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20 Must-Haves For New Moms With Arthritis
Discover 20 essential must-haves for moms with arthritis caring for a newborn. This blog shares my personal journey of navigating motherhood during the height of COVID-19, while managing lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. From innovative baby products to self-care tools, these recommendations are designed to make parenting more manageable and enjoyable. Whether you're recovering from a C-section or dealing with chronic pain, these items can help you balance the challenges of motherhood with the needs of your health.
Christina G
4/6/20247 min read
20 Must-Haves for New Moms and Grandparents with Arthritis
Bringing a new life into the world is a joyous occasion, but for moms with arthritis, it comes with some unique challenges. My journey of giving birth at the height of COVID-19 in April 2020 was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Recovering from an emergency C-section, being immunocompromised, and using a rollator walker while breastfeeding and tending to my newborn was daunting. As someone living with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which affect my hands, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and feet, I’ve discovered essential tools that make parenting with these conditions so much more manageable! Here are 20 must-haves that I have personally tested out that significantly eased my journey and can help other moms with arthritis and grandparents too! I included all the links to my favorites so you don’t have to worry about searching for the right ones. I got you covered!
1. UnbuckleMe Carseat Release Tool
My holy grail product. If you buy nothing else on this list you absolutely need this! To transport your child safely with ease, in and out of everything from carseats and strollers to bouncers and swings! This genius tool makes unbuckling car seats a breeze, especially when hand pain or stiffness is a daily battle. It reduces the force needed to unbuckle, saving my fingers from unnecessary strain.
2. Boppy Nursing Pillow
A must have on most new moms lists this is especially important for this with chronic arthritis in alleviating the discomfort associated with both breast and bottle feeding as well. The Boppy Nursing Pillow provides excellent support for both mom and baby during feeding sessions. It helps reduce shoulder and back pain by allowing you and baby to both maintain a comfortable position.
3. KoolaBaby 3-in-1 Baby Bassinet, Bedside Sleeper, & Playpen
This versatile bassinet can be a lifesaver. It keeps the baby close, reducing the need to get up frequently, and can be converted into a playpen, providing a safe space for your little one as they grow. The ease and access to your little one any time is a lifesaver and makes those late-night feedings more bearable on stiff joints. The edges also do not come up very high making the strain less when reaching for your baby.
4. Herobility Double Anti-Colic Baby Bottles
These anti-colic bottles are easy to grip and assemble, reducing the strain on arthritic hands. They are designed to minimize gas and fussiness, making feeding times more pleasant. The wideness makes it so much more comforatble to hold and a lot easier to open and close than most other bottles on the market. Love these!
5. Jar Opener for Weak Hands
This tool is a game-changer for opening jars and baby bottles without exerting too much pressure on your hands. It’s especially helpful when preparing baby food or dealing with other tightly sealed containers.
6. 5-in-1 Multi-Function Bottle Opener
This multi-functional tool makes opening bottles, cans, and jars a breeze. It’s designed for arthritic hands, providing the leverage needed without causing pain. Great for opening cans of formula and other pop tops.
7. Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System
This travel system includes a car seat and stroller with a lightweight frame, making it easier to transport your baby without straining your body. The anti-rebound bar adds extra safety during car rides.
8. Rollator Walker
A rollator walker offers the necessary support and stability when moving around, especially during the postpartum recovery period. It helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of falls. It also was very useful in transporting supplies around the house and not having to carry so much in my arms that were sore from carrying the baby all day.
9. Easy Folding Portable Crib
The Dream on me Full Size 2-in-1 Folding Stationary Side Crib is perfect for travel and small spaces. It also is very easy to reach the baby regardless of positioning since it isn’t too big. Making the baby easily accessible at all times with minimal pain and strain. Its easy folding mechanism allows you to set it up or take it down with minimal effort, ideal for moms and grandparents with limited mobility. Plus it’s got wheels making it super easy to move around when needed!
10. Adjustable Baby Wrap Carrier
A baby wrap carrier distributes the baby’s weight evenly across your body, reducing strain on specific areas like your back and shoulders. It keeps your hands free while keeping your baby close. The best way to alleviate strain on the joints is to avoid having to physically hold your baby as much as possible. Now that doesn’t mean you can’t carry your baby everywhere you go. Wearing your baby in this comfortable sling keeps them close and allows you the freedom to rest your hands or do anything else you need to while still keeping baby close!
11. Hands-Free Breast Pump
A hands-free breast pump allows you to pump milk without having to hold the device, giving your hands a much-needed break. It’s convenient and can be worn discreetly under clothing. This product was a game changer for me
12. Ergonomic Baby Bathtub
An ergonomic baby bathtub with a non-slip surface and support features can make bath time safer and more comfortable for both you and your baby. Look for one that allows you to bathe your baby without bending over too much.
13. Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rotating Seat feature, with Rear-Facing, Forward-Facing and Highback Booster options
As a mom with rheumatoid arthritis, finding baby gear that makes life easier is a top priority. The Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat has been a real game-changer for me. The rotating seat feature is an absolute lifesaver—it allows me to turn the car seat towards me, making it so much easier to get my baby in and out without straining my hands, shoulders, or back.
No more awkward twisting or bending, which can be incredibly painful when you’re dealing with joint pain and stiffness. Plus, its versatility is fantastic. With rear-facing, forward-facing, and highback booster options, it grows with my child, so I don't have to worry about purchasing multiple car seats as my baby gets older.
The design is super user-friendly, and the harness system is easy to adjust, which means less fumbling and frustration. This car seat has truly been a practical and comfortable choice for me, helping to alleviate the physical demands of everyday parenting while giving me peace of mind that my baby is safe and secure.
14. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, Cool Flow, Teal
I’m not going to lie this thing weighs a ton! As far as safety is concerned its hard to avoid those heavy carseats but if you can have someone help you carry it installing and adjusting it are a breeze and it grows with baby through all stages! The easy to adjust straps make it a perfect option for busy moms with arthritis that struggle to take off put straps on the cover is relatively easy to remove and once you know how to work it you will wonder how you ever lived without it. Love this carseat!
15. Soft Baby Clothes with Easy Fastenings
Opt for baby clothes with soft fabrics and easy fastenings like snaps or zippers. They are gentler on your hands and make dressing your baby quicker and easier.
16. CINCOM Hand Massager
Self-care and pain relief can’t be neglected in the days post-partum and alternating between ice and heat have always been the most beneficial natural method for me to treat pain. The CINCOM Hand Massager with heat and compression is perfect for relieving arthritis pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. This cordless device provides therapeutic relief and can be a great way to unwind after a long day of caring for your baby.
17. Microwavable Heating Mittens
If a fancy hand massager is a bit out of the budget for now or if you need a more portable travel option, don’t worry, I got you covered! These heating mittens provide moist heat therapy, which can be incredibly soothing for stiff joints and sore hands. They offer natural aromatherapy, helping you relax and manage pain effectively.
18. Lightweight Backpack Diaper Bag
A lightweight backpack diaper bag with large, easy-to-use zippers is a must-have for moms with arthritis. It evenly distributes weight across your back, reducing strain, and the easy-access compartments make it simple to find what you need quickly.
19. Ergonomic Baby Carrier
Another great option for wearing baby! An ergonomic baby carrier with proper support can make a significant difference. Look for one that offers lumbar support and adjustable straps to reduce strain on your back and shoulders. Warning for these buckles can be difficult to manage for arthritic hands so assistance might be needed when taking on and off any carrier of this kind. This is more for leaving the home but I recommend sling style carriers for everyday use.
20. Anti-Fatigue Mat
An anti-fatigue mat can be a lifesaver in the kitchen where we spend so much time cleaning bottles and teethers for our new addition, or any area where you need to stand for extended periods. It reduces the pressure on your joints and provides a cushioned surface to stand on.
My Personal Journey
Having a baby during the complete lockdown in April 2020 was an overwhelming experience. Recovering from a C-section while managing lupus and rheumatoid arthritis was challenging. I used a rollator walker to get around and had to find ways to breastfeed and tend to my newborn without causing more pain. These tools and products became indispensable, helping me navigate the complexities of motherhood with chronic illnesses.
Balancing the needs of my newborn with my health challenges was tough, but finding the right tools made all the difference. Each of these products provided relief and made everyday tasks more manageable. They allowed me to focus on the joys of motherhood rather than being overwhelmed by pain and fatigue.
For any mom dealing with arthritis or similar conditions, these 20 must-haves can significantly ease the burden and help you enjoy the precious moments with your little one. Remember, it’s okay to seek out and use tools that make life easier. Your health and well-being are just as important as your baby’s, and finding ways to care for yourself is crucial to being the best mom you can be! You got this you warrior you! All affiliate links help support me in my journey. Thank you and congratulations on your new bundle of joy! <img src="https://tracker.metricool.com/c3po.jpg?hash=9fc8408dfc618e05f369f99c53400578"/>
