Grandparents bring good things to a child's life. They have a lot of experience, wisdom and -- if you're lucky -- time to share with your little one. They can be a great source of love and support, not to mention help around the house.
Because we've learned a lot more about how to keep children safe and healthy, some grandparents may have some catching up to do. Discuss issues of safety for the home, first aid, infant car seat safety, and other personal health and wellness issues with grandparents before leaving the grandkids with them.
Here are some things they'll need to know:
1. Honey is harmful to babies under age 1. It has spores that can cause a disease called infant botulism.
2. Aspirin is off-limits to babies. Many doctors fear it may cause Reye's syndrome, which can be deadly to small children. Check with your doctor for safe pain-relievers and fever reducers.
3. For safe sleep, babies should be placed on their backs to prevent a small risk of breathing problems and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We used to believe sleeping on their stomachs was safer.
4. Laws in most states require children younger than age 4 to ride in child car safety seats in the rear seat of the car, even for short trips. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a booster seat for children up to age 8 or 4’8”. Many of today's grandparents never even owned a safety seat when their children were young.
Even if they live far away, grandparents still can share advice. In fact, you may get more advice than you bargained for. Listen politely and thank them loudly. After all, this is a relationship you want to nurture.
In the end, trust your instincts and go with your heart. As one of my friends used to say, "Take the best, and leave the rest."