A Guide for Soon-to-Be Parents Living with a Disability

Today we are featuring a guest article, written by Ashley Taylor of disabledparents.org. 

Photo via Pexels 

A Guide for Soon-to-Be Parents Living with a Disability 

Once you know that a baby is on the way, the initial excitement usually gives way to a few anxieties. How is a child going to change your life? What do you need to do before the baby arrives? Is your home ready to welcome a new addition to the family? These are all common worries for soon-to-be parents, but they can be more overwhelming for those with disabilities. In this guide, we try to answer some of these common questions and give tips for expecting parents with disabilities so that they can feel ready and reassured when the time comes.

Babies and Parenting with a Disability 

The way a baby affects a parent with disabilities’ life will mostly depend on the type of disability, as well as the level of support available in the home from a spouse or other family member. Every parent will have different struggles and considerations. For instance, parents who are hard of hearing will need to find visual ways to be alerted by their child’s cries, while parents who use wheelchairs will have to find accessible baby furniture and accessories.

In the vast majority of cases, there are relatively easy fixes to these problems. Parenting with a disability is not easy, but it is not impossible. In a recent study, researchers found that parents with disabilities scored the same as those without a disability when it came to parental effectiveness or satisfaction. In other words, parents with disabilities are as good at parenting and as happy with it as their able-bodied and neurotypical counterparts.

What to Buy

Perhaps the biggest practical decision you will have to make involves the various products you purchase when a baby arrives. Whatever you buy, first make sure to research your options extensively and look for trusted online reviews.

Depending on your disability, you may need specific items, such as a wheelchair-accessible crib. In this particular case, you may be better off modifying a standard crib, since specialized ones can be a little expensive. In other cases, it’s simply a case of finding standard market products that help you and suit your needs — for example, a high-quality baby carrier that can keep you hands-free while keeping the baby with you (you can find these online for less than $25).

Changes to Make

It may feel like you need to completely overhaul your life and home for the arrival of the baby, but in most cases, you only need to make small modifications. For example, it is a good idea to work toward making your home more accessible since you need to be able to comfortably and quickly navigate the house. There are some easy home modifications for accessible parenting, such as installing ramps and expanding door hinges. It may be a good idea to hire a handyman in your area to complete these projects. In Lafayette, these services generally cost $121 to $466, depending on what you need done. 

As for changes to your schedule and day-to-day life, these will depend on how much help you can get from loved ones or professionals. The first few weeks of a baby’s life are tough on any parent, so it’s important to get rid of any preconceived notions you might have. Learn to get the help you need, and you will find the transition into parenthood far smoother.

It is easy to feel like there is not enough guidance out there for parents with disabilities, and the truth is that this can sometimes be the case. However, do not underestimate the value of general parenting blogs, books, and resources — in most cases, the advice does still apply. When it comes to the specific challenges of parenting with a disability, you will find that there is plenty of support available online from other parents who have gone through the same thing, and who will be more than happy to share with you their tips for making it easier.