pelvicpartnership.org.uk

This can present problems, particularly if you try to bend down.
Here are some suggestions for avoiding difficulties:

• Change nappies only when necessary.
• Have everything within reach before you start. 
• Make sure you use a surface at the correct height, e.g. waist height. 
• Changing mats are available which clip on to the top of your cot for an accessible surface at a good height. 
• Have a routine so your baby knows what you are going to do, when you need to do it. 
• You can do it on your lap using your elbow to pin your baby down. 
• Ask a friend to do it for you. 
• If you are comfortable kneeling, you can use a table at kneeling level or use a low table with a changing mat. This will reduce the number of times you pick up your baby. 
• There are now mats available onto which you can strap your child to prevent them falling off (contact Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood international (DPPi) for details). 
• Keep a supply of nappies etc both upstairs and downstairs, and remember to refill it when planning your daily trips.

Dressing

• It is easiest to sit down to get dressed and undressed so as to avoid standing on one leg.
• Put pants, trousers and socks over your feet and then you only have to stand up once to pull them all up at the same time. 
• Use a ‘helping hand’ (from your OT) to help put clothes over your feet. 
• Socks and tights aids (from your OT) can be used to help put on socks and tights if you cannot bend. 
• Slip-on shoes avoid you having to bend.