Raising a child with a disability is crazy- we have our ups and our downs, our tantrums and our cuddles, a living room full of toys and equipment, playdates, doctors appointments, therapy and school. While raising annie has been like raising any other child it has been quite different. While Tanner asks for toys and bikes and scooters Annie needs walkers and braces and therapy equipment. I try to make sure that Annie’s therapy is fun and that she uses that time to play while she’s learning. I have gathered a list of eight must have products for families with a special needs child. (just a heads up, if you use these links to purchase we get a small commission) 1. The EazyHold The easy hold is an amazing device that helps kids with hand weakness, like annie, use things independently. It can be used to hold a spoon, attach to her walker handle to help her keep her grip, pens, paint brushes, toothbrushes, sippy cups, toys and so much more. EazyHold Universal Cuff 2. DenTrust 3-Sided Toothbrush Kids with muscle weakness can have a hard time with coordination, this three sided toothbrush is an amazing tool to help people with cerebral palsy to have independence. Children are able to brush all sides their teeth at once instead of focusing on one side at a time. DenTrust 3-sided toothbrush 3. Emergency car decal Getting a decal on my car for Annie has given me so much piece of mind. In the event of an emergency first responders will quickly be able to see all of Annie’s medical diagnosis and limitation, I know that she will be taken care of and EMT’s and doctors will know how to help her. Special Needs Child Emergency DECAL (non-magnetic!) 4. Wheelchair Cup Holder Last year we made the decision to switch Annie from a stroller to a wheelchair and it was AMAZING, it gave her the independence that I wanted for her while letting her play with other kids. The one thing I miss about her stroller is cup holders, it is crazy to try to push her, hold all our stuff and hold my coffee. This wheelchair cup holder is a LIFE SAVER, lord knows I can't survive our busy life without coffee. Stroller Cup Holder, Fushop Drink Holder for Wheelchair, Bicycle, Office Chair, Scooter, Adjustable Water Bottle Cage(BLACK) 5. Therapy Putty This is one I love for both Tanner and Annie. It is a putty specifically formulated to be used in therapy, it helps loosen Tanner's hand muscles so that we can work or had writing or other activities that needs his hands nice and loose. Annie’s hands and right arm are super tight because of her cerebral palsy and this putty helps work her muscles and helps loosen her up while also letting her play. Color-Coded Therapy Putty 6. Interlocking Floor Mats This is a big one, these foam mats interlock to create a soft floor, you can buy as many or as few as you need to fit your needs. This is helpful for both epilepsy and cerebral palsy- Annie’s epilepsy has been pretty bad lately and I constantly worry about her hitting her head during a seizure, I also worry about her learning to walk and stand and falling on the hard ground. These mats create a soft ground to help break her fall. We Sell Mats 24CGREY2-10M 48 Square Anti-Fatigue Interlocking Eva Foam Mat, Charcoal Gray, 48 SQFT (12 Tiles + Borders 7. Bed Bumpers I have been struggling with Annie's sleep situation for while now, she is getting way too big for her crib but still need the security of the bars (and the containment so she can't escape from bed while hooked up to her feeding pump at night) These Bed Bumpers are a great way to move her up oa bigger bed but also keep her safe [2-Pack] hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers Toddler Bed Rails with Water-resistant Cover for Kids - Safety Side Pillow Pads 8. Pool Noodles I can’t give pool noodles enough praise, pool noodles are useful for EVERYTHING. When annie started using her walker we used pool noodles to pad the bars and help secure her in. Pool noodles can also be used to help in so many therapies- from practicing to step over them to cutting them and learning to grasp bigger objects. (these noodles are smaller, perfect for therapy)
10 pack of 24 Inch Noodle Builder Noodles Assorted
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My name is Katie and this is my mini me Annie, follow our cerebral palsy adventure.
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August 2018
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