As a new mom, one of things I appreciated most when visiting my mom’s house was having a quiet room to nurse and let my baby nap. It wasn't a dedicated room or anything, actually it was the old room that I grew up in but still it allowed me to fully enjoy my stay without worrying about skipped naps or a fussy baby.
My mom also had a bag of hand-me-down toys. When my daughter got older, she would eagerly anticipate visits just to play with that special bag of toys. To her, they always felt like brand-new treasures!
If you are looking to create a welcoming space for your grandchild - whether they are newborn, toddler or older - setting up a dedicated nursery or play area is a thoughtful gesture, making each visit special for both you and your grandchildren.
Especially during those newborn days, when traveling or visiting family can be overwhelming, having a calm and comfortable space for your grandchild and your daughter or daughter-in-law can make all the difference.
Simple, versatile furniture and fun touches
Here are a few items you can include to make your grandchild's nursery cozy and inviting:
-
A Comfortable Crib or Bassinet: A safe and comfortable sleeping space is essential. Choose a crib that's convertible so that it can be used well into the toddler years. If your grandchildren are older, you could opt for a daybed that can also be used to host older guests.
-
Changing Station: Rather than investing in a single use changing table, I suggest getting a changing pad for the top of a dresser. Add a cute basket or use one of the drawers for diapers, wipes and spare clothes.
-
Soft Lighting: Nightlights or soft lamps create a calming atmosphere for nursing and naps, making the room feel warm and inviting.
-
Storage for Toys and Books: Organize a few toys and children's books in easily accessible bins or shelves. These can be rotated to keep things fresh and exciting for your grandchild.
-
Decorative Touches: Add some wall art or cute decor that reflects your grandchild's personality or interests - any of our customers are grandparents too. Our Sea Animals Nursery Wall Art and Dinosaur Prints collection are especially popular.
Child-proofing the room
One thing to prioritize when setting up a nursery or play area for your grandchild is safety. Simple measures like covering electrical outlets, securing heavy furniture to the wall and keeping small objects out of reach can make the room a safer place for little ones to explore. Adding corner protectors to furniture corners and ensuring that cords from blinds or curtains are out of reach are also important steps.
You may also want to think about adding a play mat or soft rug to hard floors when your grandchild gets to the crawling and walking stages.
These precautions help create a space that is not only inviting but also safe so visits can be more relaxing and worry-free.
Creating memories at grandma's house
Whether you’re preparing for frequent visits or for occasional sleepovers, these cozy and loving additions will make your grandchild’s visits feel extra special and help create beautiful memories at grandma's house.
Featured in Rent.
I'm thrilled to share that I was recently asked to contribute to Rent. as an expert on what to do with a spare room. In the article, I talked about transforming a spare bedroom into a nursery or converting it into a playroom. You can check out the featured article: Spare Bedroom Ideas | Rent. for more inspiration.
xoxo,
Vivian
