Hello, my name is Robin and I just found out that I am an expectant Father. The baby is due February 21. I am searching for info on adaptable equipment so that I can assist the Mother in caring for the baby when she comes home. I am looking for equipment such as adaptable cribs, adaptable change tables, basinettes,adabtable bathing equipment. I am in a wheelchair with minimal arm strength so I have no idea how or what I will be capable of doing. Any information that might help or at least point me in the right direction would be appreciated.

Sincerely, Robin

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2002

Answers

Although not a wheelchair user, I have restricted use of my arms. I came across an adapted crib/cot with a "gate style" (so that it opens like two doors) and the height of the cot was raised, enabling wheelchair users to get their legs underneath. This might help you slightly! It cannot be commercially purchased, but would need to be an adaptation of a commercially purchased cot.

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2002

Hi and congratulations!! My name is Maria Lovell, I've got cerebral palsey from the waist down and I've just become a mum to my son, Zackery, born 6th May 2002. I've got a husband who works full time, and I look after Zack on my own during the day. Don't worry about your limitations, your baby won't and he or she will have never known any different!

I've found some quite useful equipment from a company called 'Perfectly Happy People" telephone 0870 6070 545 or www.thebabycatalogue.com. It's not specifically for disabled people but they've got some nifty gadgets like a strap to strap bottles to a pram (so I don't have to retrieve bottles from the ground when thrown out the pram).

There is also a company called REMAP who adapted my babies pram for me so that the break is operated by hand and not foot. Sorry but I've lost their telephone no' but maybe directory enquiries (tel. 192) will have it?

Good luck with the forthcomming arrival (the hard work and new challenges are definatly worth it) !!! Let me know how you get on.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

... I managed to find the website for REMAP: www.remap.org.uk They may have some ideas from things that they have modified/made for other people in the past.

Good luck

Maria Lovell

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2002

Hi Robin, you might find our resources useful. We have several practical information sheets including bathing, nappy changing and dressing and choosing cots and beds, among other tips and strategies specifically on parenting where a parent has a disability themselves. We also have articles from our journal written by parents with muscular dystrophy. Ring DPPi (Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood international) on our freephone number 0800 018 4730 or email on info@dppi.org.uk. There is information out there!

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002