Kids Gear

The Best Baby and Toddler Gear to Keep at a Grandparent’s House

so you don't have to pack them!
written by KATHY SISSON & BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN

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kids gear grandparents"
kids gear grandparents
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace
Graphics by: Kirra Wallace

Traveling with kids is hard, but when it comes to what you need to pack, I think traveling with babies and toddlers is harder. Now that my kids are older, packed travel necessities like cribs, high chairs, and diapers have been replaced by scooters and favorite stuffed animals, so our car seems to have much more room to spare. It wasn’t always this way, of course, and packing for even the shortest weekend getaway would mean a precarious, barely there view out the back window of our car.

My husband and I learned the beauty of having baby gear at grandma and grandpa’s house on our first cross-country flight to visit my parents. We brought our car seat and bottles for our 5-month-old daughter, but everything else my mom had set up for us. We’d sent my mom our formula brand and daughter’s diaper size ahead of time, which she bought at her local grocery store (Amazon Prime delivery could have worked as well). Plus, my mom borrowed a portable crib, bouncy seat, and some baby toys from her friend, a fellow grandma, so we didn’t have to schlep everything through the airport. I was so grateful to have everything we needed right there.

Whether you have to drive or fly to visit grandparents, we thought it would help to put together a list of baby essentials to have at a grandparent’s house so you don’t have to pack them. We kept nearly every price point on this list under $100, so your parents or your in-laws won’t have to spend too much to outfit their abode for the grandkids. And we chose portable options or basic-models to make it easy to store items away in-between visits. This list can also be helpful for in-town grandparents who wonder “why you don’t visit more often.” You might consider forwarding them this list as a gentle hint.

Read on for a list of baby and toddler gear essentials to keep at grandparents’ houses for stress-free visits. 

 

For Sleep

graco pack n play
Amazon | Graco
Pack 'N Play with Bassinet Insert

You can never go wrong with a Pack 'N Play. This great option can go from a bassinet for baby to nap in to a portable crib and playpen in a matter of seconds.

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yogasleep portable sound machine
Amazon | Yogasleep
Portable White Noise Machine

The new noises of a different space can be distracting and may make it difficult for baby to fall asleep. This portable white noise machine is great for drowning out anything that could prevent your little one from resting peacefully.

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portable blackout curtain
Amazon
Postable Black-Out Window Curtain

If your little one is staying in a particularly bright room at their grandparents' house, this black-out curtain is a great option for blocking out the sun and helping them sleep better.

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For Feeding

baby bottle gift set
Target | NUK
Baby Bottle Gift Set

Whether you forgot to pack enough bottles and accessories or just like having a second set for grandma or grandpa to keep on-hand, this bottle gift set comes with nearly everything you'd need for feeding.

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portable high chair
Amazon | Inglesina
Portable High Chair

It's no secret that little ones don't travel light. Instead of packing their usual high chair to take with to a grandparent's house, consider this portable option that is lightweight and can be added onto any counter or table.

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high chair splat mat
Amazon | CLCROBD
High Chair Splat Mat

Speaking of high chairs, babies get messy when they eat. Help with the clean-up process with this splat mat that catches all the mess and is easy to clean.

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For Bath Time & Diaper Changes

grow with me bath tub
Amazon | Frida Baby
Grow-with-Me Bath Tub

We love this bath tub because it grows with baby. It can be either a seat or a full tub depending on baby's age, making bath time much more enjoyable and easier for everyone.

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hooded towels
Amazon | Burt's Bees Baby
Hooded Towels

A set of baby-friendly towels for to keep at their grandparents' house, again, means one less thing for you to pack—and that makes all the difference.

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aveeno baby bath time set
Amazon | Aveeno Baby
Bath Time Solutions Set

We all know how important it can be to use products that agree with your little one's skin, so another great option to consider for bath time is a set of all of baby's favorite products.

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skip hop changing pad
Amazon | Skip Hop
Changing Pad

Make changing time as easy as possible for grandma or grandpa with this easy-to-clean changing pad.

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For Safety

babyproofing essentials kit
Target | Safety 1st
Safety Essentials Childproofing Kit

We all spent hours babyproofing our homes, but we may have forgotten the other places our little ones would be spending time. This safety essentials kit makes babyproofing the grandparents' house for safety super easy.

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retractable baby gate
Amazon | Perma Child Safety
Retractable Baby Gate

Speaking of babyproofing, these easy-to-use (and install!) retractable gates are great to add to any home.

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For Play

target baby bouncer
Target | Baby Delight
Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer

We want baby and their grandparents to be as comfortable as possible during their time together. This portable bouncer is great for the grandparents to have on hand for playtime or when it's time to relax.

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amazon wooden play gym
Amazon | WOOD CITY
Foldable Wooden Baby Play Gym

There's nothing quite like sensory toys to keep little ones entertained. This is a great affordable, and portable option to keep on hand at grandma and grandpa's house—plus, it folds up for easy storage.

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babylist baby book set
Babylist
Baby Starter Library Book Gift Box

If grandparents don't have space for a full picture book library, this starter set of classic titles for baby would make a perfect gift.

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Melisa & Doug
Wooden Shape Sorting Grocery Cart

A trip to their grandparent's house should be fun, so they're going to need some extra fun toys to play with while they're visiting like this multipurpose toy from editor-favorite brand Melissa & Doug.

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amazon portable play yard
Amazon | Regalo
Portable Play Yard

This lightweight play yard is a safe option for little ones to play in while parents or grandparents get things done. Plus, it can be used inside or outside!

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How to Stay Close When Grandparents Live Far Away
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