Favorite Products
Arts & Crafts
Wobe Finger Crayons for Toddlers
The only crayons our son can hold successfully with his palm grasp. His coloring motion is more of a hit-tap than a stroke, and these are our long-time favorites.
Shuffle Art Dot Markers
Dot markers are another great product for kids who can’t hold a traditional writing/coloring tool! These are a staple in his art class at school.
OT/Sensory
Boao 4 Pieces Toothbrush 3 Sided 7.1 Inch Autism Sensory Toothbrush 360 Degree Cleaning
We love these 3-sided tooth brushes because they let you get in and out quickly. They’re the only ones our son will let us use!
babygoal Baby Neutral Pacifier Clips
We attached denim thread to these pacifier clips for an instant “chewy” alternative, strong enough to handle strong teeth!
Singer 67120 Blue Jean Thread
Our O.T. came up with this idea to redirect our son from pulling on our hair. At that time, he was also pulling out strands of our carpet with his teeth. Since it’s used for jeans, denim thread is extra strong. We attached the thread to pacifier clips we connected to his clothing. He could pull on it with his teeth continually and it was able to withstand the tension.
Safety
Danmar Softshell Helmet
As a sensory head-hitter, our son can only crawl with this on his head to keep him safe.
Lots of colors/sizes available.
VTech Communications DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
Our son’s reflux worsens overnight, so this monitor has been a staple for catching it quickly.
UCOMFEEL Waterproof Stadium Seat Cushions with Cut-in-Handle, 15.4x13x1.2 inches, Lightweight & Portable Foam Stadium Seat Pad
With a sensory seeker, we always have to be watching for head hitting. If the soft helmet isn’t readily available, these are great to use in a pinch to use as a barrier for safety.
Geyoga 2 Pairs Kids Long Compression Leg Sleeves Long Knee Sleeves UV Protection
The only thing we’ve found to withstand crawling and protect knees – even at the beach!
Diaper-Changing Tolerance
DOg Cone for Small, Medium, and Large Dogs and Cats
This one always warrants a bit of an explanation!
Have you ever tried to put on the diaper of a ten-year-old, who resists at every cost? When our dog had minor surgery, we found him a comfortable soft cone. That soft cone gave us the idea to get one more … but this time, to try with our son and his increasingly-difficult diaper changes.
And you know what? It worked.
That is, until his arms grew long enough to eventually reach around the cone.
The school also appreciated the fact that it offered our son a bit of a privacy boundary during his diaper changes.
Portable Changing Pad – Waterproof Baby changing Mat – lArge Size 25.5″x31.5″
The biggest diaper changing pad we’ve found, and it still folds down small enough to fit in the diaper bag.
If you know what it’s like to change a diaper on a public bathroom floor, you’ll be glad you have one this large, and machine washable!
Adaptive Clothing: * For the clothing Escape Artists, and those who need G-Tube Access
Overalls: Mud Kingdom Cotton Overalls
Other colors/sizes available.
Before our son realized he could “escape” from overalls, overalls like these worked beautifully. This particular pair isn’t meant for cold weather, but its light, soft feel was a staple in our house during the fall and spring. Our escape artist uses crawling as his main method of mobility at home, and overalls allowed him that freedom, but in pants he couldn’t crawl out of.
A favorite brand: Special Kids Company
Why we love it: high-quality clothing with G-Tube access options!
Every time our son wears one of his Special Kids Company G-tube access bodysuits to therapy, we’re asked where we got it. They always want to recommend the brand to other families!
Kaycey Short Sleeve Knee Length Jumpsuit, Tube Access, Zipback, SPeical Needs Adaptive CLothing, Cotton
Another favorite we’ve used consistently with our clothing escape artist. To further prevent getting into the diaper, we’ll typically put a pair of form-fitting boxer briefs over his diaper, and then fasten the onesie over top of his boxer briefs.
Kaycey Popper Vest – Sleeveless with Gtube Access
The sleeveless option is great on its own in the hot summer months, and makes a great base layer to go under long-sleeves when it’s cold. The bottom of the onesie mimics full-coverage underwear or boxer briefs, and pairs well with the pants of your choosing. Our go-to option for pants is always something with a cinch or tie at the waste to keep them from being easily removed.
Keeping Diapers On: Naked NoMore®One Piece Romper Back Zipper Bodysuit Pajamas Escape Proof Adaptive Clothing (Mom’s Choice Award Winner)
This one is perfect for nap times! Our son will request, “Bed,” when he wants some quiet time or is feeling dysregulated, as well. This zip-back bodysuit (which we put on top of his clothes) gives us peace of mind. He can relax for a bit, and we won’t be surprised by a removed diaper and a big mess upon re-entering his room.
Elite Sports Kids Wrestling Youth Singlet, Standard
Another option for covering clothing, when you just need your child to keep their clothes on!
Pajamas
Prince of SLeep Hooded Jumpsuit Pajamas for Boys
Around age 10, our son was big and strong enough to overcome all of the tricks that had previously kept him out of his diapers. We wanted to let him crawl (but also keep his pants on!) so he now wears a lot of one-piece pajamas in the colder months. This way, access to his diaper isn’t an option. The zip front allows for quick and easy G-Tube access, as well.
Note: When he does eventually learn to work around zippers, we’re in trouble!
City Threads Boys’ and Girls’ Union Suit Thermal Underwear Long John
Other Styles/sizes available
So soft and cozy, and the light fabric is perfect for warmer months!
Vopmocld Unisex Kids Button Down Pajama Sets Short Sleeve & Shorts Solid Color Teens Outfit with Pockets Lounge Sets
Other colors/sizes available.
Our favorite set for hospital stays. Due to leads, IVs, and monitors, only clothing options that don’t need to go over the head or block access to the torso can be used.
These pajamas check all of the boxes, and are super soft and comfy!
Ankle/Foot Orthotics (Afo Bracing)
Billy Full-Zip Shoes
This is the official Billy Shoes website, though if you google, “Billy Shoes for kids,” you can usually find them for sale all over the internet.
SMARTKNIT Seamless AFO Interface Socks 3 Pack – Child Sizes
The only socks we’ve ever used with the AFO braces.
Outdoor Weather Gear
Tuga Baby/Toddler UV 400 Sunglasses with Two Adjustable Straps and Case (0-5 Years)
Sunglasses that stay on for little ones! Our son has Cortical Vision Impairment and very sensitive eyes, so these were a staple.
Polarized Sunglasses for Kids
These don’t fall off as easily as other brands, and protect sensitive eyes! These became our new favorite when our boys outgrew the Tuga baby sunglasses.
Reusable Rain Poncho Raincoat
Easy, over-the-head option for kids who are averse to wearing coats!
Wisdompro Mitten Clips, 2 Pack Adjustable Glove Clips
Without these, our son would end up throwing a glove each and every time. The strap goes behind the back, so if the gloves are removed they have nowhere to go.
Special Kids Company: Wheelchair Cosy Blanket
Different styles/colors available.
This is the link for the official website, though we found ours for sale on Amazon.
Why we love it: Velcro straps can be secured around the wheelchair arms, which help the blanket stay put and keep our son from throwing it off. It is truly waterproof and warm, perfect for rainy days or cold weather, and is machine-washable.
Bramble Fleece Wheelchair Blanket for Lower Body (Universal Fit) – Waterproof Blankets for Adults & Kids
Great for longer periods outside in cold weather.
This one goes down in the wheelchair/stroller before your child. Unzip open and lay out over the seat. Once your child is in their wheelchair (or stroller), the sides then come together to zip in the middle and keep them nice and cozy! This blanket was a lifesaver during a family trip to Chicago.
On-The-Go Accessories
Car Tissue Holder with Facial Tissues Bulk – Car Tissues Cylinder
These fit beautifully in wheelchair/stroller cup holders. Our child loves tissues, so we have them at-the-ready wherever we go!
GEARV 2Pack Cup Holder for Bike, Scooter and Wheelchair, Water Bottle Holder
Our go-to holder for tissues (and water bottles). They attach to the stroller without falling off – unlike the screw-on mechanisms we’ve tried.
We’ve attached these to all of our strollers and wheelchairs over the years, also giving us extra storage when we’re out and about!
Accmor Universal Stroller Organizer with Insulated Cup Holder
Our favorite storage option for the back of the wheelchair. It’s small enough to fit plenty of items, and still get a backpack on the back of the wheelchair for school, or a diaper bag.
TanzDom 12 Pack Kids Hand Sanitizer Holder Keychain, Empty Travel Size Bottle with Silicone Keychain Holder
We attach these to the wheelchair, stroller, diaper bag, and our boys’ backpacks!
Buffland Car Seat Organizer – Backseat Organizer
We use this as a car diaper-changing station. We hang it on the back of a rear seat in our wheelchair van, and it’s filled with diapers, wipes, a changing pad, etc.
J.L. Childress Cool ‘N Cargo Stroller and Wagon Cooler and Organizer – Universal Fit – Insulated – Attaches to Strollers, Wagons, Walkers and Wheelchairs – Large Capacity
This is a cooler bag option we use on the back of the wheelchair when we take G-tube feeds and feeding supplies along. Also a great option for multiple water bottles or bringing along snacks.
HighnessHwoo Extra Long Seatbelt Covers
Whether he’s in his wheelchair or booster seat, this seatbelt strap cover ensures the belt won’t rub at the neck (or anywhere else).
Stroller Hooks for Hanging Diaper Bags – Mommy Stroller Clip and Stroller Accessories Organizer Hook – Large Carabiner Clips
We have wipes/sanitizer hanging on one side, and our Emergency Medication bag on the other. These allow for easy transfer of those items between the wheelchair and stroller as needed.
G-Tube Maintenance and Feeding
Mepilex 294899 Transfer Soft Silicone Exudate Transfer Dressing, 6″ x 8″ Size
Our go-to dressing to keep the G-tube site clean and dry. We cut these sheets into 4s, and then cut a slit into each one to prepare 4 dressings per sheet. The backside is adhesive to ensure the Mepilex stays put (but is also easily removable).
McKesson Split Sponges, I.V. and Tracheostomy Dressings
Perfect size to fit around the G-Tube button, and pre-slit for easy use! Throw a piece of medical tape over the split side to help ensure it won’t move.
Calmoseptine Ointment Tube
We rarely have issues with granulation tissue (skin breakdown) around the G-tube site. I believe it’s because we apply Calmoseptine with a Q-tip at the first sign of irritation, then cover it with Mepilex or a split-gauze dressing. It turns things around quickly, so that it doesn’t progress into a bigger issue.
Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Containers, 7 Cup
Once or twice a week, we make enough of our son’s G-Tube recipe to last about 6 days. While a little more work up front, it definitely saves us time when we don’t have to make it daily. We make each recipe in one of these tupperware containers, then mix ingredients together with a hand blender. Any extra stays in the tupperware containers (refrigerated) until we’re ready to use it.
Medela Breastmilk Collection and Storage Bottles 8oz (250ml)
Our son gets 7 oz of prepared G-tube food, 4 times a day. We pour the pre-made recipe into these bottles so that we have ready-to-grab 7oz portions.
HomeyGear 32 oz – 8 Pack Twist Top Food Deli Containers Screw And Seal Lids
Our go-to vessel for bottle warming before G-Tube feeds. Just fill with hot water, and warm the feed for about 5 minutes! Note: We only use the lids when we use these tupperware containers as -actual- tupperware containers.
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bottles, 12 Pack of 2.7 Ounce Containers, Leak Proof Lids
These are the containers we use for pre-mixing daily medicine. With so many medications to manage, we pre-mix our son’s daily doses and keep refrigerated until needed.
Colored Masking Tape, Colored Painters Tape for Arts & Crafts, Labeling or Coding
Our son gets pre-mixed medications three times each day. To help ensure we’re giving the right medication, we color-code the bottles and label them as follows:
1 – Green tape (Morning medicine, first of the day)
2 – Yellow (Mid-day medications)
3 – Red (Night medicine, third of the day)
HOMER Set of 6 Refrigerator Organizer Bins, Pantry Organization and Storage Bins
We store our ready-to-go G-Tube bottles in one of these fridge organizers, and our son’s pre-mixed daily medications in another. This prevents bottles from getting shuffled around the refrigerator, and also helps keep us organized.
Weekly Pill Organizer, 3-Times-A-Day 7 Day Pill Box Large Compartments Moisture-Proof Pill Case
This is how we organize my son’s daily tablet medications. By pre-sorting them, our preparation process is more efficient, and also provides us a visual as to when medications will need to be refilled.
B&C Home Goods Pill Crusher – Stainless Steel Pill Grinder
The most effective pill crusher we’ve found, because it actually works!
EZY DOSE 3 Compartment Pill Crusher, Cutter and Grinder
Our other favorite pill crusher (best with single pills or small quantities). I also love that it has a pill cutter built into the top, and a small storage compartment underneath, making it a great option for travel.
MIYCOO Lunch Bag & Lunch Box for Women Men, Double Deck Leakproof Insulated Soft Large
We use this to transport our son’s G-Tube feeds to and from school. I put an extra feeding bolus and tubing set in the top pocket, G-Tube feeds with rinse water in the main compartment, and extra Mepilex or split gauze dressings in the front pocket. Having a designated bag for sending foods back and forth is a huge help for everyone.
Reflux & Incontinence
ATDAWN 50 Pack Emesis Bag, Disposable
If your child has frequent reflux, these are an absolute blessing – easy to store, and easy to have on-hand wherever you are.
MILDPLUS Bed Pads with Adhesive Strips 30”X36”, 30 Count | Extra Large XL Underpads | Secure & Waterproof Chucks for Incontinence Care
Disposable and great for travel. The adhesive strips on the sides are strong, and keep the pad in place. If unsoiled, we can keep one on our son’s diaper-changing day bed for about a week before it needs replaced. It also works well on a bed to protect from reflux. These are a smart choice for travel – much easier to pack and to bring along than the thicker waterproof pads we use at home to save beds from reflux.
GORILLA GRIP Washable Underpads, 76×34 Waterproof Reusable Heavy Absorbency Incontinence Bed Pads
These are great for adding a protective layer to beds, and they’ve saved us from an entire bed change on many, many occasions. Also machine washable.
BlueSnail Quilted Thicker Waterproof Changing Pad Liners 3 Count
Perfect for covering small spots of reflux on beds.
First Aid
VNOX Medical Alert ID Bracelets
The boys wear these when we’re out and about. You can personalize them to your child’s medical emergencies, and they’re waterproof.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment
One of our staples for constantly-dry lips.
Digital Thermometer for Adults and Kids, No Touch Forehead Thermometer
Our consistent favorite!
Banana Boat Sport Kids Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, 0.5oz | Travel Size, Oxybenzone Free
Our favorite sunscreen for quick face application, with resistant kids!
MEDMAX Epipen Medical Carrying Case, Hard Shell EVA Shock Absorption Travel Medication Organizer Bag Emergency Medical Pouch
We use this case to hold our boys’ emergency seizure medications when we’re out and about. We attach it to the stroller or wheelchair with a big stroller clip, making it easy to move back and forth between stroller and wheelchair as needed. The hard-shell case protects their bolused medication, especially, from damage.
Organization
Sooez Clipboards with Storage, High Capacity Clip Boards 8.5×11
I keep my most pressing to-do item clipped on top, and other important papers or to-do tasks inside the storage compartment until they’re ready to be filed.
Lateral File Cabinet with 4 Drawers Farmhouse File Cabinet for Letter/Legal/A4 Size
Yes, we have easily filled this filing cabinet with our boys’ medical paperwork, keeping specialist and therapy notes organized and easy to find.
50 Personalized Adhesive Labels to Mark Objects 2.3 x 0.4 in. Waterproof Stickers
We love these for quick labeling of supplies, and they work great for adding name labels to the G-Tube feed bottles we send to school.