Weights in PT/EI

[Cbean]

Hey there! As Emily has started her last year of EI I am really trying to make the most of it and the fact that there can be lots of growth during the second to third year of life. We've graduated from commando to creep and have found that weights on Em work really well. Also going to buy a pair of hip helpers to pull those legs together more. Has anyone worked with weights (.5 lb to 1 lb) on toddlers? If so have you found a place that makes pediatric weights? I'd love to find a cuff for her arms and legs. They definately ground her and the girl needs grounding. In fact it's time to get busy with OT and work on LOTS of sensory. I don't think Emily ever discovered the rest of her body while she was in Hypsarrhythmia and am looking to go back and reincorporate things like infant massage, weighting and brushing. I think it really numbed her and now she's not in touch with what she's feeling and experiencing. Yes, the "Wonder Bug" is not "in touch with her feelings!" Example: ST started working with Emily towards the end of her time in prison, I mean Hypsarrhythmia. She was using a Z-vibe on her upper lip, pressing down quite assertively and getting Em to make an "M" sound. The other day she brought the old Z-vibe out again and when she touched her ever-so-lightly I thought Emily was going to shoot through the roof. So I'm sitting here wondering if it's easier to not push oneself when you might be afraid and unsure of what you're experiencing? Could it be that simple?

My goal for her this year is to have her walking into her preschool and to be able to chew. Ha ha ha, yeah I want her to walk and chew gum at the same time.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Right now I'm using wrist weights .5 lbs each that I found at a dollar store. Thank goodness for the dollar stores - so many therapeutic devices for only a buck!!!

I tell you, Emily is like a big puzzle. She is teaching me to use my head more, that's for sure. I hate that I lost a year of this child's life. I hate that a million times more than DS. I feel like if I can figure this out I'll be writing a book!!!

[CC]

Hey Christine not what you asked but just thought I would share that Chris in end of preschool and Kindy wore a weighted vest. But if you have a place by you that we have up here thats more of just pharmacy only type place not like a CVS or DrugFair I bet they would have what you are looking for.

Just a thought

CC ~

[ALLISA]

Yes, Erin, too wore a weighted vest....LMAO.....when they first said that....I didn;t know WHAT they were talking about....I pictured some kind of straight jacket.....I think I came right to Uno Mas for information on a weighted vest !! LOL

We actually just placed small sandbags into her pockets on her pretty little denim vest...so she was fashionalble and theraputic !!

I recall that there was a formula for how much wieht should be added...percent of their baody weight...but I don't recall how much was approprioate....

[Emilysmom]

Wish I could help Christine! Do you have the book by Pat Winders on gross motor skills? I don't have it, but it seems like it might have some good ideas about this. I did a quick internet search and found NOTHING! Frustrating.....mostly what I found was several articles that said that PT was good for a baby with Ds. THANKS to the www for that little tidbit!

Keep up the good work!!!

Susan

[Cbean]

LOL Susan! Yes isn't the information highway so informative! CC - we do have many types of pharmacies of that kind, so will give it a try. I came across two companies that had interesting velcro-type of weights, but unfortunately after speaking with their customer service there's nothing for a child the size of a two year old. I'm sure we'll need the vest at somepoint, but not what we need here. Looking to add gravity to the hands and feet. If the darn things I had would stay on we'd really be getting there. I need someone that sews!!! I swear I could be onto a patent here. I have the idea of what I need in my head!!!! AAAARRRGGGGGHHH!!! Oh and I do have the Pat Winders book. Hmm, I guess I'll dust off the thing and read it??? LOL! I'm not much of a reader...more hands on KWIM? Well thanks guys. I'll post if I come up with a successful method for any newbies who may be lurking!

[CC]

Hmmm K, not sure these might be way to big for real young ones BUT Christine is this the type of thing you are looking for??

www.tartangroup.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=2338&DEPARTMENT_ID=91

CC ~

[maryc]

Hi I don't post often here, but read all the time. I was just discussing putting weights on my 3 year old with our PT. She suggested that I make some by sewing a tube of fabric, adding rice to it measured, and then closing it up. Then we would sew velcro on the outside so we could wrap it around the wrist or ankle. I'm not sure what weight measure I'm supposed to use, but the PT and I are colloborating on this little project. We are also using Theratogs, which are sort of like a weighted vest, but more of a compression variety. Hope this helps.

[meghans_mom]

we used "rice bags" as mary c suggested...if you are not too handy at sewing, use small socks and a whip stitch. or they sell iron-on stuff you can make seams with.

one thing we used to use for Meghan....was a texture board.

Get a piece of wood - say 20 x 20 or whatever. and divide it into 4" squares. hot glue different textures in each square.
sandpaper, fur, cordouroy (sp), tin foil, lace, something with a nubby texture, satin, etc.
have her feel all these sensations with fronts& backs of hands several times a day. (we used it sitting in an infant feeding chair) if a board is too big, buy wooden blocks and cover those.

good luck...you are doing a terrific job!!
hugs, laurie