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How to Prepare for Parenthood as a Parent with a Disability

Aug-08-2022

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Today’s blog post is a guest post submitted by Patrick Young of Able USA.

If you're a parent-to-be with a disability, you're undoubtedly excited about bringing your new baby home. However, you may also be nervous. Parenting when differently abled presents unique challenges. For example, you want to make sure your home is accessible for you while also able to safely accommodate a child. Read on for a quick guide to preparing for a baby when you're differently abled.

Reassess your space

As your family grows, consider whether your home is large enough to accommodate all of you comfortably. If not, it may be time to upgrade to a bigger space. Prepare for home buying by getting paperwork like your credit report in order. Then, start the search, keeping in mind your unique needs. For example, people with wheelchairs need wide doorways and ramps. A real estate agent can help you find the perfect place. Also, note that there are grants to persons with disabilities to buy or renovate homes to make them accessible.

Declutter your home and put unneeded items in storage

Make space for your baby and their things by decluttering your home. If you have things you don't need regularly but don't want to trash completely, you can put them in a storage unit while you decide what to do with them. As a new customer, you may qualify for a discount at certain storage centers. Shop around and compare prices before committing. For example, the average cost of a self-storage unit in Denver, Colorado, is $106.99. These Denver storage units can help you declutter and make space for your baby.

Get the baby gear you need on a budget

Once you've got your space set up for your baby, invest in the gear you need. As a new parent, you'll need some essentials like diapers, a crib, changing table, nursing gear, and more. This newborn baby checklist from Pampers provides a full overview, covering everything from clothing to carseats. Consider your unique needs when purchasing baby supplies. For example, if you use a wheelchair, you want to make sure that your changing table is at a height that allows you to access it.

Try tech tools to make parenting a breeze

These days, parents have all kinds of handy tools available to them to make parenting easier. Apps are a great example. Healthline provides a roundup of mobile apps worth checking out. For example, Baby Connect helps you organize tasks from diapering to naptime. If you're nursing, a breastfeeding tracker can be a great idea.Other helpful apps include Kinedu for tracking your child's milestones and Speech Bulbs for language development for kids.

Get a solid support network in place

You don't have to go it alone as a parent. Don't be afraid to ask friends or family for help. You can also seek external assistance, for example by hiring caregivers via online platforms. In addition to getting people to help with practical matters child care, also make sure that you have a strong support network for yourself emotionally. As a parent with a disability, it can be comforting to connect with others who share your unique hurdles. Imagine! provides support services to people with disabilities, which can be a great resource.

Make sure to care for yourself too

As a new parent, it can be tempting to focus all your time and energy on your little one. However, it's important to make time for yourself too. Invest in at least 15 minutes of "me time" every day and do something that's just for your own pleasure. Examples range from taking a walk to listening to music to enjoying your favorite cup of coffee. Other self-care strategies for parents include meditation and spending time in nature.

Becoming a new parent is exciting. As a parent with a disability, you may face some unique challenges, but there is plenty of help available. The above guide provides some pointers.