Baby checklists
Baby's first year
First Overnight at Grandparents' Checklist
20 items · 15 must-haves · From baby's week 12
Everything you need to prep, pack, and hand off for baby's first night away from home
Instructions Sheet
- Write out the full daily routine with timesWake time, nap windows, meal times, bath time, bedtime. Grandparents need a minute-by-minute playbook, not vibes.
- Document feeding schedule and exact amountsBreast milk or formula amounts per bottle, solid food portions if applicable. Include how to warm bottles and what temperature baby prefers.
- Write out the full sleep routine step by stepEvery step matters: diaper, sleep sack, sound machine on, lights off, specific song or phrase. Skip a step and you'll get a 1am phone call.
- Include medication instructions if anyOPTIONALDosage, timing, how to administer. Leave the medication in original packaging with a printed label showing the schedule.
- Print emergency contacts sheetBoth parents' numbers, pediatrician, poison control (1-800-222-1222), nearest ER address. Stick it on the fridge.
Comfort Items
- Pack the lovey for awake timePACKUnder 12 months: nothing soft goes in the crib, including the lovey. Send the sleep sack and sound machine instead; the lovey is for awake time.
- Pack sleep sack or swaddlePACKWhatever baby sleeps in at home. Grandparents defaulting to loose blankets is the #1 safe sleep risk to address.
- Send sound machine or share the appPACKWhite noise is non-negotiable if baby uses it. Portable Hatch or download the same app on grandparent's phone.
- Pack pacifier if baby uses oneOPTIONALPACKIf you send a clip, tell them: remove it for every nap and night; never in the crib. Send at least 2 - one will disappear into couch cushions within the first hour.
- Include a familiar blanketOPTIONALPACKNot for sleeping - for floor time and comfort. A blanket that smells like home helps baby settle in an unfamiliar space.
Supplies to Send
- Pack diapers for 24+ hoursPACKCount on 8-12 diapers for an overnight. Pack 15 to be safe - running out means a grandparent guessing your diaper brand at Target.
- Pack wipes and diaper creamPACKFull pack of wipes plus the specific diaper cream you use. Generic substitutions can cause rashes on sensitive skin.
- Pack 2 full changes of clothes plus pajamasPACKBlowouts, spit-up, food mishaps. Two daytime outfits and one set of pajamas is the minimum for an overnight.
Safety Prep
- Review babyproofing at grandparents' houseOutlet covers, cabinet locks, gate at stairs, cords out of reach. Their house hasn't had a baby in 25+ years - walk through it together.
- Check crib or pack-n-play setupFirm mattress, fitted sheet, nothing else in the crib. No bumpers, pillows, or quilts. Set it up together and verify it meets current safety standards.
- Discuss safe sleep rules clearlyBack to sleep, nothing in the crib, room temperature 68-72°F. This conversation feels awkward but it's the most important one you'll have.
- Share car seat installation videoIf grandparents will be driving, install the car seat yourself or send a how-to video for their specific vehicle. NHTSA found about half of car seats (46%) have at least one installation or use mistake.
Parent Prep
- Leave a comfort item that smells like youOPTIONALWorn t-shirt tucked near (not in) the crib, or a burp cloth you've used. Your scent is the strongest comfort signal baby has.
- Do a trial run with a shorter stay firstOPTIONALStart with a 4-5 hour stretch before committing to overnight. Builds confidence for everyone - baby, grandparents, and you.
- Agree on photo/video update schedule and have a pickup planSet expectations: one update at bedtime, one in the morning. And agree on the threshold for calling you to come get baby - better to have the plan and not need it.
Check it off together
Make a free account to tick items off as you go. Your partner sees the same list, ticks included.