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Disabled parent... Any adaptations so they can interact with Grandchild

4 replies

onanadventure · 26/06/2021 18:37

My mum can't use her left arm and has limited leg mobility (can walk, just not sit on floor or run / react quick;y) after an incident a number of years ago.

Does anyone have any videos / resources on ways to pick a baby up with one arm or adaptive equiptment which can be useful - ie pram adaptors etc for single arm use? (I have no idea if this kind of thing even exists)

We're aware there will be things that aren't possible, but want to enable her to interact with her grandchild as much as she can, while being mindful of protecting baby and not risking drops / falls / etc for either party.

I'm nervous about it, but don't want to limit interaction due to my nerves if they're unfounded.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 26/06/2021 18:41

What about a baby sling?

CMOTDibbler · 26/06/2021 18:56

I only have use of one arm, and its much easier than you think to pick a tiny baby up - you sort of scoop them from nappy to head underneath and then hold them against you. Easiest to bend over whatever you are picking them up from so the transfer bit is short.
Any pram with a solid handle works fine, or you can walk to one side of the sort with two handles so you are pushing with your good arm. I have no idea why its easier than pushing from behind with one hand, but it is for me (I used to push my mums wheelchair like that).
Once the baby gets head control they are easy to pick up and they soon learn what their grandparents need from them when they are toddlers - my son has very fond memories of being 3 and riding on grampys mobility scooter.
Once a toddler, reins will be vital to keep them safe. Attaching a wrist strap to proper reins will let your mum use her hand and control a toddler

ConfusionIsNothingNew · 26/06/2021 19:13

My dad has limited mobility very similar sounding to your mum. When DS and DD were babies, we set them into his arms, cushion underneath and he was able to hold them happily.

Once they got a bit bigger it wasn't just so easy to keep them sitting on a lap but at toddler stage and up, they just seemed to know what Granda could and couldn't do, he automatically was able to adapt games and make new ones up to match his ability and has been very active in their lives.

Sorry that's not much practical help at the moment but just wanted to say that it will all work out.

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onanadventure · 26/06/2021 20:38

Thank you - very useful.
and @confusionisnothingnew - thanks, I really appreciate it.

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