Para with a newborn- need help!

[Karen Martin]

Hello. I'm a T8 complete para, ever since 7/07. I had a baby in March of this year. She is now 3 months old and absolutely amazing. I am looking for someone to swap advice with- someone who has been in this situation. Can anyone offer advice on loading into the vehicle, baby beds, etc? I would appreciate any help!

[Emi2]

Hello. I'm a T8 complete para, ever since 7/07. I had a baby in March of this year. She is now 3 months old and absolutely amazing. I am looking for someone to swap advice with- someone who has been in this situation. Can anyone offer advice on loading into the vehicle, baby beds, etc? I would appreciate any help!
i'm a low quad but have raised 2 kids/babies post SCI.... what exactly do you need advice on?

[SCI-Nurse]

Also suggest you check out these resources for parenting with a disability:

http://www.lookingglass.org/

http://www.disabledparents.net/

http://www.disabilityresources.org/PARENTS-WITH.html

and

http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=113573&top=16046&ksectionid=19326

http://www.savi-beds.co.uk/

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

(KLD)

[TheyCallMeMommy]

I'm here too...I'll help where I can.

[WLC]

we have resources for parenting(along with many other topics) on www.mobilewomen.org . for parenting resources go to : http://www.mobilewomen.org/2009/04/parenting-resources.html .
good luck!

[alissa]

Hi Karen,

Check out the sticky post at the top of the family section. It's called "creative parenting: tips & tricks. It may be helpful. Plus, anything you come up with, you should add to that thread for others who follow...

Please all creative parents add what you've come up with...

[jody]

congratulations. is it emi2 that had pictures of this cool nursery?

[Karen Martin]

Well here's a question that is my biggest concern right now: What do you do about the crib? Right now she is fine- the crib mattress is on the highest setting. However, before too long she'll be pulling up and I will need to lower it down- but then, of course, I won't be able to reach her and lift her out. What do you do in that situation?

Also, I drive a pickup with the wc lift in the back and a turney seat to get me in and out. What I do now is I let her ride up it in her carseat on my lap (we put a belt on her carseat that loops behind me so that I don't have to worry about the seat falling off- that's how I cruise around town with her 95% of the time). And this is working fine for now, but when she gets bigger, and heavier, I don't know how I will do it. Any suggestions? Anyone with similar situation?

Thanks for all the posts back!

[Emi2]

Well my oldest daughter, we had a regular crib (even though she mostly slept with us...lol) but once she learned to stand, which is when you lower the mattress, she would stand and then I could get her out.
As for the truck...I am not sure as I have a van. I do remember reading about a car seat which swiveled to face the parent....if you could reach up that might work. I think it was this http://www.elitecarseats.com/Combi-Zeus-360.pro expensive but cheaper than a new vehicle

[SCI-Nurse]

Well here's a question that is my biggest concern right now: What do you do about the crib? Right now she is fine- the crib mattress is on the highest setting. However, before too long she'll be pulling up and I will need to lower it down- but then, of course, I won't be able to reach her and lift her out. What do you do in that situation?

Did you look at this crib above?? Some people have modified a regular crib to make it like this as well.

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

(KLD)

[fairytale]

Hi Karen,
I am in a similiar situation as you are. Delivered a baby a month ago and he is doing great.

I am also facing severe challenges in lifting the baby from the bassinet and also taking him around the house and doing some basic duties. Would you be able to help me since you would have resolved these challenges recently.

thanks!!

[Chelley03]

Hey, I have a 4 month old who is 18lbs! =) He's a big boy. Im a T-12 and it can be a little challenging to pick him up and carry him around. I usually use a baby bjorn or the moby wrap and wear him. The carrier is comfy to wear too. Since he's a big boy I keep the car seat in the car, put him on the seat, transfer, then pick him up and stick him in his carseat. He's too heavy to carry him in the carseat. As for his crib, it is on the highest setting, and Im hoping by the time he is sittin up & standing he can kinda reach for me once we need to lower the mattress. =)

[glittergirl]

how is everyone doing now?!! Feel free to email me directly with any questions or search my blog

I have 2 boys: 6 and almost 3 and another boy due in July :)

askwheelchairmommy@gmail.com