There’s nothing quite like the excitement of having your children and grandchildren visit from overseas. Whether they’re coming from Australia, the UK, or further afield, preparing your home for little ones requires thoughtful planning – especially when those precious grandchildren are still in nappies, highchairs, and car seats.
As Kiwi grandparents, you want to make their visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible, but you might be wondering: do I really need to buy all that baby equipment for occasional visits? The good news is, you don’t. Here’s your comprehensive checklist for hosting overseas family with young children, including smart solutions that won’t leave your spare room looking like a permanent nursery.
Safety First: Baby-Proofing Your Home
Before your family arrives, walk through your home with fresh eyes – specifically, eyes that are about 60cm off the ground.
Essential Safety Checks:
- Install outlet covers on accessible power points
- Secure loose cords from blinds and curtains (strangulation hazard)
- Move cleaning products, medications, and chemicals to high cupboards
- Check that your hot water temperature is set below 50°C to prevent scalds
- Secure heavy furniture that could tip over
- Remove or pad sharp corner furniture at toddler height
- Install safety gates if you have stairs
- Cover your pool or spa with compliant fencing if applicable
- Remove small objects that could be choking hazards from low surfaces
Many grandparents find that a professional baby-proofing consultation can be worthwhile, especially if it’s been decades since you’ve had little ones in the house.
The Car Seat Question
Here’s something that catches many grandparents off-guard: under New Zealand law, children must be properly restrained in an approved car seat until they’re seven years old. If you’re planning any outings – and let’s face it, you’ll want to show off your beautiful Auckland – you’ll need appropriate car seats.
Your Options:
Have the parents bring their own: This works if they’re already checking luggage, but car seats are bulky and can get damaged in transit.
Rent quality car seats: This is increasingly the preferred option. Modern car seats meet New Zealand safety standards, are professionally cleaned between uses, and you can return them when the visit ends – no storage required.
Buy second-hand: While economical, ensure any used seat meets current NZ safety standards, hasn’t been in an accident, and isn’t past its expiration date.
If your grandchildren are different ages, you might need multiple types of seats – capsule for infants, convertible for toddlers, booster for older children. Renting allows you to get exactly what you need for each child’s age and size.
Essential Equipment: What You Really Need
Let’s break down the baby gear you’ll actually use versus what’s just taking up space:
High Priority Items:
Travel cot or bassinet: If the baby isn’t co-sleeping with parents, they’ll need somewhere safe to sleep. A travel cot is portable enough to move between rooms and doesn’t require permanent storage.
High chair: Essential for mealtimes. Modern high chairs are much easier to clean than the ones you might remember! Renting means you get a current model with proper safety harnesses.
Stroller or pram: Auckland’s footpaths, parks, and malls are very stroller-friendly. Having one available means spontaneous outings to the Botanic Gardens, waterfront, or local cafes.
Baby carrier: Surprisingly useful for keeping hands free while showing grandchildren around your garden or navigating places where strollers are impractical.
Nice-to-Have Items:
- Baby monitor (if your home is large)
- Portable change mat
- Baby bathtub or bath support
- Portable play mat or activity gym
The Smart Solution: Rental Services
More and more Auckland grandparents are discovering that renting baby equipment for visits makes practical sense. Instead of spending significant money on equipment you’ll use a few weeks per year, you can rent quality gear for a fraction of the cost.
Benefits of Renting:
No storage headaches: Auckland homes aren’t getting any bigger, and spare room space is precious.
Always current: Rental equipment meets current safety standards and hasn’t been gathering dust in your garage.
Right size for right now: As grandchildren grow, their equipment needs change. Renting means you always have age-appropriate gear.
Try before you buy: If you’re considering purchasing items for frequent visits, renting first lets you test what you’ll actually use.
Hassle-free: Many rental services offer delivery and pickup, saving you the trouble of transporting bulky items.
Creating Comfortable Spaces
Beyond equipment, think about creating welcoming spaces for your visiting family:
For the Baby:
- Darken the room where baby will sleep (blackout curtains help with jet lag)
- Provide a quiet corner for naps away from household activity
- Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (16-20°C is ideal for infant sleep)
- Have a comfortable chair nearby for late-night feeds
For the Parents:
- Stock the fridge with easy meals and snacks
- Provide information about nearby medical centers and after-hours clinics
- Create a “baby station” with spare nappies, wipes, and change mat in a convenient location
- Offer to take the older grandchildren for outings so parents can rest with the baby
Local Knowledge: Share Your Auckland Expertise
You’re the local expert, so prepare a personalized guide for your family:
Family-Friendly Spots:
- Parks with excellent playgrounds (Auckland Domain, Western Springs, Cornwall Park)
- Cafes with good changing facilities and high chairs
- Indoor play centers for rainy days
- Baby-friendly beaches (Takapuna, Mission Bay, Browns Bay)
- The Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium
- Weekend markets with wide paths for strollers
Practical Information:
- Location of nearest pharmacy and after-hours medical clinic
- Phone number for Healthline (0800 611 116)
- Details of your local library (many have children’s programs)
- Swimming pools with baby-friendly facilities
- Your favourite local takeaway options for easy dinners
Medical and Health Considerations
Before They Arrive:
- Confirm you have their travel insurance details
- Know which medications the children take regularly
- Understand any allergies or dietary requirements
- Have emergency contacts for their home country
Keep Handy:
- Infant paracetamol (if parents approve)
- Thermometer
- Basic first aid supplies
- Sunscreen and hats (New Zealand sun is harsh!)
- Insect repellent
If you’re unsure about anything health-related, Healthline (0800 611 116) provides free 24/7 advice from registered nurses.
Managing Jet Lag with Little Ones
Your grandchildren will likely be dealing with significant time zone changes. Here are ways you can help:
- Keep them awake until local bedtime on arrival day if possible
- Get them outside in natural daylight, especially morning sun
- Maintain consistent meal and sleep times
- Be patient – it can take several days for tiny bodies to adjust
- Have realistic expectations for the first few days
The Gift of Your Time
Finally, remember that the best thing you can offer isn’t equipment or a perfectly prepared home – it’s your presence and attention. Your grandchildren won’t remember whether you had the fanciest stroller, but they will remember:
- Walks to feed the ducks
- Stories before bedtime
- Your patience during meltdowns
- Special time with just you
- The feeling of being loved and welcomed
Making It Easy on Yourself
Hosting young grandchildren can be physically demanding, especially if it’s been years since you’ve lifted car seats and chased toddlers. Don’t hesitate to:
- Rent equipment that’s easy to use and modern in design
- Ask the parents to manage bedtime routines
- Schedule breaks for yourself
- Accept that your house will be a bit chaotic – and that’s okay
- Order takeaways instead of cooking every night
- Arrange help with cleaning if needed
Planning for Future Visits
After the first visit, you’ll have a much better sense of what worked and what didn’t. Keep notes about:
- Which equipment you actually used
- Activities that were hits (or misses)
- What you’d do differently next time
- Items worth purchasing for regular visits versus continuing to rent
Conclusion
Preparing your home for visiting grandchildren is an act of love, but it doesn’t require spending extensively on equipment that will sit unused for most of the year. With smart planning, rental solutions, and focus on safety and comfort, you can create a welcoming environment that works for everyone.
Your visiting family will appreciate your thoughtfulness in preparing for their arrival, but what they’ll treasure most is the opportunity for their children to know their New Zealand grandparents and experience the special bond that crosses oceans and time zones.
Welcome them with open arms, a baby-proofed home, and the right equipment for their needs—whether that’s rented, borrowed, or bought. The memories you create together will last far longer than any piece of baby gear.