How You Can Prepare for Your Baby When You Have a Disability

By: Lydia Chan

Becoming a parent is a blessing. No matter our physical abilities, a lot of us never really feel prepared for parenthood, but there are steps we can take to prepare our lives and homes – and also teach our children that it’s what’s inside that counts. Courtesy of Realabilities, here are some things you can do to prepare for this big, wonderful change.

Update Your Space

An accessible home will ease your life as a parent. These modifications should focus on your specific disabilities alongside baby-proofing adaptations. Think about your current and future needs. You might adjust your sink's height to help with bathing your baby, or you could raise your toilet seats to assist with potty training. If your home is simply too small or would be too hard to modify (if it’s a multi-story home, for example), it may make sense to move.

Online research will be crucial to finding a place suited to your budget and needs. Luckily, there are plenty of places out there, with 273 available in Stamford alone, and you can even search specifically for apartments that are fully accessible, with elevators.

Declutter

Priorities change with a baby, and you need to have room for supplies. Your pantry will be stocked for your little one, and cabinets and closets will need space for toys and clothing. Depending on your disability, you may also benefit from a more organized home. As a start, consider putting large furniture pieces you don’t often use into storage to help you move through your home more easily, especially with a baby in tow. Clutter can also be hazardous, so don't overlook removing small objects. An organized home will create a positive environment for the whole family.

Have Abundance

Newborns need constant attention, yet we still have to find the time to replenish household essentials. These errands can be a hassle for new parents, especially for mothers who are still recovering from childbirth. Give yourself a chance to enjoy post-baby bliss by stocking up at least a month's worth of goods. This reserve should include common household supplies, and particularly, toiletries and cleaning products. When it comes to food, emphasize convenience, as you won’t always have time to cook and sit down for meals. Similarly, disposable plates and utensils may be handy, as they can free up time spent washing dishes. Stocking up might sound expensive, but by keeping an eye out for sales and buying in bulk, it will be a worthwhile investment.

Utilize Assistive Equipment

Your disability may require specialized gear. Thankfully, there is a growing market supporting disabled parents. Focus on finding equipment that will aid your little one as a newborn. Look for cribs that open from the side and changing tables that can adjust to meet your needs. Some cribs can be raised by remote control and placed by the side of your bed, which will help you access your baby quickly during the night. If you have a mobility impairment, look for slings and strollers designed to be used with wheelchairs. Whatever your needs, there are adapted products for you.

Accept Support

As a new parent, you will be juggling baby duties with the tasks you had prior to your little one’s arrival. That is why it's important to be vocal with your family and friends about how they can lend a hand. Be open about what you need, and keep in mind that your requests can be based on practicality or emotionality. For example, would you like frequent visits from loved ones, or for family to occasionally prepare meals or clean the home? Support like this frees up time for you to relax and recharge. If you are still daunted about becoming a parent, there are organizations you can turn to for assistance. Members of these groups share their experiences and advice to help others feel more confident in parenthood.

You may feel overwhelmed, and that is completely normal. There are challenges you’ll need to overcome, but with the right preparation and support system, you will conquer them. This should not be a time of stress, but of celebration and love.

Realabilities is intended to enhance the behavioral intentions, cognitive attitudes and social interest of typical child viewers towards their peers with disabilities. Overall, it will hopefully allow children with varying disabilities to see themselves in a positive and strong light on the television screen, iPad, computer monitor, or wherever their adventures may take them. We’d love to hear from you!

Image Courtesy of Pixabay.com