This leaflet aims to provide practical solutions to help you, when you have arthritis, to look after your baby/young child during day-to-day activities. It might be helpful if you are pregnant to prepare practically for the arrival of your baby.

Arthritis can lead to increased pain, joint stiffness, and weakness. Large loads and pressure placed on joints can cause them to become tired more easily and increase pain. It is important therefore to look after your joints whilst completing childcare tasks.

Bringing home a newborn can be daunting for anybody. Most parents find that the first few months of parenthood are quite exhausting. It is important therefore to think about the most energy efficient ways of carrying out daily tasks.

During pregnancy some women can find that swelling and pain significantly improve but some find their joints flare after birth. It may be that you need extra support and advice if your symptoms get in the way of caring for your baby. You can contact the rheumatology advice line, your pharmacist or GP if you need extra support. There is also helpful information on the NRAS website (more details at the back of the leaflet).

• When joints are sore it can be difficult to hold your baby for a long period of time.
• When sitting and holding your baby, make sure you are in a supportive chair with cushions to rest your arms on.
• Consider using your forearms to rest your baby on, this will allow your hands to have a rest.
• Having a pram in the house may be helpful to put your baby in for you to soothe them. This avoids you having to hold your baby for too long.
• Many cots or mosses baskets can be set at a different height. It maybe that, depending on the age of your baby, a different height could be easier for lifting your baby in and out.
• Slings and baby carrier can be very helpful to use when in the house/out and about. You can buy slings and carriers either online or from a store (more details about slings can be found in the section ‘out and about’).
• If family/friends are close by, make sure you ask for support when you need it.

Find a good carry sling. Booking an appointment or joining drop-in sessions to try out different ones from the West Yorkshire Sling Library – think about fastenings and carry positions.

Website: https://wyslinglibrary.com.

There are many different types of pram available. It is helpful to try out various prams before you buy one.

Below are things to think about when choosing one:

• Think about the weight of the pram. A light one maybe easier to manoeuvre.
• Consider the controls to put the pram up and down. Are they easy to release? Are they operated by hand or foot?
• A storage space and handles to hang things up or a basket for shopping/days out can be helpful.
• Is the pram at a comfortable height? Is it adjustable?
• How easy is the rain cover to get on and off?
• How easy is it to lift in and out of the car?
• Is the pram easy to wheel in and out of the house? It maybe that a lighter pram is easier if you are on your own.
• High prams with large wheels are easier to use outside but not so good for getting into the boot of a car. Make sure to try out before buying.

• Moses baskets are lighter for young babies. Using with a stand makes it easier to move. Some people find it helpful to have one upstairs and one downstairs or a family member to help move it for you.
• Alternatives are cots where you can adjust the height the mattress sits in the cot depending on the age of the baby.
• Try and get hold of a drop sided cot although not regularly available.

There is a lot of things that you need:

• Think about the ease of getting the things in and out of the bag and the fastenings.
• A rucksack style changing bag may be more suitable.
• Give yourself time to check that you have everything in it that you need.

• These can be challenging due their weight.
• It may be easier to lift your baby in and out of the car. Some car seats turn so you don’t have to twist to reach into car.
• Consider a light-weight car seat.
• Think about the ease of fastening them in and releasing the straps with a seat buckle tool

Are available with Velcro fastening and safety harness. This can allow you to wash/dress/change your baby at a working height suitable for you – by placing it on a bed, table or changing table. Make sure that your baby is not left unattended. As they get older and are rolling and moving around changing on the floor can be easier.

There are many different types of baby baths available to buy. Important things to consider are:

• Where will you be using the bath? Options can include a bath to be placed in the family bath or a bath to be placed on a work surface such as a table or counter. Placing the bath at an appropriate working height for you is important. Consider the size of the bath and the period of time you will be using it is important.
• Bathing near to a tap or using a shower hose for filling can avoid lifting a heavy bath with water in.
• Does the bath have a drainage point? If not a lightweight plastic jug can be used for filling/emptying the bath.
• Inflatable baby baths are available to buy. They do not provide sufficient support for leaning on, but are lightweight and portable and can be placed in the family bath.
• Baby baths on stands/trolleys are available. These can have a wheeled base, lockable casters, be set at a practical working height, include drainage hose and have a changing area on top/attached with draws/shelves built in for storage.
• If someone is able to pass your baby to you and lift then out of the bath, consider getting in the bath yourself at bath time. This means you don’t have to bend over the tub and it can be lots of fun.

• National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)
  https://nras.org.uk (Understanding Rheumatoid arthritis and how to treat rheumatoid arthritis with healthcare profession and self-management).
• Versus Arthritis
  https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis/ (understanding osteoarthritis and tips for managing symptoms), https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2020/october/pregnancy-and-arthritis-tips-for-new-mums/ (tips for new mums).
• NHS ‘start 4 life’ breast feeding website
  https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/ (breast feeding tips).
• Arthritis.com website
  https://www.arthritis.com/living-with-arthritis/life/practical-parenting-ra-part-one-–-early-years (tips for new mum).

• Don’t forget about things that may have worked for your joints prior to your baby arriving.
• For example, rest periods, using warm water/joint soothing techniques.
• Complete meal preparation and freeze in advance, to help with an easy and healthy diet when baby arrives.
• Make sure you are getting enough exercise - even at home stretches to stay as strong as possible.
• Using small things you enjoy/like to help with mood management.