![]() Hello! Thanks all for giving this blog a read. I wanted to give you all a few ideas as far as using everyday items/good finds that could help you with your trach child (this blog will also mention items to use for babies/children who may have developmental delays as well.) DISCLAIMER - I am not a professional, doctor, or therapist. These are items I use for my Leo that I know benefit him and us! These are just some good buys, household items, etc. that I've found useful for raising him. 1.) Bean Bag- Get a bean bag. Just do it. Leo's PT at Dayton Children's was a complete angel and she gave us the idea to get Leo a bean bag after we discharged from the hospital for good. Originally, Leo could only nap in his Momma-Roo (Link for Momma Roo will be posted because though it is a little expensive, bubs LOVED it), but as he grew into a big toddler... he needed another place for his naps. He also does NOT like his crib. So we got a medium sized bean bag from Home Goods. He naps in it, we can mold it which helps while he practices being in an upright position, it helps him be more comfortable during as we can adjust the incline as needed by molding it. That way he is comfortable sitting up while also being able to challenge him. Everything I do for Leo, therapy-wise, I try to make a positive experience. For example, sitting up. He does not like it whatsoever. Yet, if I use the bean bag and slowly sit him up little by little he gets used to the incline. And he loves his bean bag, so using something he loves helps him adapt to that position and make it into a more positive experience He has a tomato seat which is pretty much a booster seat for him to practice with. Yet, it's hard, clunky, he is extremely upright, and he sinks into the seat making it uncomfortable. He always has a negative experience while practicing with it. He is a smart baby and knows when he is getting into it because within a couple minutes he will drop his heart rate. Whereas, if I use the bean bag, he may have a higher respiratory rate because he is still being challenged, but he doesn't mind it as much because he loves his bean bag. Thus, making his time practicing sitting up a more positive experience. 2.) Colander - A completely random item, I know! Yet, if you want to stimulate your baby, use this with natural sunlight from a window. Leo loves his night lights, but he can't see them during the day and if we shut off all the lights then he will definitely nap. Which isn't what we want when we try to stimulate him. Using the colander next to a window during the day makes Leo so excited and ready to play! Which means so much to me because with Leo working so hard to breathe everyday, he gets exhausted easily. 3.) Craft Filer - Again, Home Goods find, but I'm sure you could probably find something cheaper somewhere else. Anyways, this is a life-saver for organizing Leo's everyday medical equipment such as 2x2 gauzes for trach/g-tube care, sterile water cups, extra trachs for emergencies, suction catheters, and so much more! I think it can also look cute in the nursery as well. If you want to get really fancy.. then get a label maker. If you have other caregivers or nurses watching your child they will really appreciate this. This could also make or break an emergency. You will be so full of adrenaline and fear that the last thing you want to do is go crazy looking for something when you could just have had it organized/prepped before-hand. 4.) Pure Argan Oil - I know. RANDOM. Leo has extremely dry skin and nothing seemed to work to relieve his red, flaky skin. You will be in and out of the hospital due to admissions when your child is sick, and most hospitals are really dry. Leo's skin immediately reacts to the environment when we take him to the hospital. Even after a day or 2 admission, we will come back home and he will look so uncomfortable with his poor skin. (if you have this problem while visiting/staying at the hospital long-term, I recommend this product to you as well!) I personally use the pure argan oil and a body butter derived from argan oil. I tried an unscented argan oil body butter from Josie Maran's skin care line, and within hours - Leo's red patches on his tummy were completely gone. He had baby smooth skin which he has NEVER had. This product is expensive, but it goes a long way. I prefer this over the hydrocortisone that was prescribed to Leo as well. A link for the pure argan oil body butter that I use will be posted below. Well not too many things on the list, but I wanted to point out a few gems that I've found to be helpful with raising our bub. Again - not a professional. Just a few things that you don't have to buy or can find cheap online to help you on this journey. (I didn't post a link for the bean bag , colander, or craft filer because I thought those items would be pretty easy to find just by googling, and there is no specific brand I would recommend for any of those items) Thanks all for your time! Josie Maran Body Butter link: https://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/products/whipped-argan-oil-body-butter Momma Roo link: https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/4moms-reg-mamaroo-reg-4-classic-infant-seat-in-grey/1061817784
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AuthorPresley T. Cruz Archives
January 2021
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