Spending time with your grandbaby is one of life’s greatest joys. Having a few key baby items at your house can help make visits smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. From feeding and diaper changes to naps and playtime, the right gear helps grandparents feel ready for anything. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best baby gear for grandparents so you can spend more time laughing with your littles, and less time worrying about the details. Why Grandparents Might Want Their Own Baby Gear Many grandparents today are stepping into part-time caregiving roles, whether through regular babysitting or simply lending a hand when needed. Having baby gear at your home can make these moments less stressful for both you and your grandchild because it reduces the need to move baby items back and forth between homes (no more forgotten binkies!) and helps your grandchild’s routine stay consistent. Important Baby Gear for Grandparents Every household is different, but it’s generally a good idea to keep some basic baby gear on hand. Not all baby items apply to every age and developmental stage, so make sure to consider your grandbaby’s needs when shopping. Many parents also have preferred brands or products, so be sure to discuss preferences before making purchases. Crib or Playard Even short visits or naps require an age-appropriate sleep space. While a full-sized crib is an option, portable and multi-functional playards (sometimes called playpens) are ideal for saving space and simplifying storage. If you choose to go with a crib, just remember to buy a proper crib mattress and fitted sheet. Regardless of whether you choose a crib or playard, it’s important to only put items in it that are developmentally appropriate. Children under 12 months old cannot sleep with blankets, plush toys, or any bedding other than a fitted sheet. Our Picks for the Best Playard for Grandparents’ House: Dash™ Instant Setup Playard or Alfa Lite® Travel Playard The Dash™ Instant Setup Playard has a one-hand push that makes it quick and simple to set up or fold for storage, and wheels that can be used to move the playard between rooms when not in use. It also includes an infant bassinet for babies up to 15 lbs and a carry bag for easy transport and storage. The Alfa Lite® Travel Playard is lightweight, has an easy snap-open setup, and features a zip-open side panel for accessibility. It folds compactly for storage and includes a waterproof mattress. Caregiver Tip: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should always be put to sleep on their backs on firm, flat sleep surfaces free of loose bedding and other objects. High Chair or Booster Seat High chairs and booster seats help make snack and mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable for everyone at the table. When choosing between a high chair or a booster seat, consider your available space, your grandbaby’s age and stage, and how often you’ll be hosting meals. High chairs typically offer more features and a roomier fit for younger babies, while boosters are compact and great for toddlers who are ready to join you at the table. Be sure to check age and weight limits before purchasing. Our Best High Chair for Grandparents’ House: Zest LE 4-in-1 Folding High Chair The Zest LE 4-in-1 Folding High Chair is great for grandparents because it can be used from 6 months to 60 lbs, folds compactly, and only weighs 10 lbs. It has multiple configurations, so it can be used for supervised eating or playing with developmentally appropriate toys. Our Picks for the Best Booster for Grandparents’ House: Bento 3-in-1 Booster Seat or Cinch Booster Seat The Bento 3-in-1 Booster Seat is compatible with most dining chairs, can be used as a floor feeding chair or toddler seat, folds compactly for storage, and has a removable, dishwasher-safe tray. It is designed for children at least 6 months old and up to 50 lbs. The Cinch Booster Seat attaches to a standard dining room chair using a metal arm featuring a non-slip grip and a one-pull tightener to simplify getting a secure fit. It also has a quick-release button, making it easy to remove. It’s made for children at least 6 months old and up to 50 lbs. The FastLock Go Hook-On Chair attaches directly to eating surfaces, such as tables or kitchen islands, to make feeding more convenient. The FastLock® clamps offer a secure fit, and the chair folds compactly for travel and storage. It can be used for children up to 37 lbs. Feeding and Soothing Supplies Feeding and soothing supplies are small but important items that can make a big difference in your ability to comfortably care for your grandchild. Keep in mind that every baby is different, and their needs will change as they grow. Some grandparents may only need a few basics on hand for occasional visits, while others may want to stock up on extras if caregiving is part of their regular routine. Bottles and nipples or sippy cups Extra formula Pacifiers Silicone tableware Bibs Stroller or Baby Carrier Having a stroller or baby carrier at your home can make outings with your grandbaby more enjoyable and comfortable for both of you. A stroller is often the go-to choice for longer outings and older grandchildren. Look for lightweight, compact models that are easy to fold and store. A baby carrier offers a wonderful way to keep your grandbaby close during shorter errands or around the house. Carriers allow for hands-free snuggles and can be especially helpful during those times when your grandbaby wants comfort and connection while you’re trying to tackle small tasks. Always double-check that the stroller or carrier you choose fits your grandchild’s current height and weight. Refer to the product manual for specific guidelines before purchasing or using these products. Our Best Stroller for Grandparents: Presto Self-Folding Compact Stroller The Presto Stroller is great for grandparents with grandchildren up to 50 lbs because it’s very lightweight, self-folds compactly for storage and transport, and is easy to maneuver. Additionally, because it’s compatible with an infant car seat, you can use it from day one. Then, as your grandchild grows, the backrest and legrest can be adjusted to fit their needs. Our Best Baby Carrier for Grandparents: SnugSupport 4-in-1 Infant Carrier The SnugSupport 4-in-1 Infant Carrier is ideal for grandparents because it has front and back carry positions to grow with your grandchild (from 7.5 to 33 lbs). It features easy-adjust back and waist straps, wide shoulder straps, and structured support to evenly distribute the baby’s weight, making baby wearing more comfortable. Baby Proofing Supplies As your grandbaby grows and becomes more mobile, creating a home environment that helps minimize bumps and tumbles becomes especially important. These simple tools help prevent common accidents and give grandparents peace of mind while little ones explore their surroundings. Outlet covers Cabinet and drawer locks Corner guards Baby gates Door knob covers or door pinch guards Extra Diapers and Wipes Diapers and wipes are something you’ll always be happy to have on hand. It prevents parents from having to pack up a full supply every time they drop off their little one, and keeps you prepared. Just make sure you buy the right size and type of diapers, and opt for the brand your grandchild’s parents prefer. It’s also a good idea to have diaper cream, in case your grandbaby gets a diaper rash. If you go on outings with your grandchild often, you may want to consider buying a diaper bag for convenient, on-the-go diaper changes. Car Seat Having a car seat of your own gives you the freedom to take your grandchild on outings without the extra step of moving a seat back and forth between cars. It’s a smart investment if you’ll be doing drop-offs, pickups, or regular child care. When choosing a car seat, make sure it matches your grandchild’s current height, weight, and developmental stage. Proper installation is key, and today’s car seats come with user-friendly features to help ensure a secure fit. Our Picks for the Best Car Seat for Grandparents: Fit360™ ClearTex® Rotating Convertible Car Seat or the OneFit LX ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat The Fit360™ ClearTex® Rotating Convertible Car Seat can be good for grandparents because it is easy to install, can be used from 4 lbs to 65 lbs and 49 in tall, and rotates 360° to make getting your grandchild in and out of the car easier. If you plan to use the same car seat as the parents, purchasing an additional base can allow you to use the car seat in multiple vehicles. The OneFit LX ClearTex All-in-One Car Seat grows with grandchildren from birth through booster. It has a LeverLock™ self-tensioning system, RightRight™ Level Indicators, and ReclineSure™ leveling system for easy and secure installation. Want more car seat suggestions? Read our guide to choosing the best car seat for grandparents! Caregiver Tip: Car seats and their installation techniques have changed over the years. If you need help learning how to install your grandchild’s car seat securely, read the car seat’s product manual or visit a licensed Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for personalized guidance. Extra Baby Gear for Grandparents to Consider While the baby items in this section aren’t essential, many grandparents find that they can enhance the time spent with their grandbaby and simplify caregiving. Baby Monitor A baby monitor is a helpful tool for keeping an ear—or eye—on your grandbaby while they nap or sleep for the night. Whether you prefer a simple audio monitor or a video option with smartphone connectivity, having one gives you reassurance that you’ll know if your grandbaby needs you. Choose a monitor that suits your home and your caregiving routine, and look for user-friendly features that make it easy to operate. Baby Seat A baby seat provides a cozy, secure spot for your grandbaby to relax while you’re nearby. Some seats have features like toy bars, gentle vibrations, or music to help soothe and engage little ones. Our Float™ Baby Seat is a good option for grandparents with grandchildren under 20 lbs because it’s easy to clean, folds flat for storage, and includes a toy mobile for extra fun. Baby Walker For babies who are learning to walk, a baby walker is a playful and engaging way to practice their new skills. Walkers encourage movement and exploration while giving grandparents a break from constant bending and stooping. The Walky Talky™ Baby Walker is a favorite for grandparents because it folds down for easy storage, includes a removable multilingual toy tray, and offers three height adjustments to grow with your grandbaby up to 26 lbs and 33 inches tall. Toys and Books Play is crucial for children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Having a small collection of age-appropriate toys and books at your home shows your grandchild that your space is ready and welcoming for them. Board books, cloth books, and simple toys that support fine motor skills, cause-and-effect learning, and sensory play are excellent choices. These items help keep little hands and minds busy, and they create wonderful opportunities for connection and shared moments. White Noise Machine A white noise machine can be a simple but effective addition to help your grandbaby fall asleep and stay asleep during visits. These devices mimic the sounds your grandchild heard in the womb and can help mask household noise, making it easier for babies to settle down in an unfamiliar environment. Many families use white noise as part of their daily sleep routine, so having one at your house can help maintain that consistency. Caregiver Tip: According to the AAP, sound machines should not be louder than 50 decibels at any time to avoid harming your grandchild’s hearing. Portable Baby Bath If your grandchild stays overnight or visits regularly, a portable baby bath can make bath time more comfortable for both of you. Compact and easy to store, these baths fit in most sinks or tubs and often feature quick-drain designs for added convenience. A dedicated baby bath helps keep little ones secure during bath time while reducing the strain on your back and knees. Potty Training Supplies If your grandchild is reaching the potty-training stage, having a few supplies at your house can make the process smoother. A dedicated potty chair or seat insert helps your grandchild feel more comfortable and confident using the bathroom, even when they’re not at home. Look for potty training supplies that are easy to clean, lightweight, and simple to move between rooms if needed. You might also want to keep a small step stool handy to help little ones reach the sink for handwashing. Having training-friendly supplies like extra underwear, pull-ups, wipes, and a change of clothes on hand can help prevent accidents from turning into big disruptions. What Grandparents Should Consider When Buying Baby Gear Choosing baby gear for your home is all about finding the right balance of comfort, convenience, and practicality. Here are a few key things to keep in mind: Age and Developmental Stage of the Baby: Consider whether your grandchild is a newborn, infant, or toddler. Look for gear that meets their current needs but also offers room to grow. Items like convertible car seats or high chairs with multiple modes can adapt as your grandbaby reaches new milestones. Frequency of Visits or Caregiving: Think about how often your grandbaby will be in your care. Grandparents who provide regular care may benefit from more permanent setups, such as a full-size crib or high chair. Those who host visits less often may prefer compact, foldable gear that’s easy to store between visits. Ease of Use: Look for products designed with intuitive features and minimal assembly required. Choose gear made with easy-to-clean materials and wipeable surfaces. Prioritize items with clear instructions and simple functionality. Storage Space and Portability: If space is limited, seek out compact or foldable designs that store easily when not in use. Multi-purpose gear—like a playard with a built-in bassinet or changing table—can help reduce the number of items you need while still providing flexibility. Longevity and Value: Invest in products that can adapt as your grandchild grows. Convertible car seats or 4-in-1 high chairs, for example, offer long-term value by growing with your grandbaby. High-quality gear may also serve future grandchildren down the road. Comfort and Convenience: Choose gear with thoughtful features that make caregiving easier and more comfortable. Look for padded straps, ergonomic handles, and adjustable recline or height settings. Consider your own mobility and opt for products that won’t require excessive bending, lifting, or strain. Parent Preferences: Check with parents before making purchases to ensure your choices align with their preferences. Prepare for Your Grandbaby With Chicco Having the right baby items in your home helps create a welcoming, comfortable space where you and your grandchild can enjoy every visit to the fullest. At Chicco, we’re here to support grandparents just as much as parents. Explore our Grandparent Gear Guide and visit the Baby Talk Blog for helpful tips, expert advice, and product recommendations designed to help you make the most of your time with your grandbaby. FAQs Should grandparents have a nursery at their house? A full nursery is not necessary for grandparents, but a dedicated space for sleeping can make visits smoother by promoting familiarity and routine. A few key items, like a secure sleep space, a high chair or booster seat, and changing supplies, are often enough. What can a baby sleep in at a grandparent’s house? Babies can sleep in a playard, portable crib, or bassinet at a grandparent’s house, depending on their age, weight, and developmental stage. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should always place your grandchild to sleep on their back on a flat, firm sleep surface free of loose bedding or toys. They should not sleep on sofas, adult beds, or other soft surfaces.