What to Keep at Grandma & Grandpa's House

No need for a full changing table. 

A small basket or caddy stocked with the basics can do the trick: 

Just remember to update the diaper size and spare clothing every so often. 

Babies have an inconvenient habit of growing. 

3. Feeding Essentials 

What stays at Grandma's house will depend on baby's age and how they're being fed. 

For younger babies, keeping a few extra bottles, burp cloths, bibs, and bottle cleaning supplies there can save parents from packing the same things over and over. 

Once baby starts solids, consider adding a high chair or portable booster, baby utensils, cups, bibs, and a few baby-friendly plates or bowls. 

If Grandma regularly watches baby, parents can also leave instructions about baby's current feeding routine somewhere easy to find. 

Because "She usually eats around noon" becomes surprisingly easy to forget when a hungry baby has other plans. 

4. A Few Toys That Stay at Grandma's 

Here's one area where more isn't necessarily better. 

Instead of bringing a bag of toys every visit, keep a small collection at Grandma's house. 

Books, stacking cups, teethers, sensory toys, and a play mat can be plenty for younger babies. 

There's also something fun about having Grandma's toys, the things baby only sees when they visit. 

As baby gets older, swap them out for toys that match their current stage. 

5. A Baby Monitor That Can Move With You 

If baby's going to nap at Grandma's house, a monitor is another item parents may find themselves packing. 

Choosing baby gear that can move between places can help cut down on how much you need to duplicate. 

Tiny Traveler, for example, can move from home to the car to Grandma's house without relying on Wi-Fi for monitoring. 

Set up the camera where you're using it, keep the monitor nearby, and you have the same familiar way to check in on baby whether they're sleeping at home or spending the afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa. 

One monitor. A lot of places baby might end up napping. 

6. An Everyday Stroller 

If Grandma and Grandpa will be watching baby regularly, a second stroller may eventually be worth considering. 

It doesn't necessarily need all the features of your everyday stroller. 

A lightweight or compact option can be easier for grandparents to lift, store, and keep in their vehicle, especially if it's mostly being used for neighborhood walks or quick outings. 

And parents get one pretty significant benefit: 

One less giant thing to fit in the trunk every visit. 

7. The "We Didn't Think We'd Need That" Basket 

Every parent eventually discovers the tiny items they wish they'd packed. 

So create a backup basket. 

Think: 

You probably won't use everything every visit. 

But the first time there's a blowout five minutes after arriving at Grandma's, you'll be very happy that backup outfit exists. 

8. Don't Forget Grandma and Grandpa's Car 

If grandparents will regularly be taking baby places, talk through transportation before the first outing. 

Make sure everyone knows how baby's specific car seat works. Check the manufacturer's instructions for installation, harness placement, height and weight limits, and other guidance. 

If grandparents will drive baby frequently, families may decide that having a properly installed car seat in their vehicle makes sense rather than moving one back and forth. 

It's also a good opportunity to give Grandma and Grandpa's backseat a little attention. Clear out anything that doesn't need to be there, check the baby gear you use regularly, and make sure everyone is comfortable with the family's car routine. 

Not sure where to start? Read our 10-Minute Backseat Reset Every Parent Should Do This September for a simple checklist you can use for your car and Grandma and Grandpa's, too. 

You Don't Need Two of Everything 

Before Grandma starts adding every baby product she sees to her cart, remember: 

The best setup depends on how often baby will actually be there. 

If Grandma babysits three days a week, having duplicates of frequently used items might make a lot of sense. 

If baby visits once a month, focus on the essentials and choose gear that's easy to bring back and forth.