New grandma

This all sounds wonderful and I am very envious of you all. I have a 15 month old grandson who I think the world of, who we see approximately every 2-3 weeks for a few hours when he, my son and daughter-in-law come over to Sunday lunch. DGS has unfortunately suffered a number of allergies and sensitivities to various foods, leading to many drs/dietician/hospital appointments - he suffered greatly from reflux, GORD etc for several months. It also took until he was a year old before he got into a good sleeping routine so they had loads of sleepless nights etc. The problem for me is that I am longing to be able to help out from time to time by babysitting but so far have only had 2 hours of being alone with him. He started nursery 3 months ago, again I was ready and willing to help out but DDIL preferred to have him at nursery for the 3 days a week that she is at work. I am trying so hard not to feel hurt by this, but find it hard to come to any other conclusion than that she doesn’t trust me to care for him. I am very fond of her, we get on well and she really tries to arrange for me to see him in-between times, we go out shopping etc (at her suggestion) so I don’t think she dislikes me. She has a very difficult relationship with her mother, not sure if this is relevant at all....sorry for long post, just wondering what anyone thinks about it ?. By the way, I have a very good relationship with my son who keeps telling me she’s just not quite ready yet...

Just remember how tough babies are, and that telephones are wonderful! Enjoy your special time with the baby.

Congratulations! I presume you're not going to be looking after him until Mum goes back to work? So he won't be teeny tiny. They're very adaptable and you'll remember what to do. The worrying thing is 'what would Mum do'? I try and follow my DD's rules although DH is not so good when 'on duty' . If in doubt ask what Mum and Dad do or would like you to do

I would just say allow yourself more time for everything, even more than is normal with a new baby. Grandmas often don't move so speedily as mothers, I find. Not a problem though as babies don't mind.

Do make sure you have as much help/rest as you can get. If you're truly worried about DGS, arrange to do a baby first aid course. They usually run at weekends too. Have a lovely time. What a treat to look after him.

Congratulations!
Had all 4 of mine from 6 months for 1 - 2 days a week (1 at a time) Even had 2 toddlers for a week whist parents went away.
It'll all come back to you don't worry just enjoy, they grow up so quickly.
My youngest grandaughter is now 8 so don't think they'll be anymore additions.
Oh well have to wait for the greatgrandchildren.

Warmest Congratulations! Try not to worry too much, after the first couple of days with your new grandson all those early parenting skills will come flooding back to you and you will relax, and so will baby. Enjoy these early days.

Congratulations, it will all settle down and you'll be great.
I looked after my grandson from 9 months for 4 months until a place was available at nursery for him. My mum took to babies like a duck to water but I was never a natural. He didn't know me as I normally live so far away, but we struggled through, very tiring at first, but we got into a routine. The smile he gave me every morning, I'll treasure for ever.

They certainly do, I was just like you worried about it all but had GS from 3 months, first two days a week then later one, followed by 2 DGDs from a year old. It takes a little while to get going again but I am sure you will soon be back in the swing and having fun.

Congratulations,you have so much to look forward to. I look after my GREAT grandson a couple of days a week and thoroughly enjoy it. I have done this from him being tiny and he is now a toddler. It is great enjoying the cuddles and getting to sing all the songs handed down. Just make the most of it,they grow so quickly

I still feel like this and he's 9!

I would suggest you ask them if you can have your grandson for short periods during the Parents maternity leave so you can re learn your skills gradually and get to know his ways.

I am sure they will welcome a couple of hours off when they can go shopping, attend appointments, get some sleep etc. This way you will gradually built up your confidence, learn how the parents want him cared for and get use to the equipment and adjust your house to his needs. We do not know how long it is since you cared for a baby but it is a good idea to read some articles on todays baby care. (If you had to retake your driving test you would reread the high way code!)

I found the little Play groups (usually in Church halls) a God send, breaking the day up and found one for every morning, usually 9.30 till 11.30. Even travelling to other villages close by for them.
I took my Dgc from about three months, just sat on my knee watching it all going on, then gradually when they're sitting ok, put them down with a few toys. And after a few months they're charging around with all the rest.
You get to chat with other Grans and Mums as well which is nice.
Then lunch and a nap and so only a few hours till Mum returns.

Congratulations. The first week you will feel terrible, panicky, never take your eyes of the baby. The second week you will calm down a little and manage to read a book. The third week you will enjoy every minute, probably be a little exhausted. The fourth week - you will wonder what you were worried about.

For once it's one thing easier done than said, as opposed to the inverse habitual. Once you get into the swing it all comes back, like riding a bike!
The anticipation is worrying, but once you get to bottles of baby milk and dirty nappies, then the cuddles and seeing your grandson growing up, you won't have time or desire for worries. You'll be so busy and full of love you lucky lady
Once you get started enjoy it and make the most of it. Your children were OK and remember how they grow up fast, too fast?
I wish I could be with my DGCs as they live in the UK and I am in the S of France, over 1000kms, with my partner too ill to leave, and the house in "restoration" not suitable for little ones. I've not yet met my youngest DGD!
Profit, please, it'll be OK when it happens.

Congratulations Femina on becoming a grandma, I did exactly the same and have looked after my DD's three children even to the point of them staying with us during the week so full on, but you will love it and be even more confident with baby second time around, Don't worry have fun and enjoy every moment they grow up so fast, had mine from 3 months old now 14,11 and 8yrs, still enjoy it even though just down to looking after one now.

Congratulations! I think your feelings are very normal. I felt just the same when I looked after my first grandchild. The responsibility of looking after grandchild somehow seems greater than looking after our own children because they are so precious to our children.
I don't believe the old saying that having grandchildren is wonderful because you have all the enjoyment but none of the worry because I worry more about my grandchildren than my children!
BUT grandchildren are wonderful. Your child obviously trusts you to look after their child. You brought up your own child and you love your grandchild so you will be a perfect care giver for him.
The worry will subside once you start looking after him and your confidence grows. I am sure it will all go very well. X

My advice is to fit a stair gate when he is mobile. I didn't do this when I looked after my granddaughter and was so anxious keeping her away from the stairs.

Be prepared to find lots of things have changed since you had your own babies. You'll soon get the hang of it all!

Congratulations....Enjoy ..... I (along with the other grandparents) practically brought up my daughter's children, who are teenagers now. I thoroughly enjoyed having them.....still do, when daughter is away with work.
I remember, leaving my grandson (about 18 months then) on the bed , and ran for a wee.....heard a thud, he had rolled off the bed....fortunately, carpet was thick, wooden floor, not concrete......but, I was petrified that he would have brain damage. Ofcourse, after a short cry, he was fine. Even now, when they come to stay, I check on them before I turn in for the night....

Enjoy every minute . I’m a grandma too 5year old twin boys and looked after them Part time when my daughter returned to work . I have an amazing bond with them and miss them now they are at school , still colect them some days ?

Congratulations - I remember that feeling very well but as has been said all the old mothering skills soon come back and you will be fine. Enjoy your grandson - they grow so (too) quickly!

Congratulations Feminas - don't worry, I had my DGS for 12 hours per day 5 days per week since he was 4 months old and often babysat at weekends too. Yes, you will probably be shattered but you will be so close to him, it will be worth it. I wasn't very anxious tbh, it all just came back to me but with DGS compared to DD I have more time, more patience and even a bit more money so everything's different and more enjoyable ?

You'll love it. I did the same for two of my local GC from 9 months and they are now 3 and 5 - I have a very special relationship with them both and bring such joy.

A new baby - you lucky thing!!!

First of all, congratulations on your grandson! Do not worry too much as it's normal to feel anxious as newborns are very sensitive and we always think that everything should be perfect.

I had our first gs from him being 9 months old and I was in my elements but yes I was anxious before I started having him... Thoughts racing through my head were .. What if he cries a lot .... What if I drop him ... What if ..what if . All completely irrational of course and everything turned out well and happy . I was absolutely shattered though but completely happy . He is 6 now and We still have him a lot and we look forward to school holidays so we can get some long days and sleepovers in .