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Welcome to 4DWM Parenting! We are all either parents or parents-to-be and each day is filled with surprises and challenges, victories and defeats, once-in-a-lifetime kodak moments and moments we hope we (and our children!) can selectively forget. If nothing else, I hope to create an environment here to enhance your support system; a safe-haven of sorts. But I need your help. I’m no more of an expert than you! The reality is that WE, the parents, are the experts of the field. We are it! I may be the coordinator here, but I am counting on coordinating a huge collaboration from a vast array of parents.
Please feel free to e-mail me (Tammy@4dwm.org) articles you have written, ideas for stories or blog discussions, resources, links, anything you think may be helpful or of interest to others. My kids are just 2 and 3 years old, but this site is intended for parents of children of all ages, from pre-conception to parents themselves. I will do my best to address issues in all stages of parenting, and I hope you will make sure I am doing my job.
For now, check out our weekly blog discussions and see what others are saying about parenting with a disability. There are many different opinions; some are mine and some I don’t agree with, but all are welcome and respected in this forum. Check out the buzz and let’s see where you stand! We want to know what you think!
You can find outside Resources here. The list is in its infancy so be sure to check back frequently.
There’s much to do! Please have patience as this site comes to life and I learn how to work with this system.
ADAPTIVE BABY CARE EQUIPMENT
Everyone knows that becoming a parent will change your life. Often, parents-to-be can delay planning for the baby’s arrival – maybe even waiting until the baby shower. This is usually not an option for parents with disabilities, especially if this is the first child.
When I found out I was pregnant in 2003 – it seemed like my upcoming motherhood was an unprecedented event. I gathered information from the very limited number of online resources available. Early on, we could not even afford the helpful publications put out by Through the Looking Glass. I knew that my ability to parent my baby was dependent upon aquiring adaptive equipment. We had a fundraiser to raise money for our first accessible crib; everything else was designed by myself and a Rehabilitation Engineer from the local Assistive Technology Center.
Manufactured adaptive parenting products are scarce and usually expensive, perhaps for a variety of reasons. Most parents buy standard baby care products and modifying them to fit the parent/child needs. There are advantages to designing your own adapted baby care equipment - the products are truly customized and it is usually the less expensive option.
Below you will find what worked for me and my babies. If you need assistance modifying equipment, approach your Independent Living Center, area Assistive Technology Center and Universities. And, of course, contact Through the Looking Glass for further ideas, guides and support. Remember, we are all different – what worked for me may not work for you. Use this simply as a reference to work with your own creativity as you begin your journey through “adaptive parenthood”.
The Cribs
The BabeeTenda Crib with a safety swing-away gate allowing for access to baby without leaning over the top. As someone who crawls in our home, I needed direct access to my baby from the ground or side access.
Modification: Replaced the manufacturer’s gate latch with a Magnetic Tot Lok. For easier handling, we screwed a short stick to the “Tot Lok key”. Cut the bumper to accommodate the safety gate.
Pros: Simple modifications. Accessible for use low to the ground (don’t install casters) or from a wheelchair by not installing the casters and adding stable blocks/extenders underneath to raise the crib. Converts to toddler bed.
Cons: Pricey. BabeeTenda’s gate latch is difficult for people with good hand coordination. This crib is heavy and very hard to assemble. Standard crib sheets do not fit the uniquely-sized mattress that you must buy to fit in this crib, limiting both mattress and sheets to manufacturer’s stock.
Our Custom Crib – My son wasn’t out of his crib when my daughter came along and needed a crib. This time we customized a 20+ year old standard crib, using the Babeetenda as a model.
Modifications: Added reinforcement to the top portion of the front gate. We then cut the gate in half allowing it to swing open on the left side; the right side remaining immovable. The swing-away gate was secured by a simple slide-lock on both the top and the bottom. Cut crib legs to lower it. Cut the bumper to accommodate the safety gate.
Pros: Low cost solution. Parent can determine width of the gate. Light-weight. Accessible for use low to the ground (cut the legs) or from a wheelchair by adding stable blocks/extenders underneath to raise the crib.
Cons: Finding someone to modify the crib.
More to come…
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