Nothing changes your life quite like becoming a parent. Suddenly, you are responsible for this tiny human who needs your love and care. Anyone who lives with a disability knows that adaptations are a part of life, and adapting for this next stage in life is no exception. From safety issues to daily tasks, now is the time to get your life and your home ready for this big change.
Getting Your Home Ready
For many expectant parents, preparing their home is a process that makes them feel more ready for the changes to come. Getting everything set up helps you figure out obstacles and imagine what your daily life will look like. The two main things to consider are how to make your home safe for you and a baby (then a toddler, preschooler, and so forth), and how you will carry out daily babycare.
Accessibility
Start by evaluating your home’s accessibility. Even if you already have things set up so you can get around easily, do those adaptations make room for a stroller or little feet? Consider possible changes to make your home accessible and safe for you to get around with a baby. For example, replacing steps with a ramp will allow for a stroller, and a ramp eliminates the hazards of navigating steps. Inside, installing expandable hinges for doorways is an easy way to widen those areas for greater accessibility. You should consider your flooring materials as well. Skid-resistant materials like linoleum and vinyl are ideal to prevent falls for you and little one.
If you currently live in an apartment that needs accessibility modifications, a baby on the way could make this the perfect time to save up to buy a home. Plus, with a variety of home loans and grants available for people with disabilities, you should be able to find a combination that helps your growing family settle into a place all your own.
General Safety and Childproofing
As a parent, you want to know that you’re ready for any emergency and that your family is protected. Simple safety measures like keeping a fire extinguisher in multiple rooms and testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are small steps that can keep your whole family safe. This is also the time to childproof your home so that mobile toddlers can’t get into anything harmful. Consult a list of childproofing guidelines, such as these dos and don’ts from Parents Magazine. If you have any physical limitations that make this a challenge, ask friends who have kids for help to make sure you have everything covered.
Daily Tasks
Babies require lots of care, including changing, feeding, and getting them to sleep. Part of preparing for parenthood involves getting the right gear and figuring out how you will manage everyday babycare. The Mobility Resource blog has tips for adaptive equipment, such as a side-opening crib or a stroller for wheelchair users, that is designed especially to make these tasks easier.
A Few More Planning Tips
Besides outfitting your home with all the gear, it’s also important to prepare yourself for the road ahead. Spend a little time preparing emotionally and gathering resources to help along the way.
Before your baby arrives and questions arise afterward, it helps to consult resources, especially advice from other parents who have been there. Books are great, but there are so many other options. For example, parents who are visually impaired can benefit from subscribing to a parenting podcast.
Parenting is not meant to be done alone. Besides reading materials and audio, you also need in-person, real-life support. If you have a solid support system in friends and family, reach out and let them know how they can help. Don’t hesitate to connect with organizations that can help, too.
It is also crucial for new parents to get out and about to prevent social isolation. This is where having adaptive equipment that allows you to be mobile with a baby is essential. If you don’t already have parent friends, look for a baby playgroup in your area.
And if you plan to join any parenting Zoom groups or watch videos that can help, don’t rule out the benefits of a reliable internet connection. This is especially true if you already have a child who will do remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, you can get things up and running in Chicago with relative ease in this day and age.
Making this major life change is one of the most amazing things you will experience. No matter how much you plan, all new parents figure things out as they go, but having resources to lean on eases the process. With a combination of preparation, reaching out for help, and learning as you go, everything will fall into place when the time comes.
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For More Information on Patrick Young, visit ableusa.info
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