USEFUL BABY EQUIPMENT

[cheesecake]

Another member PT me as she is expecting her first child soon. I am posting some of my thoughts on equipment here for everyone. I will post more later.Please everyone jump in here and post what worked for you. It is so trial and error and the errors can be costly!

P~ How wonderful and congratulations!

Please jump into Erin's post and announce that you are also expecting and want some ideas. Babies bring such joy! The members gobble it up.

I can tell you that I did best with Century products and their safety standards were the best. Also, I had 2 premies so I needed equipment to handle "small" babies.

I found the following a waste of money-- the minin bath tubs. You might get a month or two worth of use out of it. I frequently bathed the babies with me. Also, this was a hubbie chore until the boys got bigger. As soon as they could sit, I used a tub seating ring and got on the floor with them. It allowed freedom, exploration, safety and low cost.

Changing tables are very helpful for storage, etc. but when they were very little, I used a changing table insert, covered in a bassanet sheet. I could move it from room to room and the height of the coach etc was perfect. It cost about $20, had a safety bely and was grooved to keep babies from rolling out. I found this at Babies R Us. We also used it for my youngest to take naps on in the living room.

My best investment was a playpen. It allowed me to safely leave my sons, (new ones have changing try inserts) and allowed him to be out with family.

Lastly, from day one my sons slept in their own room. I know this goes against what many like to do but it had several pluses. First, hubbie did all the retrieving during the night initially! Second, my sons learned that the crib was their "place" and adjusted rapidly. With premies this was very important. They slept better and longer. As they got older, I went to them, stayed in their room until they were changed, fed, calmed down, and then they went back to sleep quickly.

A good set of baby monitors makes this possible. I like the new version that allows for 1 base and multiple monitors. I used these as much when they were toddlers as when they were babies.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"....C. Reeve 1998

[Emi2]

What a great thread. I haven't adapted anything specifically because of my SCI. With a bit of searching I've found commercial products I could use.
We've had great experiences with Evenflo products, esp. their highchair which I've adjusted so I can get Violet out on my own.
She sleeps with us, so her crib hasn't been used much but we never did find one with a side rail that didn't require feet to lower.
Her jolly jumper and exersaucer are lifesavers now that shes more active. But now shes crawling and I cant get her off the floor...
A nursing pillow made feeding her much easier when she was young, even though I formula fed.
Hmmmm...all I can think of for now...

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[cheesecake]

I found this link that gives useful ideas on how to use regular equipment and save $$$. Baby gear (http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q71babies2.html) This makes life much more affordable.

Emi~ When my sons were at the crawling/toddler stage they lived in bib overalls. It makes an easy and safe way to get ahold of the child without loosing balance or needing much fine motor control.

Onsies for babies make life much easier but for those who can't manage tiny snaps, purchase the tops well in advance and add thin velcro. It holds really well and the thinner the velcro the less likely the baby is to get scratched by the rough edges.

Another item that was so worth the money was the stroller/carseat combo. They did not exist 11 yrs ago when my first was born but we invested in one for our youngest. This meant I could get my son to and from the car easier. The carriers are heavy and awakward to handle. Some brands such as Evenflo have been recalled because the carrier breaks away from the handle if not locked firmly in place. This gives new meaning to "Rock-a-bye Baby".

We also purchased a second base for our other car. This keeps the infant carriers much more secure and is helpful to have available at all times. The cost is minimal, about $20 and allows for peace of mind.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"....C. Reeve 1998

[Emi2]

i was thinking about this again last night and as cheesecake said the infant carrier with a in-car base is a must. also like i said on another thread look into a maya wrap, ive heard of ladies fitting two twins in one. and a clip for a pacifier if you use one. and a bassinet that can be pulled from place to place.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[Phillis]

Cheesecake and Emi,

Thanks so much for all of the tips! I'm T12/L1 and due in July with my first baby! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif I do have a few questions for you both. When you used the snap in baby carrier, did you actually balance it on your lap and carry the baby to/from the car that way? We were out his weekend and saw a carrier that snapped into the stroller as well as the car seat base. So I was confused about whether you pushed the baby in the stroller or just balanced the carrier on your lap! Also, with the maya sling, Emi is that how you carried your baby around when she was little? I looked at it online and it looks perfect for using with a newborn! Do you still use it now that she is older or just balance her on your lap? Thanks for all of your tips!!

[Emi2]

Phillis- my daughter was born in July too! I use/d my power chair mostly now because it allows me too hold the baby while moving about. I carried her carrier that way too. Violet never liked a Snugli or the Maya wrap but the few times I did use them I rested the weight on my lap. Right now a friend is sewing a harness that will attach to my wheelchair seat belt. I'll post a pic when its done but its similar to a product called Joey Safe and Baby B'air.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[cheesecake]

Phillis~ When my first son was born I used a manual chair, I usually walked with platform crutches after my second son, using a manual chair occassionally..

The infant carrier is dangerous on your lap when using a manual chair. Using a stroller that can be pushed/pulled is the preferrable choice. To convince yourself, try pushing your chair with an empty infant carrire and slowly add 20 lbs. You will get the picture.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"....C. Reeve 1998

[Phillis]

Thanks for answering my questions Emi and Cheesecake!! Now I have another one...what kind of diaper bag did you use? I currently travel pretty light with just a small purse under my chair. I know that will have to change!! I've thought probably a backpack would be the best thing but it also seems so bulky. Just curious if you guys had a better solution? Thanks!

[cheesecake]

LandsEnd as well as LL Bean have baby diaper bags that look like brief case bags. They are extremly durable, have changing pad built in, lots of pockets, zipper for wallet, keys, etc. Perfect to send the toddler off to daycare with and is something that hubby won't mind carrying.
The price is a bit pricy but the fact that it holds up to war and tear and can be slung over the back of your chair or over a shoulder is a plus. I think it is worth the extra $$$. LL Bean products come with a lifetime guarantee so it should last into child number 2!
I hate to be the one to break this to you, but with kids, you loose the ability to travel light. On the bright side, as they get older, they carry it themselves!

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"....C. Reeve 1998

[Emi2]

Originally posted by Phillis:

Thanks for answering my questions Emi and Cheesecake!! Now I have another one...what kind of diaper bag did you use? I currently travel pretty light with just a small purse under my chair. I know that will have to change!! I've thought probably a backpack would be the best thing but it also seems so bulky. Just curious if you guys had a better solution? Thanks!

we use a man-purse...one of those messenger/lap top bags. its not specifically a diaper bag but i've seen similar diaper bags with changing pad/bottle sections for cheap at walmart, babies r us etc.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[Phillis]

Thanks again you guys! I never thought about a briefcase style bag, just knew a "traditional" diaper bag wouldn't work. I'll definitely check out the stores you both mentioned.

No more questions for now...but I'm sure I'll have more! Thanks again for all of your help!

[ohiochica]

there is a leather one on ebay right now...it ends in 1 hour.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2227108414&category=16081

[cheesecake]

Hello again~ LL Bean has dicontinued their diaper bags but Lands End has added quite a few. Some of the selections include backpacks! (http://www.landsend.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?search=diaper+bag&store=le&action=newSearch&sid=8744017367866197110&taborstore=all)
There is quite a variety compared to 11 years ago. My do I feel old.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"....C. Reeve 1998

[Emi2]

oh, and for changing tables, i couldn't find one with space underneath so i bought a changing pad top that was contoured with a strap and attached it to a desk.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[SCI-Nurse]

Several women I know used a card table with a pad for a changing table. They raised the legs a little for the wheelchair by putting PVC pipe and a couple of screws to extend the height of each leg. This can be done without ruining the card table for later use.

(KLD)

[Phillis]

I also found some good backpacks and briefcase type bags at eddiebauer.com. So now I just need to pick one out! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif Thanks again for all the suggestions.

[cheesecake]

Phillis~ Have you had the baby yet? Let us know, not that you will have alot of free time on your hands.

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles"....C. Reeve 1998

[Emi2]

I finally found the best baby carrier (Snugli type) it's called Baby Trekker and has straps long enough to go right around me AND m4y chair so that my back and balance aren't so strained. It's very easy to put on too. It's worth every penny and I only wish I'd had to sooner.

http://www.babytrekker.com/index.htm

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[Emi2]

And I've learned to lower her crib rail by tilting my power chair so that the footplate pushes on the bottom bar. First I face the crib, then lift the rail while pushing the bottom in with my footplate, then while backing away push the rail down.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow"
~ Anon

[krajaxa]

I use EddieBauer backpack diaper bag for my twins and I love it. I usually hang it over hubby's chair while I push the stroller or shopping cart. Dinning room table with changing pad works good for changing diapers for him (I do most of the work anyways), playpen is a must, and I found that the boys loved the bouncy chairs ever since they were able to sit up a bit (2 months?) and they still love them and will entertain themselves for half an hr at a time. Portable basinette seems to be a great idea too.

...and one thing I love is those sticker thermometers. You can leave them in place for up to 3 days - very helpfull for those "shots days" or sick days.

[nicci65]

Hi... I'm getting married in March and immediately trying to concieve. My fiancee is c5/6 incomplete. I found this crib that he can actually manuever... check it out:

http://www.babeetenda.com/crib.htm

[glittergirl]

Before I finish reading I wanted to comment on the babytenda crib .. . that opening is very, very small and not really that practical for a para or quad to "fit through" to put baby in.

~*~*~Priscilla Katheryn
http://www.snugglepie.com/tickers/tdb.php?tid=24054