Congrats! You’re going to be a grandparent. New babies are fun for the entire family, but especially grandparents. And do you know what’s almost as gratifying as becoming a grandparent? Getting to spoil the new little one with baby’s first gifts from his grandparents. But first grandchild gifts can be tricky. You have to find a balance between what you want to give, what his parents want and what the baby actually needs/can use. So if you’re ready to spoil your soon-to-be grandbaby but don’t know what makes an ideal gift, considering how many options are available these days, I’ve got you covered. Here are some first grandchild gift ideas that will make the receivers and givers happy.
Something Homemade
[Image: beechtreelandehandmade.com]
When you give a homemade gift made with love, it instantly becomes a family heirloom. If you can sew or knit, make a baby blanket or quilt. Store-bought blankets have nothing on ones made by grandma, and it’s something she can use later on when she goes to college or in her own home when she starts her own family. A scrapbook or memory jar complete with keepsakes from the day she was born, first doctor’s visit, baby shower, etc., are two other homemade grandparent gift ideas for a new baby.
Collectible Item
Collectible items may not appeal to a newborn, but it’s a fun tradition to start when he’s born. That way, you know exactly what you’re going to give him each year for his birthday. Collectibles range from small cars and trains to action figures and sports memorabilia. Choose something you and your grandchild will enjoy talking about and/or playing with for years to come.
Newborn Photo Session
[Image: kerryblackphotography.com]
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that your phone and/or camera, as well as the parents’ phones and camera, are going to quickly fill up with pictures of the baby. Every new family wants a professional newborn photo session, but some don’t want to pay for one. So if you feel like splurging and want to create memories for them and you forever, buy a photo session for the new family with a local newborn photographer.
Books
It’s never too early to start reading to your grandkids. Reading is good for babies. Reading aloud to children has numerous benefits, including expanding their vocabulary, leading to better literacy skills, introducing emotion and strengthening the grandparent-child bond as you read to them. Buy a few of your favorite childhood books, ones you read to your kids, as well as grandma and grandpa themed books to give their library a good start. Recurring book clubs are a great idea too.
Something from the Parent’s Childhood
There’s no better time to pass on a childhood keepsake from your child who is now a parent than when his or her first baby is born. Maybe you saved a baby outfit or hospital band and birth announcement that you could frame and gift to them to display in the nursery.
Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is a lifesaver for new parents. It allows them to be hands-free and go about their normal tasks while still holding and bonding with their baby. It could also come in handy for you when you take your grandbaby on outings. Babywearing in a baby carrier is an easy to way to calm a crying baby, and it gives you the freedom to socialize while keeping your grandbaby close and allowing him to see the animals at the zoo or kids at the park when you go on a walk as he gets older and can face forward in his carrier. Embrace Newborn Carrier is the perfect carrier for parents to use in the first few months of their little ones life. It's soft, cozy, supportive, and easy to pack away in a diaper bag! Omni Breeze and Omni Dream are other great options for parents looking for a carrier that will take them into the toddler years and offer breathability, coziness, and all four carry positions!
An Education Fund
There’s no time like the present to start saving money for your grandchild’s education. Education is expensive, so starting an education fund that you can regularly add to from birth until she turns 18 is a smart and thoughtful baby’s first gift from grandparents. One route that many grandparents go is setting up a 529 college savings plan that can be used for tuition, books and other education expenses.
Stroller
METRO+ STROLLER Grand first grandchild gifts from the grandparents are well accepted and appreciated. And maybe none more so than a nice stroller. It makes doctor’s visits, walks, errands and traveling easier and more enjoyable for parents and the baby. Plus, a quality stroller will last through this grandchild and the next one or two, so really it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Baby Care Essentials Basket
Baby essentials can quickly add up. So rather than making sleep-deprived parents run to the store at midnight when the baby’s first fever or diaper rash hits, give them a basket filled with baby care essentials. Include things like diaper rash cream, a booger sucker, gas drops, baby Ibuprofen or Tylenol and tiny nail clippers with a light (this one is very handy).
Diapers
Yes, parents really do want diapers. Diapers are needed and expensive. Diapers aren’t a glamorous gift by any means, but they’re a necessary gift and oftentimes get overlooked by gift-givers because they’re not “fun” to give. Buy packages of different sizes that range from newborn up to size four so the parents are set when your grandbaby is ready to move up a size. And if you’re feeling really crafty, make a diaper cake and have the different tiers made up of the different diaper sizes you’re giving.
Night Nurse
You may not have done well in your college science classes or ever thought about being a nurse, but you don’t need a degree to be your grandbaby’s night nurse. So if you don’t work or have some time off at work to use up, help out at nights during the baby’s first few weeks of life. You may be a little sleep-deprived by the end of your time as a baby night nurse, but you’ll also get some cherished one-on-one time with your new grandbaby; not to mention the parents will love you even more for letting them get some much-needed sleep.
Bouncer
The Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer is a fantastic gift for any parents. Because while every parent (and grandparent) would love to cherish the baby snuggles all the time, it's good to have a safe place to put baby so mom or dad can shower, cook dinner, or just have a little break. They'll love this timeless and easy to use bouncer that supports newborns through toddlers! SHOP EVOLVE BOUNCER
Something for the Parents
[Image: lgfcu.org]
Sometimes a gift for the parents is the best thing to give your new grandbaby right now. A newborn doesn’t know what’s going on, and he doesn’t need a bunch of toys or tangible gifts. Newborns need diapers, a few outfits, food and, of course, lots of love and snuggles. But you know who could use some help and tangible gifts? The parents. Here are some things to give your kids:
- Gift cards: It may seem impersonal to you, but new parents these days love gift cards (as long as they’re to a store they’ve registered to or frequent). The parents can buy what baby needs, as well as what they need, like groceries, depending on where the gift cards are to.
- Stocked fridge: As you know first-hand, no new mom or dad wants to have to cook three meals every day those first couple weeks. They’re too tired to cook. Take one thing off their plate by filling their fridge and freeze with already prepared, easy to warm up meals to fill their dinner plates with.
- Cleaning service: You know what else new parents don’t want to do? Clean their entire house. But at the same time, they want it clean because they have a new baby and people will be coming over to see her. So pay for a cleaning service to come clean their home, or you can save yourself the money and clean their house yourself.
Few things will bring you more joy than getting to buy presents for your grandchildren. But keep in mind that you are setting a gift-giving precedent with your first grandchild gifts, so whatever you make or buy, be prepared to do the same or something similar for your future grandkids since their parents will likely expect to receive similar grandchild gifts. But, as long as you can get them something they will need a lot of or something which will be able to last them through many kids, like a baby carrier, you will be sure to jump to the favorite grandparents in no time!
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Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider.
Types of Baby Carriers:
- Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
- Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips.
Factors to Consider:
- Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
- Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
- Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
- Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.
Safety Tips:
- Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is seated correctly, with their legs in an "M" position and their head should be close enough to kiss.
- Checking for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your carrier for any signs of damage.
- Ensuring Adequate Support: Make sure the carrier provides proper support for your baby’s head and neck.
Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier
Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby
- Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
- Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.
Activity Ideas
- Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
- Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
- Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.
There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.
There are a few types of strollers on the market:
- Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
- Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
- Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
- Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
- Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.
Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.
Benefits of Bringing a Stroller
- Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
- Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
- Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.
Safety Tips for Strollers
- Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
- Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
- Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.
Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!