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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    Question Crib / Stroller for Disabled Soon-to-be Mom?

    I have bad arthritis in my spine, which makes it difficult to bend from the waist and pick up heavy things - exactly what cribs make you do! I usually squat to pick things up instead of bending over, so a crib that has a side that opens completely would be perfect (if it was higher than normal so I didn't have to squat, it would be ideal!), but I can't seem to find anything online. There are a couple that keep popping up here and there on disability chat boards but they seem to be discontinued. I can't be the only disabled mom-to-be out there, but there doesn't seem to be any options. I'm hoping to have more than 1 kid, so durability is important, and price isn't really an issue. Any thoughts/suggestions?

    Extra points if you can recommend a light weight stroller where the baby sits higher then normal for less bending over and lifting - I live in the suburbs, so lots of lifting in and out of the car, but no trail running or anything like that, just mall walking. It would be nice if the stroller had a feature where it lies flat like a bassinet for naps on the go. Thanks so much!

    -Bunny

  2. #2
    mikala is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
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    A drop side crib with solid, metal hardware from a quality brand is probably your best bet. Unfortunately they are no longer officially new or secondhand sold because of the ban but there are still plenty in circulation. Definitely avoid anything with flimsy hardware and triple check for correct assembly.


    Eta:some history. http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=3517471
    It's a contentious topic. Personally I chose a solid side crib and shopped around to find a really low profile one because I'm short. But in your health situation I don't know that even a low profile crib will do the trick and in your shoes I would consider and research the heck out of drop side cribs assuming you can get one with a known history.
    Last edited by mikala; 02-28-2013 at 03:44 PM.

  3. #3
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    I'd look into drop-gate cribs like this http://www.usababy.com/baby-cribs-ba...n-espresso.htm
    DD1 Jan '10
    DD2 Jan '12

  4. #4
    AshleyAnn is offline Sapphire level (2000+ posts)
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    Quote Originally Posted by mikala View Post
    A drop side crib with solid, metal hardware from a quality brand is probably your best bet. Unfortunately they are no longer officially new or secondhand sold because of the ban but there are still plenty in circulation. Definitely avoid anything with flimsy hardware and triple check for correct assembly.
    I agree. DD sleeps in an older metal dropside bed and it is SOLID and safe. I would not trust any dropside with plastic hardware but I have no problem suggesting a metal drop.

    I do not like the drop gate style cribs. It creates an easy foothold for a climber to jump to freedom.

    There used to be a manufacturer who specialized in safety equipment and made a crib that had a door that opened in the side. I dont recall much about it but let me google. It would elimate lifting entirely.

    ETA - The crib I mentioned above is by a brand called Babee Tenda, they dont appear to make it anymore but you maybe able to find it in stock somewhere if youre interested in it.
    Last edited by AshleyAnn; 03-03-2013 at 02:10 PM.

  5. #5
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    jbbhb is offline Platinum level (1000+ posts)
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    I know they are really not cute, but I immediately thought of the cribs that we use at the hospital where I work. The bed area is the perfect height so that you wouldn't have to bend at all to get the baby in the crib. The sides raise and lower with a squeeze of your hand. They are pricey but would last...

    http://www.universalmedicalinc.com/P...hers-s/224.htm





  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    7

    Default Thank you!

    Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions! To be honest, I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. I'm not really comfortable getting a used drop side crib, and even though hospital cribs are allowed to have the drop sides because they are classified as medical devices, the FDA (which regulates them) seems pretty concerned about it. They are formulating new rules as we speak. I took a look at a drop gate crib in the store, and it really wasn't enough of a change to warrant getting it (especially after the scare-you-to-death stories of kids using the ledge as a foot hold to climb out). I found a carpenter who has made a modified crib before, but again, I don't know how you can guarantee the safety of something essentially home made.

    I'm feeling like there aren't any really good choices out there, so I'm going to have to compromise on safety somehow I guess.

    -Bunny

  7. #7
    Kestrel is offline Sapphire level (2000+ posts)
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    This may be something to consider....

    As a small infant, our DS slept in a bassinet for almost four months. There was only a small window - about four months after that - that he slept in his crib before he was sitting up and putting his arms up for me (so I didn't have to bend as much). I just had to "deal" for that time window. Not a great solution; but we never did find a great solution!

    In any case, a bassinet might help, and it might give you time to find a better answer!

    Also - this sounds silly, but... when my mother came for an extended visit, we moved the crib to the center of the room. This made things so much easier, a real "duh!" moment... we could go to the side closest to the baby!

  8. #8
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    For the first few months, an Arms Reach Co-Sleeper could work well if you have room. It is the same height as the bed, a little shorter than a regular pack-n-play. The sleeping level, only until they really roll alot or pull up, is only a few inches down in to the frame. We did ours over on DH's side of the bed. He would attend to her immediately if I was physically unable (I had c-section recovery issues and also have nerve damage in my back).

    For DD2, we used a Summer Infant bassinet which was up high enough that there was never any bending necessary. When she was Dx' d with reflux, we switched to a Rock-n-Play. It is pretty low, however, b/c it is open all around, unlike a crib, you aren't raising yourself up only to then lower yourself down and over a rail. Plus, I moved it all over the house, so I could access it when and where it was easiest for me (from bed, my comfy chair, etc).
    Last edited by amldaley; 03-13-2013 at 12:53 AM.
    ---------
    A-M
    happy mother to DD1, 7/08 & DD2, 2/12
    charter member of the BBB I Love Brussels Sprouts Society, 1/11

    I believe in the power of BBB Good Mojo.
    ---------

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
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    7

    Smile Found a crib!!!

    Exciting discovery! I found this crib made by a company that makes beds for disabled children:

    http://babycribgertie.com

    It's not available until April, and will be about $1500 supposedly, but it looks perfect. So excited!

    Now I just need a pool, a cabana boy and a margarita and life will be complete! Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'll let you know how the crib works out - I'm not due until 9/5, so I've got a bit of time to go. Thanks again!
    -Bunny

  10. #10
    TwoBees is offline Diamond level (5000+ posts)
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    Would something like this work?
    http://www.babysdream.com/ViewCategory.aspx?cid=21
    Mom to a spirited, red-headed, former 28-weeker 10/2009 and a more mellow monkey 12/2013.

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