smaller than the child’s fist are a choking hazard. Let them know rules for electronic devices as well as safety requirements for outside play, and make sure you demonstrate how to use safety gates and other child-proofing devices.
Gone are the days of holding a bottle under running hot water for warming. Be sure to teach grandparents to use your bottle warmer or formula dispenser (this is where simple, written instructions would probably be helpful). Emphasize that solid food served to children under the age of five must be cut into smaller pieces that are easier to swallow, and tell them to avoid foods such as hard candy, nuts, and popcorn.
Show grandparents where diaper supplies are and your preferred method of disposal. Toddlers and preschoolers will need reminders to use the restroom and may need some help. Most of all, remind all children to wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet.
Grandma and Grandpa are likely ready to handle the responsibility of caring for your child, but if you need a bit more reassurance, purchase a copy of Grandparents: Getting Started for them.
