Pediatric bathing aids alone bring in many questions - What kind of bathroom safety would it provide? What aids does it talk about? Is it an industry-specific name for grab rails and bars? Or it has something customized, especially for children, such as a bathtub for kids or children's chairs.
If you're thinking about such questions, then you're right on your point. Generally, bathroom aids are the term used for the elderly or the disabled ones. So, why do we use it to cater to the needs of special needs children? Here’s the answer.
The Need for Pediatric Bathing Safety
Special needs children generally have decreased muscle and are fragile. So, they require equipment that would protect them whether in the tub or toileting. Besides, children who experience tremors require a great deal of support to prevent injury. Limitation in trunk support also requires positioning support.
Bathrooms also tend to have wetter surfaces, increasing the risk of falls. Hence, pediatric bathing aids.
Protection is not the only reason to choose pediatric bathing aids. It also provides comfort and support. It makes the bathing experience soothing and less painful for the children.
So, how to choose pediatric bathroom safety?
What to Look for When Choosing Bathroom Pediatric Safety
Pediatric bathing aids come in a variety of configurations that can suit several needs. Here's what to consider:
Will you train the child for the toilet?
Bathroom aids such as a toileting system allow you to convert the equipment in the shower off of the toilet, over the toilet, or remove the base to use on the top of the toilet. This kind of flexible aid makes it easy for children. Also, it would curb the need for multiple products.
Toileting or bathing?
Do you know that you can use most of the pediatric aids for both - bathing and toileting? However, some of the aids offer more adaptation. It could be a lucrative option for parents who are looking for aids for both the process. The two-in-one solution will cut the cost.
While choosing one, look for a seat that would offer toileting adjustment for positioning with tilt-in-space.
What would be the best position for the child?
It may happen that you can't tilt your child for better access or positioning. In that case, an aid that provides full tilt maneuverability would be best. While choosing the aid, make sure that it offers various accessories to customize the amount of support required.
Tub or shower?
Using aids in the tub presents a different kind of challenge than using aids in the shower. For instance, if a kid has complex seating, seating in the tub may create a lot of pressure and pain. In such cases, children's chairs for the bathroom could be an effective solution. Also, when we talk about tubs, the caregiver would have to lift the child in and out of the tub, which can be difficult and painful if the child has fragile and weak muscles.
So, you need to look for aids that could tackle this problem. However, you need to consider your tub size while choosing the aid. Also, check how reclined you want to see for the child, and lastly, consider the child's ability in terms of motion, tone, and positioning. Go for a bath seat that will provide recline options as well as support.
What about growth spurts?
While choosing the pediatric bathing aid, you need to consider your child's growth. A piece of equipment that's good for the present won't be helpful next year. So choose one that's flexible and can be adjusted for size as the child grows. It would not only reduce your efforts but also help financially. Flexible equipment that costs high but can be used for 5-6 years or more is a profitable investment.
That's it!
Consider these points and choose the right pediatric bathing aid for your child.
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Summary
While choosing the pediatric bathing aid, make sure that they keep the child safe and provide support. Also, they should reduce the efforts of the caregiver.
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