Disabled baby-any pushchair help available?

windmillbubs

HI
I am 24 weeks pregnant with a baby that has been diagnosed with bilateral shortening of the tibia, bilateral fibular hemimelia and bilateral talipes (his tibia's-1st shin bones - are under-developed, so much shorter than normal, he has no fibia's-2nd shin bones-and both his feet have clubfoot, they are curled round and pointing towards his tummy).
We have been told he will need amputation of both his limbs below the knee when he is about 9-12 months, then prostetic limbs for the rest of his life.
This was a surprise baby, and we need a pushchair for him, as our 2 year old still uses the one we have. I can't use a double as i am disabled myself and it is too heavy for me (we also have a 4.5 year old, so tried lots of doubles etc, my husband left his job and has been my carer for 18 months so he does all the pushing now!).
I was wondering if there is anyone that helps you buy equipment for disabled babies, especially as i have such difficulty pushing pushchairs (weak wrists & strength/mobility problems from head to toe) which meant our last pushchair was £500, as it was very light and easy to push. He will use the pushchair for many years due to his little legs bein g rubbish or not being there at all, and i just wanted to know if he'll need a special pushchair, or a normal one and whethger we can have any help buying either of these.
Thanks for any help xx

verynewmoneysaver

Sorry to hear about your baby.You could try the STEPS charity websight. They may be some help.

mumofjusttwo

Congratulations on the surprise baby but sorry to hear about their illness.

There is a phil and ted push-chair but this is not designed for children with disablities and could possibly be too heavy for you.
http://philandtedpushchair.co.uk/

My niece did use a McClaren push-chair that is designed for older children that are still to young for wheelchairs but would not lay back for a new born.

Indie_Kid

Is it worth talking to an occupational therapist? I'm sure they've com across people in your situation before.

Can you use a sling for the first few months?

nannytone_2

i'm sorry to hear about your troubles, but i'm sure your baby is much wanted and much loved.

i'm a bit confused as to why you feel you need a special pushchair. my middle grandson was severly disabled but used a normal pushchair and was only recently measured for a special pushchair as at the age of 4 he was getting too big for a bog standard one.

tinkerbell28

I am sure I "know" you from my online ANC, yes there is help available get onto the health visitor ASAP! We had a special pushchair for my eldest who has severe ASD, which the health visitor sorted out when he was younger as he couldn't walk until he was older a lot older. But I think you have to meet certain critera eg, not able to use a regular for whatever reason, his was because he was too big.

So you need to start looking into it.

ash4becks

exciting times new baby on the way

well dla towards any extra care needs and a OT might be able to help you with bits to help you and baby i no that was something i was told if i ever needed it and i have the strenth and moblity issues a little atm

what about a buggy board on the lightweight chair you can get them with a little seat on for your 2 year old x

jasmin10

I myself have used the steps charity website for info and suppot as they have forums. They also have a forum dedicated to your babys condition.

Not only that but they have a sticky on suggestion items that will help.

One pushchair that was recommended by so many was one called an emma jungler I think. A few of us managed to get one of ebay as they are quite expensive.

I would definitely register (free) on their site as there was so much help I wouldn't have been able to copy with their support. They even helped me source a wheelchair for my dd through a charity called Newlife, which may I add can also help towards the cost of other equipment you may need. You can google Newlife and take a look.

hth