Tips for Parents: What to Do If Your New Baby is Diagnosed with a Disability

Welcome Guest Blogger, Emily Graham, of MightMoms.net:

Preparing for a new baby takes a lot of work; in fact, it can be exhausting trying to get the house, your schedule, and your body and mind ready for all the changes a child can bring. There’s so much to think about, and it often takes weeks or even months to make sure everything is taken care of. However, when your new baby arrives and is diagnosed with a disability, your preparations must continue for the safety and well being of your child as well as your own peace of mind.

Whether your child has a physical or developmental disability, there are several things you can do to help him stay safe and comfortable in your home. It’s a good idea to do some research on the types of modifications commonly associated with your child’s specific condition; this way, you can start figuring out a budget for the changes you want to make.

For some great tips on how to get started, read on.

Take Time for Self-Care

Self-care is important, not just prior to the birth of your child, but after, as well. Getting into a routine will help you remember to stop and take deep breaths, even when things get difficult. A new baby who also has a disability is completely new territory, and comes with a long list of things to think about. You may find that you’re so busy being a new parent that taking care of your own needs won’t come easily. Set aside 10 or 15 minutes every day for yourself, whether it’s reading a book or taking a hot shower, and get into that habit.

Prepare Your Home

You’ll want your home to be safe and accessible for your child as he grows, so it’s important to do some research on which changes you can make to create the perfect environment for him. Whether you want to add a wheelchair ramp, widen doorways, or tackle DIY projects like installing a grab bar in the shower, there are many things you can do to get your home ready for an individual with a disability. While some of the bigger projects will be costly and require a contractor, there are many small modifications you can make that won’t break the bank.

Think About Insurance Needs

Many families with a child who has a disability worry about finding insurance coverage since there are many different conditions that require doctor’s visits and hospital stays and surgeries. Depending on your income level, you may qualify for Social Security Insurance for your child; check out this website to learn more. Many parents are often faced with the difficult decision to buy a life insurance policy for their child because they believe they will outlive them. There are many things to think about, so it’s important to do research and find out what your options are.

Start Thinking for the Future

It can be difficult to see into the future; as a parent, you only want the best for your child, but there may come setbacks and hardships that no one thinks to plan for. It’s a good idea to start thinking about what lies ahead, however, and starting with positive things — like where your child will go to school and how your family will help him learn and grow — will help. Look into what your child’s possible needs will be, and do some research on how to fulfill them once he’s ready to go to school. You should also consider whether a service dog, which can be trained to retrieve medication and respond to phone calls, will help your child down the road; look online to see what options are available. Preparing as much as possible now will go a long way toward helping everyone stay happy a few years from now.

Caring for a child who has a disability can be stressful, but with a solid plan, you can feel confident that your little one will have everything he needs to take on any challenge that comes his way. Garner support from friends and family and remember to take care of yourself, too.

Author Bio: Emily Graham is the creator of mightymoms.net. She believes being a mom is one of the hardest jobs around and wanted to create a support system for moms from all walks of life. On her site, she offers a wide range of info tailored for busy moms — from how to reduce stress to creative ways to spend time together as a family.