Grandparents want nothing more than for their grandchildren to feel welcome in their home—but that doesn’t have to mean dedicating a whole room to baby stuff or investing in a ton of gear. Our pals at Munchkin have the smart solutions you need to build a portable nursery.
When the grandchildren come to stay—whether it’s for a few hours, overnight or even for a couple of days—there’s a tendency for their parents to overpack. New moms and dads want to make sure their little ones have everything they need, so they arrive with armloads of clothes, toys and other gear. But what if you could ease that burden and have the essentials on hand instead? That way, your children and grandchildren can just come over to spend time with you, without worrying about bringing all the stuff they might need.
Now, before you panic, this doesn’t mean transforming your spare room into a full-time nursery (you’ve been there and done that with your own kids). With a few thoughtfully chosen items, including smart picks from Munchkin, you can create a welcoming, portable space for your grandchildren that packs away easily when not in use.
Keep reading for how you can set yourself up for diaper duty, feeding, bath time and sleep—and
still keep your guest space guest-ready outside of visits from your grandkids.
Changing: Smart Setup
Babies and toddlers go through a lot of diapers, so you definitely need a safe spot in your home to change your grandchildren. But that doesn’t mean you need a full-blown change table. The Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad is a great portable option for creating a changing station. It can grip to most dressers or surfaces securely, or you can place it in the middle of a bed to give you hip-height access. It’s contoured for your grandchild’s comfort, it’s easy to wipe clean and it’s light and sleek enough to stash under a bed or in a closet between visits.
Pair it with Munchkin Waterproof Changing Liners for an added layer of protection, and add Munchkin’s Touch-Free Wipe Warmer to keep the cold off of little tushies. You can also create a caddy of changing essentials, including diaper cream, diaper disposal bags, an extra sleeper, hand sanitizer etc. so everything you need is within reach.
Bath Time: Safe Splashing
Bath time can be the highlight of a grandchild visit—it’s so fun to watch little ones in the water (as long as they like it, that is). It doesn’t have to be complicated, either. If you don’t have an infant tub for babies, you can run a shallow bath and use a non-slip mat, like the Munchkin Dots Bath Mat. This safety item is great for slightly older kids, too. The Munchkin White Hot Safety Bath Ducky is also a good idea. It doubles as a toy (who doesn’t love a rubber ducky?) and a thermometer, so you can be sure that your grandchild’s bath water is just right for their sensitive skin.
Toss in a few toys, like the Munchkin Wild Bath Squirts, for some bath time entertainment. Again, these easily stow away in a bathroom cupboard when necessary. You can also purchase a few soft wash cloths and hooded towels so your grandkids feel right at home.
Sleep: Soothing Routines
Sleep can be one of the trickiest parts of any visit with small kids (to the grandparents or elsewhere!). That said, it’s easier when you have a consistent setup. A foldable travel playard or crib is your best bet for safe sleep and it can fold away when not in use.
To help your grandchild drift off to dreamland, try the Munchkin Shhh Portable Sound and Light Soother. Its attractive design is completely neutral and won’t stand out on a dresser or bedside table at all (but you can also just put it away, if you’d like). It plays a shushing sound and white noise, and it includes a nightlight to make a sleep space feel calm and cozy.
Keep a lightweight swaddle or sleep sack in a drawer, along with a few stories for bedtime cuddles, and you’re set.
Ready for Anything: Simple Solutions
Whether you’re hanging out at home with the little ones or heading out for a post-nap adventure, a few thoughtful essentials can make time with the grandkids smoother.
Keep some kid-safe bowls, spoons and sippy cups on hand so snacks and meals are always easy to serve— Munchkin’s Miracle 360° Trainer Cups, Splash Toddler Divided Plates and Splash Toddler Fork, Knife and Spoon Sets are sturdy, easy to clean and designed for small hands.
And when it’s time to get moving, a lightweight, easy-fold stroller like the Munchkin Sparrow makes outings effortless. Perfect for park walks, errands or a quick snooze on the go, it’s a must-have for grandparents who like to be ready for anything.
All Set for Next Time
Setting up a portable nursery takes no time once you have your grandchild toolkit assembled. With a few key pieces, you’ll always be equipped for a visit. And the best part is, when the visit is over, everything packs away neatly for next time. Being the fun grandparent and the prepared one? Win-win.
