Evelyn | My Baby All The Way

January 17, 2021March 16, 2021

Toys for Autistic Kids

As the owner of this website I have searched out some special deals for some of the products and services mentioned herein. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own. Full disclosure.

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Play is an important part in the care of a special needs child. When a child plays, it helps her to understand the world around her, it helps her to learn how to interact with others and it promotes growth and development. Toys play a huge role in this realm of play and choosing the right toys will reinforce all that the child learns from caregivers and health providers. For this blog I will focus on toys for autistic kids and why it is vital to their health and development.

The 5 senses and the autistic child

Children with autism have difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and play activities. This is because the part of their brain that processes sight, hearing, tasting, smelling and touch (the 5 senses) has been affected and has caused “a neurological disorder.”

These 5 senses that we all have, are necessary in helping us to understand, explore and experience things in our world. Children who are autistic cannot use these senses the same way and so it changes their way of reaction, communication and assessment of the world around and how they interact with everything.

Therapy includes sensory toys

An important part of therapy for the child with autism is speech-language therapy. There are devices that therapists use to help with communication and socialization skills and those devices are usually called “communication boards or speech-generator devices.” You can find out more about these communication devices in my article titled Children and Asperger’s Syndrome. It is so important to help the child with autism communicate because they, like everyone else, need to be able to express their emotions, needs and wants. It is when they are unable to do this, they will end up having a meltdown.

Therapists will work with you to show you how to help your child with the communication device so that you can continue working with your child at home. Repetition is the key to learning and that goes for everyone.

Another very important part of therapy is play! Sensory toys are one of the best ways to help your child calm down and focus on one particular thing and it helps to build nerve connections in the brain.

Sensory toys

So what are sensory toys? Sensory toys are designed to target stimulation of the 5 senses: taste, touch, sight, hearing, and smell. These toys are usually made with bright colors and have different sounds and textures.

You know your child best, so choose toys that you know he or she will be interested in and what will hold his or her attention. Sensory toys not only calm your child but with them, your child is learning how to think, how to problem solve, how to share, how to get along and interact with others.

Kids 6 years old and up

For children 6 years and up, there is a great game called Brain Games by Skillmatics (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

Brain Games consists of 12 highly engaging and repeatable activities which build core skills through learning. The set has 6 double-sided activity mats, an erase marker pen, duster cloth, and an achievement certificate. This game set teaches key skills of strategizing, problem-solving, social and communications skills, observation, and concentration. Your child with achieve through play, solving equations, decoding patterns, mental maths, trial and error.

For kids 3 to 6 years old

For children 3 to 6 years old, Skillmatics Boredom Buster (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) consists of 6 double-sided activity mats, dry erase marker, duster cloth, achievement certificate and makes a great sensory toy for your young child.

This set also has 12 repeatable activities which teach logical reasoning, creative thinking, writing, focus and attention, and observation. Your child is going to have fun while learning key concepts. It is perfect for kids to bond with their friends and family.

For kids 3 years old and up

Fat Brain Toys Squigz Jumbo 75 Piece Set with Storage Bag – Exclusive Combo Suction Toy Building Set – BPA-Free

The Squigz toys are suction construction toys that stick to each other and nearly any flat surface. They pull apart with a pop.

There are a variety of shapes and colors, regular and mini-sized and there are 75 pieces in this set. This will stimulate your child’s imagination, interaction and aids in the development of motor skills, hand-eye coordination, visual thinking and concentration.

For kids 5 years old and up

Nothing beats a Classic set of LEGOs for stimulating creativity. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

The classic 450 piece building kit includes a colorful selection of LEGO bricks and pieces including eyes, wheels, hinges and a wide assortment of LEGO windows and doors.

For toddlers 12 to 36 months

ANIMAL ISLAND AILA Sit & Play Plus Preschool Learning and Reading System is a high-quality educational sit and play virtual early preschool learning system. This looks like a miniature computer for toddlers. The educational content is developed by teachers and innovators that adapts to each child’s learning style.

ANIMAL ISLAND AILA Sit & Play Plus Preschool Learning and Reading System

This learning system teaches songs, stories, communications, collaboration, art, problem solving, literacy and numbers.

It uses animal friends to say hello, sing, read, dance, stop and talk and play games.

Animal Island Learning Adventure (AILA) has an “AILA Parent App” for you to adjust and monitor session time and device settings; rate your child’s session; parent dashboard; check in on your little one while AILA Sit & Play is in use; and here is a really cool feature – you can send pictures or videos from your smartphone directly to the AILA Sit & Play and Mister Goose delivers your pictures and videos as mail to your child. How cool is that?

Final thoughts

There are so many high quality and great sensory toys and games for every child. I have only listed a few above and in future articles, I will be recommending more for you to check out. Just click on the links above for each toy and you can find out more about them and go ahead and purchase them too.

Each of the toys listed above are considered sensory toys and will stimulate growth and development for your child as well as bring a sense of calm and contentment.

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!

Yours in searching the best for our babes,

Evelyn

January 14, 2021March 16, 2021

Willow Wearable Breast Pump

As the owner of this website, I have searched out some special deals for some of the products and services mentioned herein. When you use the links on this page to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own. Full disclosure.

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Becoming a new mom is one of the greatest joys in life. There are many things to do in preparation for this big event and planning for this life change should be first and foremost. So, along with making a list of baby items you will need and planning a baby shower, you need to start thinking about how you will feed your new little bundle of joy. Do you plan on breastfeeding? I recommend that you consider breastfeeding as it is the optimal way to feed your baby. Let me introduce you to the Willow Wearable Breast Pump (Generation 3). The greatest invention for a breast pump there is for busy moms!

Willow Wearable Breast Pump (Generation 3)

A wearable breast pump?

The Willow is a breast pump that fits right inside your bra and runs quietly. You can pump anywhere at any time and no one else will have a clue that you are pumping milk. This is ideal for working moms as they do not have to worry about finding a closet or a private room where they would have to set up a conventional breast pump. And, don’t forget the electrical outlets that a private room would have to have.

There are countless women who use and love the Willow. It has been a game-changer for them.

The Willow breast pump is the first-ever, in-bra wearable pump established in January 2018. It is a patented, no-spill breast pump that lets you pump fully hands-free. You can pump into spill-proof bags or containers.

The breast pump comes with 24 bags, however, the re-usable containers are sold separately.

The price vs the benefits

There are a lot of people who would argue that this breast pump is just too expensive. Well, I would say do not let the price alone detract you from taking a closer look at this. It is without a doubt that this breast pump has been the greatest thing outside of sliced bread for many women.

If you are a working mother, then this one’s for you! When you consider all that is involved in pumping your milk, and you have to be at work with minimal disruptions and you simply do not have that extra time to go and try to find a discreet place to take care of your business, you will be so glad you made the investment. That alone is worth the cost.

Spill-proof milk bags or reusable containers

This wearable pump gives you the option to either use disposable milk bags or you can use reusable containers. It’s a nice option to have if you don’t want to have something extra to clean. You do not have to worry that either the milk bags or containers will leak – they will not.

The bags hold 4 ounces of milk, so a total of 8 ounces (4 ounces per breast).

The containers also hold 4 ounces of milk for each breast. They are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, compatible with Willow Generation 2 and 3 only and you need to replace them every 3 months.

It is interesting to note that you can actually pump your milk whether you are lying down, exercising, bending over, and just about anything else you can think of. Just make sure you follow directions and get the correct size and use the step-by-step instructions that the company gives you. If you do these things, you should be all set!

Getting the right size

Before you decide to purchase the Willow, you need to measure your nipple. To do this, you can download a ruler app on your phone. use “Ruler 2.0” for iOS or “Millimeter” for Android. In the iOS app, set measurement to “mm” and for Android, select default calibration.

Next, stimulate the nipple so it is erect. Then take the ruler on your phone and place it under the nipple so that one end of the nipple base is at “0.” Then slide the measurement bar on the screen to the other end of the nipple base and that is your measurement.

This measurement is called the flange size and you want to use a flange that’s 2-4 mm larger than your nipple measurement.

Size chart

The flange size chart is as follows:

Nipple Measurement Willow size

17 – 19 mm => 21 mm

20 – 22 mm => 24 mm

23 – 25 mm => 27 mm

Use a flange that’s 2-4 mm larger than your nipple measurement.

Of note, this pump works for all breast sizes all the way through G and H bra cups. You will want to wear this

pump with a full-size nursing bra that has flaps. Avoid underwired and padded bras.

Get the app

The Willow Generation 3 works with an app that not only gives you step-by-step instructions, but gives you personalized pumping tips. The new app for Generation 3 offers fast, easy pairing, step-by-step onboarding, and personalized tips.

The Generation 3 means that the Willow has been improved for softer and faster pumping for more milk. It gives you more comfort and more control. There are 7 levels of suction comparable to most traditional double electric and hospital grade pumps, with two new lower suction levels and a new sensitivity setting

The app will automatically track sessions and milk volume.

Purchase yours here!

Willow Wearable Breast Pump (Generation 3)

Battery

The battery will last you through 5 pumping sessions which would be for all day.

Covered by insurance?

Call your health insurance company to find out if you can get partial or full reimbursement. Some women have been able to get some or all of the Willow covered – it just depends on your insurance.

Any cons?

The cons to this breast pump is that if you get the wrong size, it will not work well for you. You must measure your flange as explained above before you purchase it. If you follow the directions, you should be good. Again, this comes in 3 different sizes and will accommodate breast sizes up to an H-cup.

My conclusion

There is no doubt about it that this is the way to go if you are a working mom or a mom with a busy schedule and you want to breastfeed your baby. This is such a convenient and productive way to express your milk no matter where you have to be or what you have to do.

I do have another article on breastfeeding detailing how to hold your baby and a review for a hospital-grade breast pump if you decide you do not need the wearable kind of pump and have time to use a standard breast pump.

Questions or comments?

I am hoping you found this information helpful and if you have any questions or comments, I encourage you to leave them in the comment section below.

Thoughtfully yours,

Evelyn

January 13, 2021March 16, 2021

Children and Asperger’s Syndrome

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Asperger’s Syndrome used to have a classification and diagnosis of its own. But in recent years it has been determined that it actually belongs under the classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Asperger’s syndrome is a very complex disorder and every individual who has it may be very different from another. I want to give you a general idea about children and Asperger’s Syndrome and recommend a communication device to help with your child’s ability to communicate with others and improve his or her socialization skills.

Please note that this article is in no way to be taken as medical advice nor for diagnosing purposes. If you suspect your child may have Asperger’s Syndrome, take him or her to your doctor for evaluation and further direction.

A type of autism

Asperger’s syndrome has been studied by mental health experts and they have discovered that this disorder actually shares a lot of the same characteristics of autism spectrum disorder. So, they have classified it under autism as autism is made up of a group of mental health issues.

Some common symptoms of Asperger’s

The symptoms of this syndrome can start early in life, later childhood or early adulthood. For the people who are not diagnosed until later childhood or early adulthood, they are usually high-functioning and have very high IQ’s.

The more severe forms of Asperger’s are neurodevelopmental (impairments in the nervous system functioning that affect behavior, cognition, or motor skills) disorders and are usually present from infancy to early childhood. These children do not reach milestones as other children do because of an impairment in their cognitive skills (thinking, reasoning, or remembering), behavior and motor skills.

One of the most common signals seen is a child will not make eye contact. He or she will not show emotions and will speak in a monotone type of voice.

The children with this disorder can be very repetitive either in their speech or in their actions. They will do something over and over again. Also, this child will speak about 1 particular item and talk over and over again about it.

A child with Asperger’s will most likely have problems with socializing and with communication.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome can be tricky as this disorder is very complicated and has many variables. There is no standardized test for this and many times a child will go undiagnosed until adulthood. This is because there are several screening devices in current use, each with different criteria, the same child could receive different diagnoses, depending on the tool the doctor selects.

If your child is suspected to have Asperger’s, your doctor will call in a mental health specialist team such as a psychologist, pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician and a psychiatrist. Because diagnosis is very complicated, having these health care professionals working together as a team is the best course of action to take.

How do we help a child with social and speech skills?

Every child who has Asperger’s is unique and treatment of each child will vary. For the most part, each one will need help with social skills and communication skills. Let’s take a look at help for social skills first and then communication assistance.

Social skills are usually taught by a therapist either one-on-one, in a group or both. Children will learn how to interact with others and express themselves appropriately. The child will learn best by observing and copying good behavior from you the parent and others in their circle of trust.

The therapist will involve the parents to teach them what social skills were taught to their child so they can continue the methods at home. In addition, many families of children with Asperger’s will see a counselor to help them deal with the challenges of living with someone with Asperger’s.

Speech-language therapy is another area of treatment. This will improve a child’s communication skills which in turn improves social skills. Speech therapy for the child with Asperger’s will be different from speech therapy for others. This is because a child with this syndrome has already developed speech, and it is different. So the speech therapy for children affected with Asperger’s will focus more on communication.

Communication device

Many speech therapists will use what we call an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device to help a child with Asperger’s communicate. These devices use a combination of pictures, written words, and spoken language. The therapist will show the parent how to use these devices as well as the child.

Not being able to communicate would cause anyone to become stressed and upset. Now think of a child with Asperger’s if he or she cannot communicate what they feel or need or want. It is no wonder that that child would begin to “act out” and be really upset. This is where the AAC device can completely change this scenario.

I have another article about communication boards for children. If you would like to see another device, click this link for “communication board for children.”

AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator

The AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator is an AAC and is a great communicative assistive device. This SuperTalker is customizable to meet your child’s needs. It has a surface that is very sensitive to touch and will detect the lightest of touches.

There are eight recording levels that give you the ability to record up to 64 unique messages. The SuperTalker is switch accessible which means you can connect one switch to each message location for direct message playback or use one switch to step through each message location in sequence.

Free app

The AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator comes with a free app:

AbleNet Symbol Overlay Maker (app requires an iPad with iPad OS 13 or newer).

You can quickly and easily create printable picture symbol overlays for your device with the free app which allows you to really customize this device.

The SuperTalker FT requires 4 AA batteries (not included).

To find out more about this communication device and to purchase, click this link.

AbleNet SuperTalker FT Progressive Communicator — (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

Final thoughts

I have worked with many children who had autism and Asperger’s and I would say these kids just need all your love and attention and don’t forget patience! You will see how far lots of love and patience will take you both!

I truly hope you found this information of great help and that you take advantage of this great communication device for your child. It will make a world of difference in both your lives!

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Always yours looking for the best for our babes,

Evelyn

January 11, 2021March 16, 2021

Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib

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Creating a beautiful baby nursery involves many details. Usually, a theme is picked first, then what color you want to paint the walls. Next, you want to pick out your crib (Babyletto Hudson Convertible Crib), changing table, dresser, nightstand, and lamp. There are, of course, other items as well. Things like white noise machines, lullaby songs, diaper pail, hamper, rocking chair, and don’t forget the window treatments.

It sure sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? But for now, I want to tell you about a beautiful crib that comes in white. It will match whatever theme you choose and it is a perfect piece that will serve you well. It is the Babyletto Hudson 3 In 1 Convertible Crib.

Safe for baby

The Babyletto Hudson 3 In 1 Convertible Crib meets the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (U.S. CPSC) safety standards and the ASTM International standards in all areas where safety is a concern.

This crib is made from pine wood and is stained and painted with non-toxic materials which meet the required safety standards. The slats are no more than 23/8 inches (6 cm) apart so your baby’s head cannot get trapped in between them.

Additional information regarding safety is that this crib is Greenguard Gold Certified. The Greenguard Gold Certification ensures the interior products are low in chemical emissions, decreasing indoor pollution levels. Greenguard Gold Certified products emit minimal gases. They maintain healthy indoor air quality, by reducing our chemical exposure.

Babyletto Hudson 3 In 1 Convertible Crib

Adjustable height crib

Another big safety feature is the adjustable height. This crib has 4 adjustable positions to accommodate your baby at every stage of growth. Also, I want to mention that this crib has a low profile design. This is great for those of us who are not very tall and helps us to get the baby out of the crib a little bit easier. The crib dimensions are 53.50 x 29.75 x 35.00 inches (height). Just so you can compare the difference in height, other cribs stand about 42 to 45 inches in height.

Before your baby can sit up, you can keep the mattress level to where your little one is just below the top of the rail or highest position. However, as your baby grows and starts to sit up, you need to lower the mattress. Set the mattress at the lowest position before he starts to stand.

When your child is 35 inches (89 cm) tall or when the top of the side rail of the crib is at chest level with the mattress in the lowest position, it is time to convert the crib to the toddler bed.

Toddler bed

The Hudson converts from crib to toddler bed and comes with a kit to do so. One side of the crib comes off and is replaced with the toddler rail. This is perfect for when your child starts showing signs that he is trying to climb out of the crib. When you see that, get the kit out that came with the crib and convert it over to the toddler bed. Do not hesitate on that, too many accidents have happened from kids climbing over the rail.

Daybed

This amazing crib can be used for baby, toddler and child! Not only does it convert to a toddler bed, but it converts to a daybed as well. To do this, remove one side rail and there you have it! It is beautiful as well and will be suitable for your needs for many years to come.

Being able to convert this crib saves money on purchases of toddler bed and youth bed (daybed). This fact alone makes the Hudson worth its weight in gold!

Modern Design

The Babyletto Hudson 3 In 1 Convertible Crib has a modern design and will look stunning in any nursery. The Hudson is known for its “turned-out foot” and rounded spindle design. Not only does it come in white, but other colors as well. It comes in a modern grey, natural, or a new take on family-friendly white/espresso two-tone.

Babyletto Hudson 3 In 1 Convertible Crib

Mattress

The Hudson takes a standard full-size crib mattress at least 51.625 x 27.25 inches and no more than 6 inches thick. You will have to buy the mattress separately as it does not come with the crib.

The mattress that most people choose when purchasing the Babyletto Hudson 3 In 1 Convertible Crib is the Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress in a Box – GREENGUARD Gold Certified, Non-Toxic, Breathable, Removable Washable Water Resistant Outer Cover.

This mattress is made out of firm foam and is best for the baby. The mattress core is made of high-quality, breathable foam to maximize airflow.

The size of this mattress is length (52 inches) x width (27.6 inches) x height (up to 5 inches) and weighs 7 pounds. Foam is made of polyurethane.

3 in 1 convertibility

This Hudson crib is Amazon’s choice and is rated by Amazon customers a 4.8 out of 5! This is a very well-loved 3 in 1 convertible crib. You just can’t beat the price for all it offers. You get a beautiful adjustable crib, toddler bed, and daybed at a fraction of the cost if you were to buy these pieces separately.

Cons

The only con I see for this is that it will require 2 people to put it together. The good news though, is that it is easy to assemble.

My final thoughts

I really hoped this review was informational and helpful to you in purchasing your new crib. My opinion on this set is that while it is not the high-end of cribs, it is the safest and most eye-appealing crib I have seen. It will look absolutely gorgeous in whatever decor your baby nursery has and it will allow your baby to have not only a safe sleep but a sweet one! That includes you!!

I recommend that you check this 3 in 1 one crib out here and purchase it now while in stock.

Click here for the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib.

Questions or comments?

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Always looking for the best for our babes,

Evelyn

January 10, 2021March 16, 2021

White Noise for Baby

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Getting your baby to sleep can be quite a challenge at times. There are a hundred different reasons that could cause a baby to fuss and cry and we as parents must figure it out to solve the problem. After you’ve run through the mental checklist of the possible causes such as hunger, gas, diaper or anything else, then you know that maybe the baby just needs to be held and rocked to sleep. Keeping the baby asleep is just as important and so here is where this great little machine for white noise for baby comes in to play.

Newborn sleep

Typically, newborns sleep about 16 hours per day. However, they usually wake about every 2 hours for breast feeding or about every 4 hours for bottle feeding. That sounds like a lot of sleep, but when it comes to newborns, they need it. Babies are growing very rapidly during the first year of life and they need every minute of sleep they can get.

Importance of sleep the first year

Sleep is of the utmost importance for your newborn and is required for your baby’s overall development. Babies with double their birth weight by around 5 months of age. They will triple it by about 12 months of age or 1 year. This is a lot of growth in a short amount of time and good sleep plays an important role in this.

Brain development

Your baby’s brain will double in size by around 1 year of age. They develop rapidly and a lot of the learning is taking place while they sleep! There have been studies which show that there is a connection between normal sleep development and higher developmental scores.

Memory

Sleep is important for the process of memory consolidation (the brain encounters something, the brain develops pathways that can be used to access a memory). This will happen over weeks and months as the brain is developing and creating these pathways. This is true for adults and older children as well as the newborn to 3-month old baby.

Immune system

Sleep is important for our immune system, no matter what our age. It is especially important for babies. Their immune systems are still immature and not as strong as an adult. It takes time to develop and sleep is a necessary part for this to occur. If the baby is sleep deprived, he or she is more likely to get a disease or infection and it an affect the baby’s ability to get better or recover.

Getting the baby to sleep

Newborn to 3-months of age is a time period where your baby will not be likely to have a regular sleep pattern. There are of course, exceptions to the rule. However, you as the parent should work towards establishing a “routine” for your baby. This is a must if you are going to get any sleep and is just as important for you as is for the baby. When the baby does sleep, that’s your chance to get some shut eye too. Take your opportunities!

I want to offer some suggestions on how to start establishing that routine and create an environment that is conducive for sleep. First, I want to say that until around 5 months of age, your baby will most likely not sleep through the night. Some babies will sleep through the night, but that is an exception.

Consistency

When your baby starts to sleep through the night, you will want to establish a bed time. Every evening at the same time, get your baby ready for bed. Have a routine for which nights are bath nights and then every night should be story time before the lights go out. No matter what your routine will be, be consistent with it every single day.

Cozy nursery

Make your nursery just as cozy as it can be. Hang teddy bears from the ceiling, have a dimly lit lamp and a rocking chair (especially helpful for rocking your little one). The room temperature should be around 70 to 72 degrees fahrenheit (21.1 to 22.2 degrees Celsius).

Make baby comfortable

Always check to see if your baby is dressed comfortably. A good rule of thumb is if you are over dressed and warm, then baby is too. If you would not put a heavy sweater on, then don’t put your baby in a sweater or sweatshirt like clothing. Feel the back of your baby’s neck and if it is warm and sweaty, then he is over dressed. Put lighter clothes on him. He will sleep so much better and so will you!

Soothing and quiet atmosphere

One of the most important things you can do to help get your baby to sleep is to create a soothing and quiet atmosphere. I have found a great way to accomplish this, even in the noisiest of times. First thing to do is to keep the lighting soft and dim as you do not want bight lights around your baby before bed time. This will help him learn the difference between day and night. Even for those “during the night feedings” keep those lights dim.

Creating that soothing and quiet atmosphere also includes soft music or lullabies and a white noise machine. I want to point out that you should only use a white noise machine for either naps or bed time. Your baby will know and recognize the sound and relate it to sleep time.

White noise

The Hatch Rest Sound Machine is a white noise machine that also has a night light and a “time to wake” feature for when your child is older. You can set the controls from your smartphone and adjust or customize the light, sound, and volume levels so you won’t have to enter the room and disrupt your little one.

You can purchase this great little machine here!

Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine, Night Light and Time-to-Rise

Lullabies

Here is another great option for you to get. It is the Skip Hop Baby Sound Machine: Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother, Owl. This is also a beautifully dimmed night light and plays 4 lullabies and has 4 nature sounds. It has a star and moon ceiling projection and a glowing night light belly with dimmer.

You can purchase yours here!

Skip Hop Baby Sound Machine: Moonlight & Melodies Nightlight Soother, Owl

Final thoughts

Whatever method you decide to use, be it white noise or lullabies, I know you will be pleased with either of these products. I personally use the white noise machine for my grandson when it is time for his naps. It is amazing to see how he correlates the white noise with nap time! It works like a charm!!

Questions or comments?

Please leave your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Happy trails to lullaby land!

Evelyn

January 8, 2021March 16, 2021

Milk Allergy and Children – Signs and Symptoms

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Of all the food allergies in children, cow’s milk is the most common. There is a lot of protein in cow’s milk and that plays a key role when it comes to milk allergy and children. Also, there is a difference between a true milk allergy and a milk intolerance. I will explain a little about this as well as treatment ideas. In this article I will explain what causes a milk allergy, the classic signs and symptoms of a milk allergy, how prevention is best and substitutions for milk that you can use for your child.

What causes a milk allergy?

Cow’s milk is a nutrient rich liquid-food. So you might ask then, how is it that a child can be allergic to milk? Of all the nutrients in milk, protein makes up about 3.5%. The protein is made up of casein and whey. Casein is the part of protein that forms a large, insoluble curd that is harder to digest than the curd from whey which is very soft.

The body’s immune system recognizes and may react to the protein in cow’s milk making it one of the most common allergens. Allergies develop in approximately 2% to 7% of infants fed with cow’s milk formula.

So, in essence, a milk allergy is caused by an abnormal response to the body’s immune system reacting to the casein protein.

Signs and symptoms

First and foremost I want to say that signs and symptoms will differ from child to child and may occur anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after your child drinks milk or eats a milk product.

Immediate signs and symptoms may include:

Hives
Wheezing
Itching or tingling feeling around the mouth
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Coughing or shortness of breath
Vomiting

Signs that may take a few hours to develop may include:

Diarrhea or loose stools (blood may be in stool)
Stomach cramps
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Colic (infant or baby)

When should my child see a doctor?

If you notice that after your child consumes any milk or milk products (cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, ice cream, condensed milk, buttermilk, whey, ghee, and skim milk), he starts having any of the above signs and symptoms, call your child’s doctor (pediatrician) right away and have him seen. Your doctor will know how to evaluate him and most likely give you a list of foods to avoid along with an EpiPen for emergency purposes.

What is an EpiPen?

An EpiPen is a medication used in very serious allergic reactions. It acts quickly to reduce the swelling in the eyes, nose and throat which in turn improves breathing, heart rate and it brings blood pressure to an acceptable level.

EpiPen is a prescription drug and will be prescribed by your doctor.

Epinephrine is a chemical that our bodies naturally have to reduce swelling, improve heart function and improve blood pressure. That is the chemical that is used in the “EpiPen” and is an injection. It is important that you keep this with you at all times as you never know when a mishap will occur.

There are side effects from the EpiPen and they include pale skin, sweating, headache, dizziness, anxiety and nausea. Your child may or may not experience these side effects, but it is a good idea to know what they are in case they happen.

Severe reaction

In some children, a severe reaction may occur and requires immediate attention and treatment. This severe reaction is called “anaphylaxis” and is characterized by a swollen airway (throat) making it difficult to breathe, facial flushing (the face turning red), itching and shock (blood pressure drops). This is a medical emergency and you need to call 911 or the emergency telephone number where you reside if in a country other than the U.S.A.

Anaphylaxis is treated immediately with an epinephrine shot (EpiPen or Adrenaclick or other brand as your doctor determines) so it is imperative you have an EpiPen on hand to give that emergency shot as soon as you see your child is in danger and get him or her to the emergency room at the hospital right away. Anaphylaxis can start very quickly and it is imperative you get your child help immediately!

Treatment for mild symptoms

The only way to treat a milk allergy is to avoid all milk and milk products. This can be difficult because milk is a common ingredient in many foods. However, some people can tolerate milk in baked goods and other processed foods. Talk to your doctor about this and ask for a list of foods to avoid along with foods that can substitute for missed nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D etc.

Antihistamines such as Benadryl may be of help if your child has mild symptoms of hives, rash or itching. Again, consult your child’s doctor for which antihistamine to give and what the dosage should be for your child.

Milk allergy or milk intolerance, there is a difference

There is a difference between a true milk allergy and a milk intolerance. A milk allergy involves the body’s immune system reacting to the protein “casein” found in milk and a milk intolerance is the body’s digestive system lacking an enzyme called “lactase” to break down milk’s sugars. Hence the name of this condition, lactose intolerance.

A few of the symptoms of milk intolerance are gas, bloating and diarrhea after consuming milk or milk products. In some cases there may be tummy pain or upset stomach (nausea). Unlike a milk allergy, milk intolerance is usually never a medical emergency.

It is rare for babies to be born with lactose intolerance, but it has happened. When a baby is born with this, it is because they received the genetic code for it from the parents. So, it is a hereditary trait. Premature infants can also have lactose intolerance because of an insufficient lactase level.

Your child’s doctor may do a couple of tests to see if your child has lactose intolerance (milk intolerance).

These tests are a hydrogen breath test and a lactose tolerance test:

The hydrogen breath test is when you drink a liquid that contains high levels of lactose and then your doctor measures the amountof hydrogen in your breath at regular intervals.

The lactose intolerance test is your doctor will have you drink a liquid with a high level of lactose and then 2 hours later, take a blood sample to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. If your glucose level doesn’t rise, it means your body isn’t properly digesting and absorbing the lactose-filled drink.

If your child has no other health conditions and is found to have lactose intolerance, then your doctor may be giving you this advice. To treat this disorder, you want to limit foods and drinks that have lactose. In other words, limit milk and other dairy products, eat and drink lactose-reduced ice cream and milk and add a liquid or powder lactase enzyme to milk to break down the lactose.

Infants and breast milk

If your infant is at risk for developing a milk allergy, breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition and should be done as long as it is possible. Click here to learn more about breastfeeding.

Additionally, if you are breastfeeding, make sure you do not consume any milk or milk products as it crosses the breast milk and is then consumed by your baby. Eat a well-balanced diet and follow the directions for milk allergy substitutes. Talk with a registered dietician for information about a healthy diet.

Milk alternatives

For the baby/infant who is allergic to milk, there are alternatives. If you find that you cannot breastfeed your infant, I have a few suggestions for you to check out and to inquire about with your pediatrician. See below:

Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease Baby Formula, Brain and Immune Support with DHA, Clinically Proven to Reduce Fusiness, Gas, Crying in 24 Hours, Non-GMO

Gerber Good Start Gentle (HMO) Non-GMO Powder Infant Formula

Similac Pro-Total Comfort Non-GMO Infant Formula Powder

For the toddler and child

There are lots of good milk substitutes for your child. Here are a few examples:

Soy milk
Rice milk
Oat milk
Almond milk

Soy milk is the best of these options because it has about the same amount of protein as cow’s milk. You may find that missing in other choices. Whichever one you choose, be sure it’s fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Check the labels to make sure the product doesn’t include milk-based ingredients. Look for words like casein, whey, lactoferrin, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, lactose, curds, diacetyl, ghee, lactulose, recaldent, and tagatose.

Milk that comes from an animal other than a cow, like goat’s milk, can also trigger an allergic reaction.

Here are some suggestions for you and your toddler for milk substitutions:

Silk Shelf-Stable Soymilk Singles, Very Vanilla, Dairy-Free, Vegan

Silk Shelf-Stable Almondmilk Singles, Vanilla, Dairy-Free, Vegan

Pacific Foods Organic Oat Original Plant-Based Beverage

My final thoughts

I hope that you found this review on children with milk allergies and milk intolerance helpful and that it cleared up any questions you may have had about this subject. As always, I stress the importance of seeking the guidance of a physician and follow his or her advice. I highly recommend the products listed above for acceptable milk substitutes for yourself or your child. We have come a long way when it comes to medicine and nutrition in the 21st century!!

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as quickly as I can.

Thoughtfully yours,

Evelyn

January 5, 2021March 16, 2021

Toilet Training Advice That Will Work!

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Let’s face it, toilet training your toddler whether boy or girl is a major task of toddlerhood. Successful potty training depends on the readiness of both your child and you the parent. You must be willing to spend the necessary time and emotional energy to encourage your child on a daily basis. So, in this article I am going to explain to you what the physical signs for readiness are in your child as well as the psychologic signs. It is my aim that you find this to be the best toilet training advice for you and your child.

Is my child ready for toilet training?

Toilet training is one of the most frustrating and time-consuming tasks that you will face with your child. It is important that you know and understand normal growth and development patterns so that you will not become frustrated to the point of anger. Don’t place unrealistic expectations on your little guy or gal and don’t try to toilet train until you start seeing the following signs of both physical readiness and psychologic (mental) readiness.

1. Physical readiness signs:

Child can remove own clothing.
Child is willing to let go of a toy when asked.
Child is able to sit, squat, and walk well.
Child has been walking for 1 year.

2. Psychological signs:

Child notices if diaper is wet.
Child may indicate that diaper needs to be changed by pulling on the diaper, squatting, or repeating a word or phrase.
Child communicates need to go to the bathroom or can get there by self.
Child wants to please parent by staying dry.

Stressful situations interfere with success

If there are stressful situations going on in your life such as moving to a new home, starting a new job, the birth of another baby or the loss of a loved one or pet, then I recommend not toilet training your toddler at this time. All these things are nothing short of being considered “stressful life-changing times” and it is best that you postpone the toilet training for another time. Stressful situations will interfere with the success of your training efforts.

Children feel the tension in the home and they get upset too. They will not be able to process what they need to do if they see and feel your stress. Give yourself and your child the time to re-adjust to whatever the situation may be and remember, there is no rush. Your little guy or gal will be potty trained in the long run.

Training will be so much easier when your life’s routines return to “normal.”

Age range

When your toddler is around 18 to 24 months, you may begin to see the signs of readiness as listed above. However, waiting until he or she is around 24 to 30 months old makes this task considerably easier because toddlers at this age are less negative and usually are more willing to control their “peeing” to please their parents.

There are no set rules or timetables for toilet training. The age at which toilet training is usually begun varies from culture to culture and has no specific age range.

The training process – step-by-step

You’ve determined your child is ready for toilet training. Now, the next step is to go buy a potty chair and pull-ups (training pants). Pull-ups come in boy and girl styles too. Click either link or picture below to purchase!

Pull-Ups Learning Designs Training Pants for Boys

Pull-Ups Learning Designs Training Pants for Girls

Take your child with you when you go to purchase these items or pull them up online, but show your child what you are purchasing for them and let them get excited for these big boy or big girl potty chairs.

Click on the links or pictures below to see more and to purchase!

The First Years Disney Mickey Mouse Imaginaction Potty Training & Transition Potty Seat

Now, for the steps to guide you in your training efforts:

Place the potty chair in a specific spot (I think the bathroom is the best) and have your child wear training pants.
Establish a routine. For example: take your child to the potty after getting up in the morning, after naps, after each meal, before bed.
Use a sticker chart. Place in the bathroom (where the potty chair is). Give your child the sticker EVERY time he or she goes “potty.” This is rewarding and exciting for your child. Make a BIG DEAL about it!

For boys: start them sitting down to “pee” first, before trying to teach them to stand.
Do not punish mistakes! Your child is going to have “accidents” and it is to be expected. Whatever you do, never, never yell at or punish your child for this. It will only cause him or her to revert backwards and it will take that much longer to get him trained!

Time and patience is a must! There are lots of claims out there that say you can train your child in 3 days. Don’t believe it. It is extremely rare that any child can be totally potty trained in 3 days. As a rule, be prepared for it to take some time before that happens. There is no set time limit – your child will eventually be trained.
Be patient, be kind and understanding with your little one! Always, always reward each and every time your child uses the potty.

Resistance

If your child resists being toilet trained, stop the training and wait 30 to 60 days and begin again. Please note that bowel control is usually achieved before bladder control. But there are some kids who achieve daytime bladder control before bowel control. Remember that not all kids are the same. Each of them are unique individuals and they toilet train differently. Never compare your child with another!

Regression and ways to overcome

Sometimes during the toilet training process, your child may have a few setbacks. If that happens, happens try using a different method. For example, take your child to the bathroom with you, set him (or her) on the potty and then you sit on the big person’s toilet. Give him time to go and talk to him telling him that you too are going potty.

Another method would be to try using the toilet instead of the potty chair. You will need a step stool and a toilet seat insert for training. Encourage your child to use the “grown-up” potty to be like mommy or daddy. This might do the trick. Always keep an open mind as to how to try different things. Remember the old adage – “If at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

Closing thoughts

All of us live in a fast-paced world and we tend to get caught up in time limits and schedules. However, this is one area that you should never put a time limit or a tight schedule on. When it comes to our children and toilet training them, we must put our “patience hat on”, take a deep breath and be ready to slow down. Take your time with your child and give your child encouragement, lots of love, and rewards – you will never regret it!

Happy potty training!

Questions or comments?

Please feel free to post your questions or comments below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Thoughtfully yours,

Evelyn

January 5, 2021March 16, 2021

Advice for Bathing a Newborn Baby

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Establishing a healthy parent-infant bond is an essential task in the newborn period. For the new mom, a part of this bonding includes breastfeeding your little one. I have addressed breastfeeding techniques in a prior post, including different ways to hold your baby during feeding. Please refer to the article titled Medela Breast Pump [Hospital Grade for Best Performance] for this information. Bath time is also a great way for new fathers to bond with their new babies. Most new parents are a little nervous about the very first bath for their babies, but I want to share a step-by-step technique to help you relax and enjoy bathing a newborn baby, particularly yours!

Before you bathe a newborn baby boy

When you are discharged home from the hospital with your baby boy, you will be given instructions on his care. If your son has been circumcised, you will have to care for that area as well as paying special attention to the dried umbilical cord.

Care of the umbilical cord

Give only sponge baths to your son while the umbilical cord remains. Be careful to not get it wet and keep diaper edges away from the area. You can do this by rolling the top of the diaper in about 1/4th of an inch before fastening. It is highly recommended that you give only sponge baths to your baby until the cord falls off which is approximately 10 to 14 days. Call your healthcare provider if you observe any of the following:

Bleeding
Bad odor
Redness
Drainage
The cord does not fall off after 2 weeks

Care of the area can include dipping a cotton swab in alcohol (a 70 percent solution isopropyl alcohol) and cleaning around the base of the cord including the folds of the skin, with every diaper change or the doctor may apply a special ointment on it and you may not have to do anything but keep the diaper folded back and away from the area. Consult your physician on instructions. This is only a general guide. Again, always fold the diaper back below the cord. Do not give tub baths until the cord falls off and the area is well healed.

Care of the circumcision

It is important to watch your baby for warning signs of possible complications. Call your health care provider if your infant experiences any of the following:

Swelling of the entire penis.
Bleeds more than tiny drops.
Shows clear or white drainage.
Develops a fever; rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.

For care of the circumcision, apply the diaper loosely. Give sponge baths until healed, clean penis with clear water, and apply either A&D ointment to the area or whatever your healthcare provider recommends. Sometimes they will tell you to use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or sometimes they might recommend using petroleum jelly. Check with your doctor before applying any ointment and follow the directions given.

Care of the uncircumcised penis

If you decide not to circumcise your baby boy, it is important to note that the foreskin may not be completely retractable until your child reaches preschool age and so it should never be forcibly retracted. To clean the area, simply wash his penis with non-irritating soap and water during each bath.

Bathing a newborn baby girl

If your newborn baby is a girl, you will also be discharged home from the hospital with instructions. These instructions will include the same as for the boy regarding the care of the umbilical cord area. Of course, the rest of the “specialized” instructions for baby boys will not apply for obvious reasons. However, you will be directed to do the following – always clean your infant baby girl’s diaper area from front to back. This is for preventing infections due to feces getting into the vaginal area.

Supplies for baby’s bath

Before you start, gather all the necessary materials you will need for the bath.

Click the links or pictures below to see more and pick one up for your baby today!

The bathtub I recommend is a best-seller on Amazon and is the The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub, Teal for boys

and The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn to Toddler Tub Pink for girls.

This bathtub for newborns has a net that lies on top which I really like for newborns, as you can lay them on the net with the water just below for easier washing.

When your baby grows a bit, remove the netting and use the tub for the bath. This will accommodate your baby until he or she is about toddler age and you can place this baby tub in your bathtub for easier and safer bathing for your child.

Pictured here is pink for girls. Please note that I have attached the links above for the teal color for boys as well as the pink color for girls.

Gather your supplies together such as baby soap, tear-free baby shampoo, baby washcloth, and hooded towel, undershirt or a onesie, infant gown, socks, receiving blanket and diaper.

Step-by-step bath instructions

After you have gathered all your supplies for your baby’s bath, it is time to fill the baby bath tub with about 3 inches of warm water. Test the water on your wrist to make sure it is not too hot.

I recommend placing the bathtub on your kitchen table after placing a plastic shower curtain liner on it first. The shower-liner on your table will protect its surface from any water that may splash on it. Place your soap, shampoo, wash cloth and towel on the table.

In your nursery, have ready your baby’s diaper, diaper ointment, undershirt or onesie, gown, socks, and receiving blanket on the changing table for after the bath.

Next, undress your baby and wrap a blanket around him (or her) to carry him to the bathtub.

Place your baby on the mesh netting keeping a hold on him with your other hand. Never walk away with your baby in the bathtub and never take your hand from him either.

Wash his face with the plain water. Next, take the wash cloth after dipping it in the water and gently wet your baby’s hair. Then take a little of the shampoo and work a small lather in your hand then gently rubbing your baby’s hair and scalp with your fingertips.

Note: if your baby has a crust on his head, do not scrape his scalp. Talk to your healthcare provider for direction for handling what we call “cradle cap.”

After lathering your baby’s scalp and hair, take the washcloth dipping it in the water, and gently squeeze the water over his head and hair with his head slightly tilted back. This will prevent any water or soap from getting into his eyes or ears.

When his hair is soap-free, take your wash cloth and add a tiny amount of soap on it and gently cleanse baby from the neck down to his toes. Afterward, taking washcloth rinsing in bathwater, and squeezing water over the baby until soap is gone.

Grab your hooded baby bath towel, lay it on the table and gently lay your baby on the towel placing the hooded part over his head and wrapping him in the towel.

Pick your baby up and take him to the nursery to dress him. After laying him on the dressing table, completely dry him off and his head/hair.

I suggest keeping the towel over his body while you diaper him first.

Next, put him in a bodysuit or I like to call them a “onesie”. Place him into the baby gown and put socks on his feet. Please note that newborns do not hold their body heat as well as we do, so it is important that you keep socks on their feet, use undershirts or onesies, socks, and receiving blankets to keep them warm.

Take your receiving blanket and lay it out, with one hand of course as you will be holding your baby with your other arm. The receiving blanket should be facing you in a triangle shape. Place your baby o the blanket with his head just below the “tip of the triangle.”

Bring the bottom of the triangle up with the tip at about the baby’s waist. Bring the right side of the blanket to the left side tucking it under your baby’s body. Next, take the left side of the blanket and wrap it around to the right side.

Your baby should look like a “wrapped burrito” after done.

This is called “swaddling.”

Final thoughts

After you do your baby’s first bath, you will be so much more confident when it’s time for the next one. It is a great time for the baby and you to bond and enjoy the bathing experience. Your baby will come to learn to love “bath time” and will look forward to it. As he or she grows older, make sure to include favorite bath toys, there are lots of them on the market. Let him play a few minutes before getting into the business of washing up.

I sure hope this article was helpful to you and alleviated any fears or nervousness about that “first bath.”

Enjoy your baby every minute and remember to take a lot of pictures along the way!

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Thoughtfully yours,

Evelyn

January 2, 2021March 16, 2021

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

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A disease with many forms

Muscular dystrophy is not a single disease, but a general name for what is actually 9 different forms of the disease. In this article I will tell you the names of each form with a brief description and then I will discuss how it’s diagnosed, the various treatments, therapies and medications that are used for managing this disease. Lastly, I will give some recommendations for equipment that will be needed to accommodate the child with this disability. By the end of this blog, you will have the answer to “what is muscular dystrophy?” and will know a great deal more of the type of equipment you will need.

Hereditary disease

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is an inherited disease that progressively weakens the muscles that control movement also known as “voluntary muscles” with some forms of the disease affecting the organs such as the heart. Genetics play a key role in this and is responsible for the different variations.

Nine different types of MD

There are 9 different forms of MD and I will list them below with a brief explanation. All forms of this disease are inherited or in other words, linked to a genetic disorder.

1. Duchenne. This is the most common type and it mostly affects boys. Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by a genetic flaw that affects the muscles. The symptoms usually show by age 1 to 4 and rapidly progress. Usually by 9 or 10 years of age, the child requires a wheelchair.

2. Myotonic (Steinert’s disease). This is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults. It can appear anywhere from early childhood to adult age. In rare cases it appears in newborns. Myotonia means stiffening of muscles or prolonged muscle spasms and symptoms will get worse in cold weather. This form of MD affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), the heart, gastrointestinal tract and hormones. With this type of MD, there is a decreased life expectancy.

3. Becker. This form is similar to Duchenne MD but is much milder. The symptoms appear later and progress more slowly. Symptoms can appear anywhere between age 2 and 16 or can appear as late as age 25. Becker muscular dystrophy affects only males (1 in 30,000) and causes heart problems. These individuals can usually walk in their late 30s and live well into late adulthood.

4. Limb-girdle. Limb-girdle MD affects both male and females and occurs anywhere from teenage years to early adulthood. The muscle weakness starts in the hips and progresses to the legs, arms and shoulders. Within a 20-year time span, the person has either a very difficult time walking or cannot walk at all. The lifespan is shortened to either middle-age or late adulthood.

5. Facioscapulohumeral. This form of MD affects the face, shoulder blades, upper arm and includes both males and females. It appears anywhere from the teenage years to early adulthood. This form can range from being very mild to severely disabling. If affecting the face, it may interfere with the ability to speak or chew. The progression of this disease can be slow with spurts of rapid muscle deterioration, however many of these people can walk throughout their lifetime and live a normal life span.

6. Congenital. Congenital means present at birth. Just as the name implies, onset of this form is “at birth” and is characterized as muscle weakness, severe shortening or shrinking of muscles that causes joint problems. These children usually have problems with seizures because the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) has been affected. Typically, these children do not attain walking and their lifespan is shortened.

7. Oculopharyngeal. This form affects the eyes and throat. Males and females are affected in their 40s, 50s and 60s and is a slowly progressing disease. It eventually will affect the ability to swallow and cause choking episodes. This group of people may also experience episodes of pneumonia.

8. Distal. This rare form affects adult men and women. It’s called distal because it affects the forearms, hands, lower legs, and feet. It is the less severe form because it progresses very slowly and affects fewer muscles than the other forms of MD.

9. Emery-Dreifuss. Onset of this form of MD is middle childhood to early teens. The progression is very slow and many survive to late adulthood. This form is rare and mostly affects boys, however because of certain gene mutations can affect girls. Disease progression involves muscle weakness and wasting in the shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs. Muscle weakness can spread to chest and pelvic muscles.

How is it diagnosed?

Children with a positive family history are especially at risk for muscular dystrophy. They should be monitored for symptoms which generally do not appear until the preschool years. There are blood tests your doctor will order looking for signs of muscle loss or deterioration. Included with the blood tests your doctor may order genetic testing for you and your child to see if either one of you has the gene causing MD. Muscle biopsy (a small piece of muscle tissue is removed) will be ordered as well for examination. Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons) and will be ordered along with the other tests.

How is it treated?

The therapeutic management of a child with MD is aimed at maintaining the ability to walk and have independence for as long as possible as muscle weakness progresses. Surgery, bracing, physical therapy and medications are all used in treating this disease. As the disease progresses, therapy is aimed at maximizing sitting capabilities, respiratory function and self-care. Also, prompt attention to respiratory infection, such as colds, flu or chest colds is needed to prevent serious complications.

Although there is no cure for MD, several medications will be prescribed for your child. Steroids are given to help improve muscle strength, breathing and decrease weakness. Anticonvulsants to treat and prevent seizures will also help reduce muscle spasms. Immunosuppressants may be given to help prevent some muscle cell damage. Also, medications may be prescribed for your child to target the gene dystrophin, namely Eteplirsen (Exondys 51) and golodirsen (Vyondys 53) which will likely increase the level of the gene.

Physical therapy plays a big role in treatment of this disease and helps to strengthen the muscles and joints and helps to prevent contractures (a condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints).

Respiratory therapy is another big factor in care of a child with MD. Muscle weakness can involve the lungs and make breathing difficult. A respiratory therapist can teach you and your child how to use a nebulizer properly and also teach breathing exercises to maximize breathing capability.

Speech therapy is another area that will help your child if swallowing or speech has become a problem. The speech therapist will teach how to strengthen the facial and mouth muscles to help with swallowing and talking. When it comes to your child being able to communicate, communication boards really are a great tool and the speech pathologist/therapist will use this with your child teaching him how to communicate.

Surgery may sometimes be needed to correct either a contracture, a spine deformity, or other complications that may arise.

Braces and walkers

Braces and walkers also provide a way for your child to be mobile. Usually, physical therapists will use walkers and standers early in the treatment to provide and boost better blood flow which in turn will help build stronger bones. This is also a means for your child to be mobile and have some independence. Leg braces are fitted by orthopedic doctors and can help keep the muscles flexible, which aids in slowing the progression of contractures, which occur when a muscle and its tendon shorten and reduce flexibility.

The need for a wheelchair

The child with MD will eventually require a wheelchair. This is because weakness in the large muscle of the legs makes it difficult to stand, walk, kneel or climb. Even after your child has been fitted with leg braces, he will still need to have a wheelchair.

The home environment

Your home including the bathroom will need to be modified in order to fit a wheelchair and other necessary mobility aids your child will need. You will need to be taught how to perform basic nursing tasks and will be referred to agencies that can assist you with home care and equipment.

Please see my article for how to bathe a child with cerebral palsy as I give step-by-step instructions for bathing and I have given my recommendations for both a Hoyer lift and bath seat for these special needs kids.

Recommendations for equipment

Wheelchairs can be quite costly and you can get the very basic model up to one with all the bells and whistles. However, you can be prepared to pay a high price and insurance companies do not reimburse for the “bells and whistles.”

I was very pleased to see that Amazon has such a high-quality, affordable wheelchair for kids with special needs. This wheelchair will accommodate any child who needs good head support and reclining if unable to sit up. It is lightweight and has anti-tippers.

Lightweight Folding Children’s Wheelchair Driving Medical, Cerebral Palsy Children’s Wheelchair Car Multi-Functional Disabled Children’s Full Reclining Flat-Bed Wheelchair Stroller, with Dining Table

Product Specifications

Seat width: 38cm (15 inches)
Seat depth: 36cm (14 inches)
Weight-bearing capacity: 75kg (165 pounds)

If the specifications are right for your child, you can purchase it here.

Another great choice for a wheelchair is the Wenore Lightweight Folding Children’s Wheelchair Driving, Cerebral Palsy Children’s Wheelchair Car Multi-Function Disabled Children’s Full-Lying Flat-Bed Wheelchair Stroller.

This wheelchair not only has the tilt-in-space feature but also will open up to lay flat. Click on the link above or here to learn more about this one and purchase! It too has a great price and is affordable.

My final thoughts

It is my sincerest desire that you found this post helpful to you and I welcome you to check back often as I will be continuing to write more articles on this subject and give recommendations for other needed equipment. For this article’s purposes, I wanted to give a background on MD and its effects and what we can do to help all children live the highest quality of life possible.

Questions or comments?

Please feel free to leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Always the best for our babes,

Evelyn

December 31, 2020March 16, 2021

Bathe a Child with Cerebral Palsy

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There are many challenges a parent or caregiver will face when caring for a child with cerebral palsy. Overcoming those challenges is possible when you have the right instruction and equipment to help you. In this article, I will be focusing on one of those challenges and that is bath time. I will explain two ways to give your child a bath. One way is to do a bed bath also known as a sponge bath and the other way is to transport your child to the bathroom for a tub bath. So, here it is: How to bathe a child with cerebral palsy.

How to give a sponge bath

In a prior post, What is a Hoyer Patient Lift, I spoke about caring for your special needs child, how it can be draining at times, and the importance of seeking good support groups. Here I want to walk you through the steps to give your child a sponge bath. This is a good method for the days you just want to wash him up. I would not recommend a tub bath every day as it could dry your child’s skin too much.

Before you get started, I suggest having a little playtime and have some soft, soothing music playing. Music is good for the soul and will calm your child, making him more relaxed. We want bath time to be enjoyable for him and for you!

Have all the materials you will need at the ready such as 2 large bath towels, soap, washcloths, deodorant or talcum powder, change of clothes, and a washbasin for the water.

If it is time for your child to use the toilet, let him do that first.
Fill a washbasin two-thirds full with warm water
Take a bath blanket and use it to cover the child after removing his clothes
Start with his face using a wet washcloth (no soap) and gently wash his eyes and face
Wash forehead, cheeks, nose, neck, and ears (no soap)
Pat his face and eyes dry with a towel
Next, uncover your child’s left arm and place a bath towel under the arm
Apply a small amount of soap to the washcloth and wash his arm and armpit
Rinse the washcloth out in the basin and then rinse his arm and armpit, pat dry with the towel and recover his arm
Repeat these steps for the right arm

If child has reached puberty, apply deodorant or talcum powder to underarms
Check the temperature of the water in the basin and change if necessary (keep the water warm)
Next, apply soap to the washcloth and wash the chest, rinse and pat dry
Then wash the abdomen in the same manner as the chest and cover your child with a clean, dry bath towel
Apply clothing to your child such as a shirt or top to keep him comfortable or cover with a dry towel or blanket
Wash left leg, ankle, and foot/toes using soap and having a towel underneath his leg to keep bedding dry
Dry left leg, ankle, foot/toes, with a clean towel

Wash right leg, ankle, foot/toes using the same technique for the left leg
Inspect toenails and clip toenails if needed
Position child so that you can wash his back and buttocks (roll him onto his side and prop with a rolled towel)
Check water temperature again and change if necessary
Roll child onto his back and then apply a small amount of soap to a washcloth for washing the genitalia area
Rinse the genitalia area and pat dry with a clean towel

Next, apply warm lotion to your child’s skin (I like to put the lotion bottle immersed in a basin tub with hot water to warm while I am giving the bath)
After you have finished, remove the bath towels from underneath your child by rolling him onto his side and pushing them underneath his side, then roll him over to the other side and pull the towel out and away
Dress your child

How to give a tub bath

Gather your materials such as soap, shampoo, and conditioner, washcloth, large bath towel, a favorite bath toy, and take them to the bathroom. Have a change of clothes ready at the bedside.

Ideally, this is where the Hoyer lift and the bath chair will not only come in handy but make your life so much easier as well as your child’s The Mangar Surfer Bather Bath Lift Chair is an ideal bath chair to have on hand. You can find it at CareGiver Products.com. Install this bath chair according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Image source: CaregiverProducts.com

A side note about this bath chair. This bath chair elevates and lowers with the touch of a waterproof handheld control. It has an adjustable backrest that allows your child to lie down at the bottom of the bath. The seat provides secure support for getting in and out as well as during the bath. It has side rails and leg straps and there is an optional adjustable pommel for added leg support.

Per the manufacturer:

Mangar Surfer Bather Bath Lift Chair Specifications:

Maximum User Height: 4 feet, 5 inches.
Overall Length: 44 inches.
Seat height: 3.25 to 19 inches.
Platform Width: 14.5 to 26.5 inches.
Backrest Angle: 0 to 70 degrees.
Item weight: 19 lbs.
Maximum User Weight: 112 lbs.

Okay, now let’s get started. These directions as the above, are intended to be used if your child is at the age where he is too big to manually lift safely but not to be over 112 pounds.

Start with playtime as noted above and have soft, soothing music playing. I found this really works well for the child’s mood and frame of mind.
Have bath water ready with the water warm to the touch, not hot (test water first before bathing your child)
Next, get your Hoyer lift and bring it to your child’s bedside. You can find directions on the link for the Hoyer lift. Place the child in the transfer swing.

Bring your child to the bath seat/chair, rotate Hoyer lift sling to where your child is parallel to the bath seat.
Gently lower him down into the bath seat and unhook the sling.
Next, use the bath seat straps to secure your child in the seat.
Give your child a few minutes to just enjoy being in the bath and play games with him (bath time should be fun)
Proceed with washing him starting with his face, eyes, forehead, cheeks, nose, neck, and ears (no soap)
Next, wash his hair carefully to not get soap in his eyes or ears
Wash the rest of his body starting with the arms and working your way down

When finished, dry him off with a large bath towel and also drying his hair
Bring Hoyer lift to the bathtub, place the child in the sling (see directions in the link above for Hoyer lift)
Hook sling to Hoyer lift and bring the child to bedside
Gently lower sling into the bed, unhook when the child is in bed
Dress your child

My closing thoughts

In my nursing career working at a hospital, I have taken care of many children with severe spastic cerebral palsy. The techniques as I have listed above, work very nicely. The Hoyer (mechanical) lift and the bath chair are very necessary items you will need to have at home to care for your child in the safest way. Never try to carry your child without the help of another person or the Hoyer lift. Always think safety first and that includes you too! I have attached the link for the Hoyer lift below. And, if you need the bath chair, click this link to take you to CareGiver Products.com.

Purchase yours here!

Hoyer lift

Questions or comments?

Please leave me your questions or comments in the comment section below and I will get back to you as fast as I can!

It is my joy in helping you care for your child,

Evelyn