Handy equipment for when the grandchildren visit

It's no secret that getting out the door with a small child (or worse - children) is a feat of organisation and often sheer grit. So, when the grandchildren come to stay, their parents will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you have some of these things handy (and that they'll actually have space in the car for themselves!) Here's what the average gransnetter has ready and waiting when they arrive...

Inflatable beds 

"My 3-year-old granddaughter has a blow up Thomas bed that has been used in all sorts of places. It is ideal as there is no danger of her falling out of bed."

The Gruffalo ReadyBed	Thomas the Tank Engine ReadyBed
An airbed and sleeping bag in one, with a fantastic print to boot.	Same company, different children's programme...
Buy: £29.99, Amazon	Buy: £39.99, Amazon

A travel cot 

"The most useful thing has been the travel cot, as the little one has just started rolling around the floor. I put her in it if I need the loo, or to answer the door, or put on the kettle (to soothe my nerves ha ha). I know she is in a safe place whilst I can have a pee in peace." 

BabyDan Travel Cot	Koo-di Pop Up Bubble Travel Cot
Very effective for coraling inquisitive babies (and preserving your peace of mind!)	A great value option that saves on space with it's wheel-less design.
Buy: £75, John Lewis	Buy: £42.98, Tesco Direct

A booster seat

"We had a small pack-away booster seat, which we used when we were out. Very useful in places that didn't have highchairs."

Stair gate

"The stair gate is probably the most important thing so you can relax once they start to get mobile."

BabyDan No Trip Wooden Stair Gate	Lindam Easy Fit Deluxe Safety Gate
Easily fitted - and put away when the grandchildren go home again.	Comes with a locking mechanism to thwart little hands...
Buy: £15.99, John Lewis	Buy: £24.99, Boots

Car seat

Most gransnetters tend to consult with the parents on this one, as it's the one thing on this list that really needs to be right, for safety reasons. Children now need to be secured in a car seat until the age of 12 or when they reach 135cm in height (whichever happens first!). Why not ask what the parents use and buy the same model? 

Your equipment checklist:

• Sippy cup
• Bibs
• Spare undies
• Plastic children's plate and cutlery
• Potty
• Toys (ask the parents for old ones that are being replaced)
• Booster seat that doubles as a high chair
• Stair gate
• Sterilising tablets or microwave steriliser
• Car seat
• Children's audio books for sending them off to sleep
• Raincoat and wellies
• A supply of nappies

Other things you might like:

       

10 best pushchairs for newborns

           

Long-distance grandparenting

Images: Shutterstock