As a Member of the Grandparent Club, Here's How to Improve Your Home for Grandkids

Embracing the role of a grandparent is one of life’s most rewarding and joyous experiences. As you rejoice in the joy of those tiny feet and heart-melting giggles, it's also time to consider how to transform (or further transform) your home into a safe, welcoming haven for your grandkid (and one that'll make visits from your own kids easier and thus more frequent).

This isn’t just about stocking up on toys and baby gear; it's about creating an environment that nurtures and protects. Whether you're a first-time grandparent or an experienced pro, the landscape of baby safety and comfort is always evolving. We'll guide you through the essential steps to baby-proof your space and offer tips on creating a cozy, baby-friendly area in your home.

Have fun preparing your grandkid's home away from home!

Let's get babyproofing. Here's most of what you'll need:

1. Safety Gates:

A white Easy Walk-Thru safety gate for babies installed in a doorway, with a wooden floor visible and a glimpse of a room beyond.

To block off unsafe areas like stairs and kitchens. Our recommendation: BalanceFrom Easy Walk-Thru Safety Gate

2. Cabinet and Drawer Locks:

A white child safety lock with adjustable strap and multi-purpose latch design, alongside separate lock pieces displayed.

To prevent access to dangerous items like cleaning supplies and sharp objects. Our recommendation: SKYLA HOMES Baby Locks

3. Outlet Covers:

A collection of white, rectangular power gear outlet covers and two safety plugs laid out on a white background.

To protect against electrical shock. Our recommendation: Power Gear Outlet Covers

4. Corner and Edge Bumpers:

A close-up of a clear corner protector guard attached to the edge of a wooden table.

For tables, countertops, and other sharp edges to prevent injury. Our recommendation: Corner Protector Guards

5. Door Knob Covers and Door Locks:

A child reaching up to a door with a white knob cover on the handle, designed to prevent children from opening doors.

To prevent access to rooms and cabinets. Our recommendations: Door Knob Covers, Door Locks

6. Window Guards and Safety Netting:

A toddler standing and reaching up towards a black and white safety net installed on a staircase railing.

To prevent falls from windows, balconies, or decks. Our recommendation: Baby Safety Stairs Rail Net

7. Anti-Tip Straps:

An illustration of a white furniture strap anchored to a wall and a chest of drawers, with a circular inset image showing a young child in a high chair next to the secured furniture.

For securing furniture and TVs to prevent them from tipping over. Our recommendation: 4our Kiddies Furniture Straps

8. Toilet Locks:

A white toilet with a child-proof toilet lid installed, with close-up insets showing two locks in detail against a backdrop of teal bathroom tiles.

To prevent drowning and gross experiences with toilet water. Our recommendation: Child Proof Toilet Lid Lock

9. Baby Monitors:

Image of an iFamily baby monitor system with split-screen display showing two infants, accompanied by two white rotating camera units.

To keep an eye on the baby when you're not in the same room. Our recommendation: iFamily Split Screen Baby Monitor (Don't get an audio-only one; you'll end up buying a video one later on when you realize an audio-only one provides almost no info about if your grandkid is actually falling asleep. Plus, the video ones provide super cute snippets of your snuggly grandbaby.)

10. Fireplace Guards:

Image of a Fire Beauty decorative black fireplace screen with intricate scroll designs, placed in front of a fireplace with glowing embers.

To protect against burns and sharp edges. Our recommendation: Fire Beauty Fireplace Screen

11. Stove Knob Covers:

A set of five black Safety 1st stove knob covers displayed against a light background.

To prevent turning on the stove accidentally. Our recommendation: Safety 1st Stove Knob Covers

12. Cord Shorteners or Wind-Ups:

A clear Iba Innovations blind cord winder with two white cords wrapped neatly, hanging against a white tiled background.

For window blinds and electrical cords to prevent strangulation. Our recommendation: Iba Innovations Blind Cord Winder

13. Bath Spout Cover:

A blue Skip Hop baby bath spout cover in the shape of a whale, isolated on a white background.

To prevent injury during bath time. Our recommendation: Skip Hop Baby Bath Spout Cover

14. Non-Slip Bath Mats:

A person's hand lifting a corner of a blue Gorilla Grip patented shower and bathtub mat to show its textured, non-slip surface with suction cups.

To prevent slipping in the tub. Our recommendation: Gorilla Grip Patented Shower and Bathtub Mat (Note: These are great for grandparents to prevent slips and falls, so they're a real no-brainer.)

15. Door Slam Stoppers:

Close-up of a BYETOO door finger pinch guard, a white circular cushion, installed on the edge of a door to prevent fingers from being pinched.

To protect little fingers from getting caught in doors. Our recommendation: BYETOO Door Finger Pinch Guards

16. Nightlights:

Four MAZ-TEK Plug-In Dimmable LED Night Lights with a soft white glow, square shape, and gray borders, shown in a pack of four.

To provide visibility during nighttime check-ins or feedings without waking your grandkid fully. Our recommendation: MAZ-TEK Plug in Dimmable Led Night Light

17. Child-Proofing Kits:

An Inaya child proofing kit displayed with 40 pieces including cabinet locks, corner guards, outlet covers, and door stoppers, with packaging in the background.

These often come with a variety of locks latches, and guards for a comprehensive approach. Our recommendation: Inaya Complete Baby Proofing Kit

18. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

A set of four white, round smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with digital displays and a 'TEST' button visible on each unit.

To alert you of smoke or dangerous gases. Our recommendation: 4-Pack, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector (You should really have these—and test them—regardless of if your grandkids are coming over.)

19. Cabinet Sliding Locks:

Packaging and product display of Dreambaby Sliding Cabinet Child Safety Locks, with three adjustable white locking latches for securing cabinet doors.

To keep cabinets with hazardous materials locked. Our recommendation: Dreambaby Sliding Cabinet Child Safety Locks

Your babyproofing needs might vary depending on your home's layout and your grandkids' ages and mobility. It's essential to regularly reassess your babyproofing measures as your grandkids grow and their abilities change.

Let's make things comfy and efficient. Here's the list:

Nursery Items:

1. Crib or bassinet

A woman sitting on a bed beside an ADOVEL Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib, where an infant lies, with a mobile hanging above and a teddy bear sitting in a side pocket.

Our recommendations: ADOVEL Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib, Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

2. Mattress and waterproof mattress cover

Packaged MARGAUX & MAY Bamboo Crib Mattress Protector Pad with an image of a sleeping baby wearing a knitted hat, and a Mom's Choice Awards badge.

Our recommendations: Graco Premium Crib & Toddler Mattress, MARGAUX & MAY Crib Mattress Protector Pad

3. Bedding, including fitted sheets and light blankets

Nursery room with a 3-piece crib bedding set featuring jungle animal designs, coordinated wall art, window valance, and a plush elephant and giraffe toy.

Our recommendations: 3Piece Crib Bedding Set, 2-Pack Organic Crib Sheets

4. Swaddle blanket

Light blue baby sleep sack with a floral and fauna print, featuring snap closures at the shoulders and a zipper around the bottom.

Our recommendation: Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle

5. Changing table or pad

Gray Delta Children infant changing table with two open shelves and safety rails on four sides.

Our recommendations: Delta Children Infant Changing Table, Baby Diaper Changing Pad

6. Diaper pail

Packaging for Dékor Classic diaper pail refills, indicating the box includes four refills and highlights features such as odor resistance and end of liner marking.

Our recommendations: Diaper Dekor Classic Diaper Pail Refills, Diaper Genie Registry Gift Set

7. Comfortable chair for feeding and soothing

Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 booster feeding and floor seat with a removable tray, in white and turquoise colors.

Our recommendations: Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 Booster Feeding and Floor Seat, Fisher-Price Baby Portable Baby Chair

8. Dresser or storage for baby clothes

Sorbus dresser with 7 drawers featuring colorful bins in yellow, pink, green, and blue shades with a black frame and a dark top surface.

Our recommendations: Sorbus Dresser with 7 Drawers, mDesign High Steel Frame/Wood Top Storage Dresser

Feeding Essentials:

1. Bottles and nipples

Four Dr. Brown's anti-colic baby bottles with white and clear design and blue vent system details.

Our recommendations: Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Baby Bottles, Lansinoh Baby Bottles

2. Formula (if not breastfeeding)

Can of Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula with Iron, milk-based powder, reduced lactose for fussiness, gas, and crying, USDA organic and non-GMO, 21 oz size.

Our recommendations: Earth's Best Organic Sensitive Baby Formula, Happy Baby Organics Infant Formula

3. Bottle brush and sterilizer

Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer with clear dome cover, containing four AVENT baby bottles inside.

MOSOLAN 2-in-1 Bottle Brush with an integrated straw brush, featuring a large brush with black and blue bristles and a slender wire straw cleaner with blue bristles.

Our recommendations: Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer, MOSOLAN 2-in-1 Bottle Brush with Straw Brush

4. Bibs and burp cloths

An assortment of Konssy Muslin Baby Bibs in various colors including white, beige, brown, orange, gray, mint green, mustard, and dark green, displayed in a stacked arrangement.

A set of five muslin burp cloths in a variety of patterns including chevron, polka dots, and animal prints in muted teal, white, and gray colors, with packaging that indicates 'Soft Muslin Burp Cloths'.

Our recommendations: Konssy Muslin Baby Bibs, 5-Pack Muslin Burp Cloths

5. High chair

A modern Sweety Fox baby high chair in gray with adjustable height, a removable tray, safety harness, and playful toy bar, set against a white background.

Our recommendations: Sweety Fox Baby High Chair, Evenflo 4-in-1 Eat & Grow Convertible High Chair

Diapering:

1. Diapers (cloth or disposable)

A colorful assortment of wegreeco washable baby cloth diapers with various floral and animal patterns, accompanied by a pink wet bag and white liners, displayed on a white background.

A box of Pampers Swaddlers Diapers size 3, with a quantity of 168 diapers.

Our recommendations: wegreeco Washable Baby Cloth Diapers, Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

2. Wipes

Our recommendation: Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes

3. Diaper rash cream

A container of Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy for dry, chapped, or irritated skin, in a white jar with a blue lid and labeled as hypoallergenic, fragrance and preservative free, with a net weight of 14 oz (396g).

Our recommendation: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

4. Changing pad or table

Sealy Soybean Comfort 3-Sided Contoured Changing Pad packaging featuring an image of a baby lying on the pad, highlighting its soybean-enhanced foam, waterproof cover, and safety restraint system.

Our recommendations: Delta Children Infant Changing Table, Baby Diaper Changing Pad

Clothing:

1. Onesies and bodysuits

Collection of Hudson Baby cotton bodysuits in various neutral colors, featuring cute animal prints such as owls, foxes, and deer, suitable for infants.

Our recommendations: Gerber unisex-baby 8-pack Short Sleeve Onesies, Hudson Baby Baby Cotton Bodysuits

2. Sleepers and pajamas

Set of four Gerber baby-girls Sleep 'N Play footie pajamas with playful patterns including rainbows, dots, florals, and a cute bear face design on a pastel color palette.

Collection of four Gerber baby boys Sleep 'N Play footie pajamas featuring stripes, arrows, and dinosaur patterns in a cool blue and grey color scheme, with one showcasing a prominent giraffe applique.

Our recommendations: Gerber baby-girls 4 Pack Sleep 'N Play Footie, Gerber Baby Boys 4 Pack Sleep 'N Play Footie

3. Socks and booties

Assortment of twelve pairs of JAKIDAR baby socks with anti-slip soles, in a variety of warm earth tones including brown, grey, rust, cream, burgundy, and dark green.

Our recommendations: Onesies Brand Unisex Baby 12-Pair Bootie Socks, JAKIDAR 12-Pair Baby Socks

4. Hats and mittens

Hudson Baby Unisex cotton cap and scratch mitten set featuring six pieces: three beanies in cream with ring patterns, plaid, and solid colors of burgundy, grey, and navy; along with coordinating mittens in matching designs and colors.

Our recommendations: Hudson Baby Unisex Baby Cotton Cap and Scratch Mitten Set, Gerber unisex-baby Cap and Mitten Sets

5. Seasonal outfits (e.g., warm coats for winter, sun hats for summer)

XMWEALTHY Newborn boy or girl black winter snowsuit with a zip front, hood featuring cute bear ears, and a small white bear emblem on the chest.

Light gray baby sun hat with a wide brim, adjustable chin strap, and a smiley face patch on the front.

Our recommendations: XMWEALTHY Newborn Boy Girl Snowsuit Winter Coat, Baby Sun Hat Smile Face

Bathing and Grooming:

1. Baby bathtub

Fisher-Price baby to toddler bath set with a white bathtub featuring a leaf pattern sling, a green baby stopper, and accessories including a bottle and a small whale toy, with instructional illustrations on use at different stages below.

Our recommendation: Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Bath

2. Gentle baby soap and shampoo

Two-pack of Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo with natural calendula, tear-free formula, in white bottles with blue pump tops and labels featuring a blue elephant, each bottle is 13.5 ounces.

Our recommendation: Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo

3. Soft towels or hooded bath towels

A smiling baby wrapped in a blue FOREVERPURE Baby Hooded Towel with a cute puppy face design on the hood, alongside its packaging box with a matching puppy design.

Our recommendations: MUKIN Baby Washcloths, FOREVERPURE Baby Hooded Towel

4. Washcloths

A set of Channing & Yates premium organic white baby washcloths tied with golden ribbons, displayed on a woven basket, with a packaging label showing the product as 'Premium Bamboo Washcloth Set'.

Our recommendations: HIPHOP PANDA Baby Washcloths, Channing & Yates Premium Organic Baby Washcloth Set

5. Baby lotion

Eucerin Baby Body Lotion bottle, designed for delicate, sensitive skin, with a pump dispenser.

Our recommendation: Eucerin Baby Body Lotion

6. Baby nail clippers or scissors

Packaging of Safety 1st Fold-Up Nail Clippers, a 2-pack set with teal handles. The package promotes 'One for the nursery and one for the diaper bag' and is presented in a clear plastic and black cardboard backing with a baby's image at the top left corner.

Our recommendation: Safety 1st Fold-Up Nail Clipper

7. Soft-bristled hairbrush

KeaBabies Baby Wooden Hairbrush with soft goat hair bristles for easy grooming.

Our recommendation: Baby Brush with Soft Goat Bristles

Health and Safety:

1. Digital thermometer

Fridababy Quick-Read Rectal Thermometer with a digital blue backlit display, designed for gentle and safe temperature taking in babies.

Our recommendation: Frida Baby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer

2. Nasal aspirator

LANMULI Baby Nasal Aspirator, hospital-grade, with multiple silicone tip sizes and musical function, designed for infants 0+ months.

Our recommendation: LANMULI Hospital-Grade Nasal Aspirator

3. First aid kit

Open view of a 442-piece all-purpose emergency first aid kit, displaying an array of medical supplies such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and scissors, neatly organized in a black zippered case for easy access and portability.

Our recommendation: 442 All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit (This is good to have even if the grandkids aren't visiting.)

4. Baby-safe sunscreen (if appropriate for baby’s age)

Tube of Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen, labeled as free of biologically harmful chemicals, dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic, and water-resistant, with EWG rating of 2, on a plain white background.

Our recommendation: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen

Travel Gear:

1. Car seat

UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat in charcoal color, featuring a carrying handle, side-impact protection, and an adjustable harness, displayed on a plain white background.

Our recommendations: UPPAbaby Mesa V2 Infant Car Seat, Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Car Seat

2. Stroller

Graco Modes Pramette Stroller in gray, featuring a convertible infant to toddler seat, large canopy, and storage basket, presented against a white background.

Our recommendation: Graco Modes Pramette Stroller

3. Portable crib or play yard

A happy baby lying on their back in a Guava Lotus Travel Crib with mesh sides for visibility, accompanied by a compact travel backpack, against a white background.

Our recommendations: Guava Lotus Travel Crib, Portable Crib for Baby

Entertainment and Development:

1. Age-appropriate toys (e.g., rattles, soft toys)

A colorful The First Years baby rattle shaped like a smiling caterpillar with a rainbow ring body and patterned balls at the ends of its soft appendages.

Our recommendations: The First Years First Baby Rattle, Melissa & Doug Flip Fish Soft Baby Toy

2. Playmat or activity gym

A soft, pastel-colored Ingenuity Cozy Spot Activity Gym & Play Mat with a wooden arch and hanging plush toys including an elephant, a sheep, and rings for baby's tactile and visual stimulation.

Our recommendations: Ingenuity Cozy Spot Activity Gym & Play Mat, Fisher-Price Baby Playmat

3. Books for babies

Close-up of a colorful children's bookshelf with a variety of books, prominently featuring 'The Big Book of Blooms' by Yuval Zommer, indicated for ages 6-8, amongst other illustrated story and educational books.

Our recommendation: These affordable bulk boxes of used children's books

4. Teething toys

Set of colorful baby teething toys designed as a giraffe, a tree with a peach, a tree with grapes, a banana, and a transparent toothbrush, all with handles for easy grip.

Our recommendations: HAILI XMGQ Baby Teething Toys, Fu Store Hollow Teether Tube

Miscellaneous:

1. Pacifiers (if your grandkids are using them)

Two MAM Original Matte Baby Pacifiers, one in mint green and one in sky blue, both with a symmetrical butterfly-shaped shield and textured edges.

Our recommendations: MAM Original Matte Baby Pacifier, Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Silicone Pacifier

2. Teething toys

Infantino Lil' Nibbles Textured Silicone Baby Teether shaped like an orange carrot with green handles on both sides for easy gripping.

Our recommendations: Infantino Lil' Nibbles Textured Silicone Baby Teether, Arudyo Baby Teething Toys

3. Laundry detergent for sensitive skin

Dreft Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent products including a scent booster, stain remover, and two bottles of detergent, one for newborns and one for active babies, featuring a baby image and labeled with 'Safer Choice' certification.

Our recommendation: Dreft Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent

4. Soft blankets

An arrangement of Momcozy Muslin Swaddle Blankets in neutral tones, displayed open and rolled, featuring various patterns including animals and stripes.

Our recommendations: Momcozy Muslin Swaddle Blankets, CREVENT Cute Cozy Fluffy Warm Baby Blanket

5. Room thermometer

ThermoPro TP50 digital indoor thermometer with large display showing humidity level, temperature and comfort level indicator with a smiley face.

Our recommendation: ThermoPro TP50 Digital Indoor Thermometer (Note: Your video monitor may have a built in room thermometer.)

Remember, every family's needs can be different. This list is a general guideline and you might find that some items are more essential for your situation than others.

---

Grandkids.com participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive.