Tools and Tricks for Parents with Physical Disabilities

Having a baby when you have a physical disability presents so many more challenges and obstacles aside from just having a baby. Unfortunately there are not many tools or equipment for disabled parents to take advantage of in the United States. However, you can find things outside of the US. Also use your creative mind to make use of things outside of their original purpose.

Please note that several of the items discussed below are not what I would call cheap. But they definitely make my life easier. I am essentially functioning with one hand.

LIFTING YOUR BABY

I absolutely love the snuggle bundl. It’s like a blanket with handles! It allowed me to lift my baby from one place to another and lift him into my arms so that I could feed him and take care of him by myself all day for the first four months or so. https://snugglebundl.com/

BOTTLE FEEDING

If you are bottlefeeding this machine is a lifesaver! It’s pretty much a Keurig of making bottles. They also have cheaper ones where you have to put the correct amount of formula into each bottle yourself and then the machine will dispense the water at the temperature you want. 

New and Improved Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser Machine – Automatically Mix a Warm Formula Bottle Instantly – Easily Make Bottle with Automatic Powder Blending https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYW28QR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_G4TYZ298E0Y00HSZX1RC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

ACCESSIBLE CRIB

My husband and father-in-law made accommodations to our crib so that I could access our baby. Here is how they did it. https://mywonderfullyridiccplife.com/2021/01/12/making-a-crib-accessible-at-a-low-cost/

BABY BOUNCER

This baby bouncer is amazing. Not only did it help put the baby to sleep then on numerous occasions but we also use it to feed the baby. You can strap them in so they can wiggle around too much while you are feeding them. Extremely light and easy to move around and maneuver. Does not take much strength or power to bounce.

BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft, Cotton, Black/Dark Gray (005022US) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQYVOKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Y2R052FVQ2HNN2E2EVY3

BASSINET

This is a four in one bassinet. It rolls very easily and adjust in height as well as position.

https://www.kids-room.com/en/chicco-baby-hug-4-in-1-aquarelle-2022

LIFTING BABY HORIZONTALLY

So I actually used this harness to lift my baby in and out of standing toys. Getting him into the harness with a bit of a struggle but I actually put it on backwards to make it easier. It would do the job so that he could play in different toys that required to be lifted in and out of when I was taking care of him alone. 

Watolt Baby Walking Harness – Handheld Kids Walker Helper – Toddler Infant Walker Harness Assistant Belt – Help Baby Walk – Child Learning Walk Support Assist Trainer Tool – for 7-24 Month Old https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081N1W716/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XTX792T9W7MDQDT5XYR9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

BABY PILLOWS

Before my baby started moving around a lot I used this pillow the most to either help me hold him in my arms and lap. 

Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner—Original | Gray Taupe Watercolor Leaves | Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, Baby Support | with Removable Cotton Blend Cover | Awake-Time Support https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XLNFBZX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_DERW4A8G0B975TBAD0V4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

COSLEEPING IN BED

We used this little baby bed to go sleep with him in our bed for the first few months because every noise he made would wake me up and it was easier for me to check on him when he was right beside me as opposed to outside of the bed. But this bed made it so he was safe sleeping with us.

Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Dream… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SZBWQ5K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

CLOTHING

I highly encourage you to get zipper onesies! Especially if you have trouble with fine motor movements, zippers are so much easier. Getting the onesies with 2-way zippers are extremely helpful when changing diapers.

Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Boys’ 2-Way Zip Cotton Footed Sleep and Play, Pack of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZPQ1N14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_KPZ1WVFHKC8JYBQBM34D

Kids Tales Summer Baby Boy Short Sleeve Pineapple Pajamas Cartoon Zipper Romper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YYG4PNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_WW1HVD1RM3NKJBZDHNYQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

CAR

My husband did a bit of research and found the Toyota Sienna mini van had an option for an accessible seat. This way the back seat can come in and out of the van which makes it easier for me to get the baby in and out.

Until next time

Please feelfree to reach out or comment.

-Lorraine

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