New baby + disabled dog
This is our first baby, and while I’ve been grateful for friends’ recommendations, I wonder if anyone here has advice specific to making early parenthood work while also caring for two dogs - one of whom is now unexpectedly and likely permanently disabled?
- A new human baby coming this fall
- 4yo 20lb dog who recently became totally paralyzed in her hind legs (she wears diapers, and has a wheeled cart in the works)
- 7yo 30lb dog who is mostly chill but needs daily walks with careful attention since he has reactivity toward other dogs we meet
We’ve been considering whether to get an easy-to-handle stroller with a large basket for our one dog to ride in when she’s tired or the cart isn’t an option, or a wagon with bassinet and car seat attachments? Very happy for any car seat recommendations as well as I’ve learned how some “systems” work together.
Budget is flexible, but space is key. I need to replace my old car very soon and will prioritize large car seats and trunk space, but we live in a historic house with small rooms so we’ll need to consider where to store a stroller/wagon/car seat/dog cart/etc.
These are some potential stroller/wagon options I’ve found: the discontinued Evenflo Pivot Troop Child + Pet (Facebook marketplace), as well as the Baby Trend Journey All-in-One Stroller to Wagon system, the CYBEX Gazelle, the Veer Switch&Roll, Bugaboo Kangaroo and Bugaboo Donkey, as well as the Nuna DEMI
I haven’t gotten very far with my car seat research yet.
Also, our bedroom is on the 2nd floor, nursery is on the 3rd (when baby gets older), BUT I’ll be spending most of my time on the 1st floor so I can take our one dog out for bladder expressions. Planning to get a Moses basket/bassinet/pack-n-play/crib for each floor to have “drop zones”. We already have a diaper pail for our dog, should we get a few more for the other floors? Should we get 3 changing pads or just plan to change our baby on a mat on the floor?
I would appreciate any input from folks who know how it’s done! Thank you!