Parenting Prep: How to Get Ready for a Baby When You're Living with a Disability

We have a guest post today by Ashley Taylor from DisabledParents.org all about preparing for a child.

Preparing for a new child comes with a lot of responsibilities and careful thought. There’s a lot to consider, from making changes to your home for safety’s sake to figuring out the best ways to rest and take care of yourself during a big life change — and that’s on top of learning how to be the best parent while making financial considerations. When you’re living with a disability, there are even more things to think about, and it can become overwhelming pretty easily if you don’t have a good plan in place. No matter what your abilities are, it’s important to make sure you feel safe and comfortable in your home so that you can start your life as a parent off right.

The key is to keep your own needs in mind when you’re preparing for the baby. You’ll want to make sure your home is accessible and has all the things you need to make life a little easier, and it’s crucial to ensure that you get enough rest and take care of your body and mind.

Keep reading for tips on how to prepare for parenthood when you’re living with a disability.

Make Your Home Accessible

A comfortable, accessible home is important for any parent, but when you’re living with a disability, it’s important for your safety as well as your child’s. Take a look around your home to get an idea of what needs to be done to make things easier. For instance, steps can be fall hazards, but installing a ramp can help you stay safe and can come in handy when you’re dealing with a stroller. Also, replacing door hinges with expandable variations can help you get through your home without any mobility issues.

Make Some Safety Modifications

Making sure your home is safe and comfortable will give you peace of mind as you begin this new phase in your life, so take steps to ensure that each room in your house will keep you and your child safe. This might mean installing skid-resistant flooring in the bathroom, a shower seat or bench that will help you move about easily while bathing, or smart appliances that allow you to take care of things around the house with the touch of a button or using voice control. You can look online for grants and other financial assistance to help take care of these modifications.

Get Some Rest

Becoming a parent can be exhausting in many ways, but when you’re living with a disability, the changes can become overwhelming when you’re exhausted. Make sure you get as much rest as possible before the baby comes, and afterward, work out a schedule to ensure you can sleep when the baby sleeps. This might involve asking for help from friends or loved ones in the first couple of months after your baby arrives. Keep in mind that household chores can wait; your health and well-being should take priority. When you’re ready to take care of the house, keep these tips in mind for getting things done quickly and efficiently.

Look for Support

It’s incredibly important to have support, especially during the first few months as a parent. Whether it’s from friends, family, or an online group where you can vent and share worries or concerns, having the ability to talk about all the changes you’re going through and ask for help will allow you to reduce stress and anxiety so you can focus on what’s most important.

Preparing for parenthood is a big job, and it can be a stressful one if you don’t have a good plan. Think of the best ways to make your life easier so you can enjoy this time while still staying safe and comfortable, and talk to your friends and family about how they can help.