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Equipment for parents with disabilities

There is a wide variety of equipment for parents with disabilities. Adapted equipment and new ways of doing things may be essential for you to be properly involved in caring for your baby or child. You may find standard childcare equipment does not always meet your needs.

How to choose and get equipment

There are many things to think about when choosing equipment:

  • for outdoor equipment - do you live in a town with smooth pavements or are the local pavements and roads uneven?
  • can you use both hands to hold and unclip something or is your dexterity limited?
  • will you need to attach equipment to other things like a wheelchair or bath - and how adjustable does the equipment need to be?

Other parents with disabilities are a good source of advice and opinions. There are charities and organisations supporting parents with disabilities. Some have online forums where tips and advice are exchanged.

Occupational therapists can help with issues arising from bathing, changing, feeding and carrying babies or children. Find out more about occupational therapy, health and social care assessments and more in the 'health and support' area of the 'people with disabilities' section of this website.

You can also get support from organisations like Deaf Parenting UK, a charity run by deaf parents for deaf parents.

Parents with disabilities online is an American website which includes an email community of people with disabilities who are planning to be, or are, parents.

Equipment suppliers

There are several organisations that can give useful advice about all types of equipment for people with disabilities. Some manufacturers offer items of equipment specially made to exactly meet a parent's needs. Many suppliers sell new and second-hand equipment. Suppliers often include well known high-street shops.

Equipment if you have a baby or young child

Types of equipment - and things to look out for - that could help with everyday tasks include:

  • flashing alarms and intercom systems if you are a hearing impaired parent and need to know when your baby is crying
  • harnesses that have easy-to-use straps, and clips and contrasting colours to highlight adjustable parts for visually impaired parents
  • pushchairs and buggies that are lightweight and easy to push, can be attached to a wheelchair, are easy to fold, have adjustable handle height and have a separate carrycot
  • highchairs and eating trays that have adjustable heights, are sturdy to avoid being knocked over, have easy-to-use straps, clips and removable cleaning parts, can recline easily and are lightweight
  • adapted cots that have adjustable heights, removable side bars/panels

There is separate information within the 'people with disabilities' section that deals with equipment around the house and larger home adaptations.

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