Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Tips/suggestions for visually impaired new parent? (self.Blind)
submitted 8y ago by [deleted]
I'm visually impaired from retinitis pigmentosa.
My wife is having a baby in a few months and I wanted to know if anyone has advice on how someone with limited vision can better take care of a baby while having this condition.
For instance, because of having no peripheral vision I need to use a mobility cane in public. How do I push a stroller at the same time? When my baby's running around, how might I keep track of them at the park or a playground? I suppose I'd see them somewhat, but I might not be able to chase them down quickly. Any resources or people I could talk to?
I'm also concerned about the social aspects of being a visually impaired parent. I know some people will use any pretense to question my fitness as a parent, especially when they see my mobility cane. I want to proactively minimize any problems there, too.
I have some useful central vision for what it's worth, but no peripheral or night vision.
My wife is having a baby in a few months and I wanted to know if anyone has advice on how someone with limited vision can better take care of a baby while having this condition.
For instance, because of having no peripheral vision I need to use a mobility cane in public. How do I push a stroller at the same time? When my baby's running around, how might I keep track of them at the park or a playground? I suppose I'd see them somewhat, but I might not be able to chase them down quickly. Any resources or people I could talk to?
I'm also concerned about the social aspects of being a visually impaired parent. I know some people will use any pretense to question my fitness as a parent, especially when they see my mobility cane. I want to proactively minimize any problems there, too.
I have some useful central vision for what it's worth, but no peripheral or night vision.
nomorechocolatebars 1 points
Instead of a stroller especially when they are smaller, wear the baby (that's what they call it I'm not being creepy) its supposed to be better for the baby and bonding anyway but it keeps your hands free. As they get older seriously stress the importance of cleaning up their toys. Cannot tell how many times I've nearly broken an ankle typing over Barbie or what not and my daughter is fairly neat (going through a I'm not good at cleaning stage whenever she doesn't want to) I honestly don't have as much trouble at the park as I thought I would. They are fairly easy to track and even if I lose her for a minute she can find me if there is a problem and you will defiantly learn your babies cry so you can go running accordingly.
All that being said there are defiantly places I will not go by myself with my daughter like the children's museum. Ours is not always fantastically lit and there are hundreds of kids running assertions like crazy. Reluctant to do the aquarium by myself as they tend to be dark and I can easily lose her. I do the zoo, library, pool etc by myself all the time with no problems. Your kid will adapt to what you need. Mine knows wondering off from mommy especially in the dark is a huge no no and so she does it rarely.
It's not easy but it is life and defiantly manageable. Let me know if you have other questions.
All that being said there are defiantly places I will not go by myself with my daughter like the children's museum. Ours is not always fantastically lit and there are hundreds of kids running assertions like crazy. Reluctant to do the aquarium by myself as they tend to be dark and I can easily lose her. I do the zoo, library, pool etc by myself all the time with no problems. Your kid will adapt to what you need. Mine knows wondering off from mommy especially in the dark is a huge no no and so she does it rarely.
It's not easy but it is life and defiantly manageable. Let me know if you have other questions.
[deleted] [OP] 1 points
[deleted]
nomorechocolatebars 2 points
I get some weird looks but mostly because I haven't committed to a cane yet so why am I taking the bus or tripping over their kid... I imagine it will get harder and I will have to explain it more the older she gets because she will be making friends of her own not just people I know with kids the same age but they can either take it out leave it I can't change.
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