By: JOSH MOORE
Adding a new member to your family can come with its challenges. If you are currently expecting or planning for a new baby, then you already know this and have likely taken some steps to ensure that your life and home are up to the task. When you or your partner are living with a disability, you may be worried about any additional planning you need to complete. Here are the essential steps new parents need to take.
Will You Need to Meet Extraordinary Personal Challenges?
Many parents with disabilities must find ways to meet extraordinary personal challenges. For instance, those who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing will want to search out tools and supportive services that can help them during pregnancy and beyond. Connecting with a doula who knows American Sign Language (ASL), as through Hudson Valley Family Doulas, can be a tremendous help. Similarly, there are video baby monitors, lighting systems that can be set up to alert them when their baby cries, and doorbells which can be hooked up to lights to let them know when someone is at the door.
There is an abundance of help available these days. Start by making an assessment of your personal needs, then research what resources, technology, services and assistance is available to you.
Will Your Growing Family Need a Bigger Home?
If you’re currently looking around your small home or apartment wondering where you will fit a nursery or even a crib, then it may be time to find a new home. Deciding whether to buy or rent that bigger home should be your first step, and you should know that there are advantages to both. Renting can be a good option for expectant parents that are not quite ready to put down roots, but home ownership can provide greater security in many cases.
If you decide to buy your new home, you can start by researching available local homes online. Actually, taking this step can inform your decision to buy or rent, since you can get a feel for average home prices, current availability in your desired location, and affordability. Since you plan on moving into the new home with your child, it can also be a good idea to research local schools before you settle on a preferred location. If you plan on searching for a new home for your growing family, you should also keep any needed accessibility design elements in mind, like wider doorways or safer bathrooms.
Will Your Nursery Need Any New Baby Supplies?
Whether you plan on staying in your current home or finding a new one, you should consider setting up a nursery well before you bring your new baby home. You will want to choose a location near your own bedroom and then pick up a few essentials to keep you and your baby comfortable. Most parents will want to buy a crib (many retail for under $200), changing table, dressers, and storage solutions to prepare for a new baby, but you can figure out what you will need to make caring for your new baby easier.
As you shop for nursery furniture, you may also want to think about whether accessible baby gear may be needed in your home. For example, if you or your partner uses a wheelchair, then you may need to have a crib modified in order to provide easier access to your infant. Since drop-side cribs are no longer available, having a crib altered so that one or both sides open up can be a welcome solution for parents who use a wheelchair. Depending on your comfort with DIY projects, you may be able to tackle this modification on your own, or you can look for a carpenter who can help you make furniture more accessible.
Will Your Estate and Savings Plans Need to Be Adjusted?
Making plans for bringing your baby home and caring for him/her can help you adjust to your role as a new parent. That adjustment can still take some time, so be prepared to be patient and practice some self-compassion as you learn how to care for your new baby and still care for yourself.
While you are making these plans for the near-future, however, you should also take some time to make plans for the unexpected. New parents can get so wrapped up in the excitement and anticipation that they often forget this crucial step. You can avoid this mistake by taking the needed steps to ensure your baby and your family are cared for no matter what happens in the future. Start by creating an estate plan, or modifying an existing plan, so you can appoint legal guardians for your child and possibly set up a trust to provide financial support.
Take care of the steps above and you should be well-prepared for your new family member. And remember that life as a new parent can be challenging for anyone, so be sure to reach out for support from loved ones and professionals if you feel overwhelmed.
Are you a new or future parent who needs some extra physical, educational, and emotional support? Hudson Valley Family Doulas is ready to help! Book an appointment today!
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