By Jennifer Frost
Two of the most important factors in a close relationship with your grandchildren are physical proximity and frequency of contact. Although you may not live nearby, ensuring that your home is child-friendly and provides a welcoming environment for all your extended family, means you will likely receive more visits and get to spend more quality time together. A few checks and minor changes to your home can make it safe for young children to visit and, even if you have downsized your property and have less room for overnight guests, children will still be excited to sleep over in bunk beds.
Create a Pleasant Atmosphere
When your first baby grandchild comes to stay, you will want to ensure that they are safe and protected in your home. As a newborn, they will really only need a comfortable and secure place to lie down and sleep. However, it’s very important that the air in your home is clear of pollutants. If you are a smoker, the birth of new grandchild might give you the impetus to give up completely as there is evidence that even lingering nicotine residue or third hand smoke can have a negative effect on health. Children are particularly affected by smoke as they inhale 40 times more than adults and ingest more through greater hand to mouth contact. Although you will most likely already have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted in your home, before baby comes to visit is a good time to check that they are working correctly.
Check for Hazards
As your grandchildren start to crawl, you will need to make a few more changes to keep them safe. You will be familiar with the potential hazards from bringing up your own kids, but it’s easy to forget just how attentive you need to be once small kids are on the move. Take a walk around your home looking down to ground level and noting things like exposed outlets and sharp edges of furniture that will both need to be covered. Even something as simple as a trailing blind cord can cause injuries particularly to very young children and should therefore be removed.
Host a Safe Sleepover
If you’re short of sleeping space for your growing family, you might have thought about getting bunk beds for older kids. The top bunk should only be used for children over 6 years old and must have a guard rail fitted. Removable rails can be attached to any bed to prevent toddlers from falling out. A night light in the room in which your grandchildren are sleeping will not only create a comforting glow but will also prevent kids tripping over in a less familiar bedroom.
With a little forethought and preparation, you can make your home a safe environment for your grandchildren. Knowing that they are happy and secure, means you can relax and enjoy spending quality time together.
