Having a new baby in the family is a wonderful event but it can also be a bit daunting and many grandparents find themselves nervous at first. After all there is so much new information, advice and equipment available now it can all seem very different to your own experiences of baby care.

However babies have not changed and still need the same love and care they have always needed. Probably the most common problem new parents experience has stayed the same for generations - lack of sleep.

Have a chat with your son and daughter-in-law and ask them what you can do to be of the most help to them. Explain to them that you are aware that advice on care has changed over the years and you may not be up to date with all these changes but are very happy to learn.

If you feel nervous handling the baby, explain this to your son and daughter-in-law, they more than likely had exactly the same feelings at first. However, this soon passes. I often assist parents doing their baby's first nappy change, they are all fingers and thumbs but within a day or two of doing it eight times (or more) a day they soon become experts. Give yourself time to become re-accustomed to handling a newborn baby; it will soon come back to you.

I do hope you have found this information helpful and have a wonderful time with your son, daughter-in-law and new grandchild.