Are you a parent planning to ask your own parents to help with child care?
Or maybe you’re the grandparent who’s agreed to lend a hand.

Either way, the well-being of the children is everyone’s goal. But it’s a big responsibility. Much has changed since today’s grandparents raised their own kids, so clear communication is key.

And there’s a lot to talk about! Let’s get started.

Be aware

No matter where care is being provided – at grandma and grandpa’s house or in the parents’ home – “the important thing for grandparents to remember is safety,” said Blair Mayfield, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Akron Children’s Hospital in Ohio.

“If you’re babysitting in the child’s home, it’s being aware of where the medication is located, important phone numbers, knowing the address of where you’re located in case of an emergency.”

If little ones will be at their grandparents’ house, childproofing may be needed. This includes finding potentially dangerous items and either safeguarding them or moving them out of the kids’ reach.

Other steps:

• Place baby gates at the top and bottom of all staircases.
• Use soft covers or bumpers around solid or sharp pieces of furniture.
• Install childproof latches on lower cabinets as well as those containing cleaning products and medications.
• Keep medications – and purses that might contain them – out of kids’ reach.
• Move chemicals into a garage or toolshed, where kids can’t get to them.

Check products for safety

Young parents: Have your parents kept the crib or bouncy seat you used as a baby stored away, with plans to reuse it? If so, it’s probably not safe, because government standards have changed.

The same goes for old toys. They could contain high levels of lead – or be a choking hazard. “Think LARGE,” says HealthyChildren.org. “Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking.”

You can stay up to date on recalled products by subscribing to Consumer Product Safety Commission alerts at cpsc.gov.

Another hazard: Button batteries. Found in toys, TV remotes, key fobs, watches and flameless candles, they can be extremely dangerous – and even deadly – if swallowed. Keep them out of kids’ reach.

And small items aren’t the only concern. The CPSC says that from 2018 to 2020, an average of 22,500 Americans were treated in ERs for injuries after furniture, TVs and appliances tipped over. Remember that kids love to climb. To prevent tip-overs, secure heavy items to walls using brackets, braces or straps. You can find them at home improvement and hardware stores.

Be safe in every situation

Sometimes it’s good to get out of the house for a while, right? The American Academy of Pediatrics has safety reminders for when grandparents and grandkids are out and about:
On a walk: Secure younger children in a stroller.
Out shopping: Use child-friendly carts with seats low to the ground.
Playgrounds: Seek out play areas at schools (look for signs indicating that it’s OK to play on the school’s equipment first) and community parks. They tend to be the safest options.
On wheels: Make sure kids always wear a helmet and elbow and knee pads when they’re riding.
In the yard: Inspect the area for any potential hazards or poisonous materials. Additionally, keep children inside when the grass is being mowed or if it has been sprayed with fertilizer or other chemicals. Never let kids sit on the lap of someone operating a riding mower.
Public/backyard pools: Provide constant supervision. The AAP, which recommends swimming lessons for all kids, notes that drowning is the No. 2 cause of death for children ages 1-4. Young children or those who aren’t confident swimmers will need a swim vest or floaties when in the pool. On any open bodies of water, life jackets are required. It’s also important to know CPR and basic lifesaving skills. The National Safety Council has a free first aid mobile app, which is available in the App Store and on Google Play.

Choose the right car seats

Is transportation part of grandpa’s or grandma’s new duties? Car seats that fit every child’s age and size are a must.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a “Grandparents & Car Seat Safety” tip sheet online – available at bit.ly/3Q55KYb.

And under no circumstances should kids ever be left alone in a vehicle.

Stay up to date on health issues

Andrew Adesman, a physician and researcher at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York, recommends that grandparents who care for their grandkids tag along during pediatrician visits. This keeps them “in the know” about their grandchild’s medical information, including safe sleeping positions and the proper way to bring down a fever.

They’ll also be aware of specific medical needs and medications.

When children are sick, Mayfield recommends against having grandparents babysit, to avoid spreading germs. If a grandparent is immunocompromised, be extra cautious.

Talk things through

Whether it’s what kids are allowed to eat, what TV programs they can watch or how much time they’re permitted to spend on electronic devices, talking with someone who raised you about the expectations, rules and boundaries you’ve set for your own children might not always be easy.

But taking time to have these conversations will help ward off any misunderstandings. It’ll also allow you to express how grateful you are to them for being such an important part of your kids’ lives.