Welcome to the Mothers page! Just in the process of having RA and having my son, I’ve found some neat products (some that help from an RA perspective and some that are just cool). If you have anything you’d like us to add, please let us know by e-mailing us (see Contact Us page) or by posting in the Products You Have Found Useful forum through the Forums page.   Product Company Cavan’s Mom Says Happiest Baby on the Block DVD By Dr. Karp Our son was a bit on the colicky side, and this video was WONDERFUL on calming techniques. It kept us sane! Swaddle Me Adjustable Infant Wrap Kiddopotamus and Co Great for RA moms. Swaddling made easy with VELCRO, not folding and tucking. Push Up Bars (Push Up Handles) GoFit (Other companies) You can find these at sporting good stores, and they are great for helping you get up off the floor if your wrists are a problem. They are simple pieces of plastic that are designed for people to use for push-ups to go greater distances to get to the floor. Nursing Pillow There’s lots out there Great for supporting baby when nursing and save strain on mom’s hands/arms/shoulders. Husband In-Laws The best product to have. He opens bottles, carries the baby up and down the stairs, gets me dressed, combs my hair, and handles it all with a cool head!
The Dreaded Carseat Button Ok, I have to say that I know this isn't the safest thing for little kiddos, as I know it is a choking hazard.  I even e-mailed Graco asking if they had suggestions/adapters for parents (or especially grandparents) with these issues.  I got no response, even though I promised to sing their praises on the website.  Oh well!  In the meantime, this is what we do (short of having to cut Cavan out of the carseat, which I thought I'd have to do on several occasions).  I'm thinking there has got to be something that can velcro on and off, for baby safety, but still give us a raised button. Anyway, I do not recommend doing this, just because of baby safety, but here's what we had to do.  This is several (maybe 4 or 5?) pennies taped together as a unit, then taped down and around the button.  It raises the button up so it is easier to press.
Update to the Dreaded Careat Button (Feb 2007) We just upgraded to a Toddler carseat.  It was quite a challenge and involved NINE different stores to get the one we wanted that would work with our seatbelts and my button challenges.  Anyway, we settled on a Graco SafeSeat 2.  I like the button.  It's way different than the others, and I can actually do it easily (although my hands are certainly better than they were).  It slides down instead of pushing in.  Anyway, below is a photo of the button.  We found the carseat at Target (our 4th Target we went to!)
Disclaimer: This site is designed to inform and support those with Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is not a comprehensive medical guide to the disease. This information is taken from many different resources. The writings on this site are not intended to diagnose nor treat. People write from their own personal experience and knowledge.  Their ideas are not to be substituted for the medical advice of a practicing physician.