Photo Credit: http://flic.kr/p/9mnWH8

Okay readers, it’s time to give new guest blogger Sarah Gray a hearty hey-ho Different Dream welcome. She’s the latest blogger to join the Different Dream family, and she’s here to talk about how to cope with a newborn and a child with special needs.

Coping with a Newborn and Child with Special Needs

Learning how to cope when baby number two comes along can be a stressful time in a parent’s life, especially when you’re already caring for a child with special needs. Whether your child has a learning disability or physical impairment, you may find your days already filled to the brink. Although the addition of newborn can be a truly joyous occasion, juggling life with your new baby can be trying.

Organization

Keeping a household organized can allow busy parents to keep up with the many duties that come with raising children. Be sure to divide the duties up fairly if you have the resources, so one person doesn’t become overwhelmed. By maintaining a set schedule of important items such as medical appointments, play dates, and school events, you can keep your children on task and allow your household to run smoothly.

Multi-Purpose Gadgets

Time is of the essence when it comes to taking care of your family. Finding the right gear that serves a number of purposes can save steps and space. The hottest products on the market are equipped to handle numerous jobs, such as an Ingenuity Washable Playard with dream center. The Ingenuity Washable Playard with dream center has a zipper in bassinet and allows for quick folding when you need to leave in a pinch. Also, newer strollers have become more efficient time savers by combining folding and unfolding into fewer steps. This becomes very beneficial in a crowded parking lot when you’re trying to get your kids safely strapped into the stroller.

Engage Others to Get Involved

Trying to balance too many things at once can lead to parental burnout, especially when you’re trying to give each child the attention that they deserve. To help offset stress, you can engage the help of family, friends, neighbors, and church groups. This will allow you one-on-one time to bond by doing activities that are geared for each child. Tackling the many household duties that come with the job of parenting is also beneficial if you have the help of others. It’s also a great way for your children to bond and spend time with other members of their extended family.

Time Management

Taking special care of both of your children will take a great deal of work. However, managing your time wisely with essential tools from your smartphone can aid in the process. If your child needs medication at a specific time, you’ll find cellphone apps that will allow you to stay on a specific schedule, such as MedCoach. It also allows you to keep track of their prescriptions so you don’t accidentally over-medicate. The smartphone applications can also be beneficial for your new bundle of joy when it comes to monitoring feedings and diaper changings. Input important reminders into your phone to clear up space in your head.

Take A Moment for Yourself

In order to maintain your own health and wellness, you’ll find it an important part of parenting to take personal time for yourself. Whether you go out for dinner as a couple, take a class at the gym, or spend an afternoon getting pampered, the time away will be refreshing and give you a new perspective. The addition of a new sibling is a wonderful time in a parent’s life. Juggling a new baby while caring for a special needs child can be done successfully with a little hard work, organization, and the right infant equipment.

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