By the time a new Grandparent is expecting their first Grandchild, it has more than likely been over twenty years since their own child was born. Not only can many things change when it comes to babies and small children, but one may often forget the even most rudimentary basic caregiving. Not all Grandparents will provide extended care for their grandchildren, but even those that plan on the occasional stay over should invest in gaining some of that basic knowledge back. There are many options for new Grandparents including Web sites, books, and even local classes offered in many cities, including here in Topeka, on baby basics.
A great place to start is with www.grandparents.com which is full of information for the expecting Grandparents. The site also includes a guide for new grandparents as well. Another great Web site to visit for good Grandparent advice is Fisher Price. This page has numerous links to many questions concerning Baby Basics.
In addition to Web sites, books are also a great way to remember the basics of caring for an infant. Here in Topeka there are numerous book stores available including Barnes and Noble, Lifeway Christian Stores, and Dean's Books (which sells, buys, and trades used books). The Topeka and Shawnee County Library can be a great source as well. Two books worth the time to read are Grandparents: Enjoying and Caring for Your Grandchild by Dr. Miriam Stoppard and Grandparenting ABCs by Eleanor Berman.
Local classes offered by both St. Francis Hospital and Stormont Vail here in Topeka can be probably one of the best ways for Grandparents to remember or learn new baby basics. Stormont Vail’s Birthplace Programs offer a class called Welcoming Baby that is designed for the whole family. The four hour class covers everything from pregnancy, labor, baby safety, and even adjustments for both parents and grandparents. To enroll in the next class call (785) 354-5225 or enroll online at: Welcoming Baby. St. Francis Hospital's New Life Center also offers classes for basic baby care that can be very helpful to the new Grandparents. Their class on baby safety is a must for new Grandparents and can be registered for at: (785) 295-8247. Both hospitals also offer CPR classes for infants and children.
Many things have changed from parenthood to becoming a Grandparent and taking the time to go over the basics is something that every new Grandparent should do. Expecting that new bundle of joy is a wonderful event for Grandparents, so take the time to learn the New Grandparent Baby Basics.
References:
E., B. (1998). Grandparenting abcs: a beginner's handbook . (1st ed.). New York: The Berkley Publishing Group.
M., S. (2011). Grandparents: enjoying and caring for your grandchild . (1st ed.). New York: DK Publishing.
Comments