Speical Needs Baby

What about swim lessons? Water therapy is wonderful for special needs babies. I can help you with getting this set up at a YMCA here in Charlotte.

Please don't feel like a horrible mother. A friend of mine has a daughter in the same situation. I recently bought her 5-in-1 adjustable play gym at Toys R Us. She loves it. She lays on her back and has so much fun playing with it. Any toys that he can play with on his tummy that lights up or makes music should really fascinate him. Please let me know how it works out.

Get him some toys that he can use in his development as he learns to crawl and hold things. Maybe even an exercise gym or something so that he can strengthen his muscles which is so important to being able to crawl and eventually walk. you might want to ask his therapist for some ideas.

Hi Kasamdra, I have worked with specal need children for 25 years. I think a lot of people are right on target. You will get your most responce from sensory at this point in his life. Massage using lotion. We use lights, smells, and things children can taste. I have seen Therpist put things that are sweet,sour, and of different textures.We also use sign language to commuicate. You can put things in his hand and assist him, like play dough. Most of all you are not a bad mother. This is just a learning experence. M.'s Mother

Maybe a floor mat with the rattles and such forth that connect to it. He can use the mat by itself for tummy time and lie on his back and play with the other toys. Also maybe a cuddle you pillow (Walmart brand boppy pillow) it has a place where you sit the baby down in it and it will provide back support, my son even slept in his until he was 4 months old! Or maybe even something that attaches to the side of his crib with lights and music. I saw someone recommended Baby Einstein. I have to tell you to this day it is the only thing my son will sit still and watch and he's almost two. I got the box set on Ebay at a buy it now price of $25.00 plus about $20.00 in shipping, which isn't bad for 16 DVDs that go for about $15.00 a piece at Walmart!! I hope I was some help and by the way no one thinks you are a bad mother, you are doing the best you can and it is very obvious you love your son very much or you wouldn't even worry about being a bad mother!!

They have these wonderful little play mats that you can lay him on his tummy and he can play with the attached things. It is for smaller babies but would be good to teach reaching and moving and colors and sounds. Don't be embarassed about buying toys that are below his age group. Focus on how much it might help him.

Just a thought - my son loves the baby einstein series of videos! He watched those from the time he was a newborn and still watches them and he almost 4! They are extremely educational and fun! Now, they also sell toys which mimic many of the nursery rhymes, etc from the videos. Those are great fun,too. Also, god bless you for having 8 children ! You must have your hands full! Good luck with everything!

Have you looked at any of the Discovery Toys? They are expensive but very well made. They have a great variety for all ages and abilities. I just bought my son something from this rep, her website is www.kriskodttoys.com
Good Luck with hsi Birthday!

How about some simple board books? I know your son won't be able to look at them himself, but he may like looking at the pictures with you. Before my son could sit up, my husband or I would lie down on the floor next to him, hold a book up over him and read to him. Maybe your son would like that? Your other kids could read to him, too. Hope that helps and happy birthday to your son!

Your not a horrible mother* Get toys with lights and sounds something you could help him with to get his attention. something with lots of colors and sounds. Go to the fisher price website check things out there.

does he have a bumbo seat? a friend had a son with similiar issues and the therapist recommended the bumbo to allow him to be up to build up his muscles and work on reaching for things. He probably has one but have you considered a floor gym or something with dangling toys also to allow him to practice reaching. Does he support his head on his arms already? if not what about a boppy or other supoprt pillow to help him build his neck and upper body muscles.

If you have a DVD player what about the signing time videos, they teach ASL. I know he may not have speech delays as well or even be able to do sign language but I USE SIGN LANGUAGE WITH MY CHILDRen and it really helps them communicate earlier and avoid frustration and they love the catchy tunes in these dvds. a big plus is that my older kids like them too so learn a 2nd language and try and teach them to the little one. Plus it may get him trying to imitate so move his hands/practice moving them in a purposeful manner

Have you seen those seats called Bumbos? You can sit babies up in them that cannot sit up on their own. They are really cool. Maybe he would like something like that so he can feel like a "big boy". I wouldn't worry too much about finding the perfect gift for him. My baby is turning 1 next month, and I don't think she will remember an hour after opening her gifts what she got. Don't stress.

A.

I know this is late but...

At that age your son doesn't know the difference. If he has clothes and toys he's happy. I would start a savings account and put money in there for him. Now people are going to start giving him money and you can save it!

I would suggest something with lights and music. They would help stimulate his mind and maybe even encourage improvement of his motor skills. A good place to look for ideas would be http://www.fisher-price.com/us/ or http://www.littletikes.com/infant-toys.asp or even http://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=2255956

Hi. I know you already told us what happened, but I wanted to help out too :)

What age level is he on? I would buy age appropriate toys for that. Does he have a baby gym- you know the things they lay under and can look up at the toys? He may like that. Also, ask his physical thearpist to suggest some things. I nannyed for a special needs baby once and her thearpist was always telling her parents new things to buy.

Good luck! Dont feel bad, you sounds like a great mom!!

Its okay.. You aren't a bad mom. Maybe get things to encourage those activites.. But also, books, we got my daughter these soft blocks when she was younger. They have a Ring attached and they had a clear side too. Maybe a Gym that will encourage reaching out.

You aren't a horrible mother by far. I think everyone has suggested great things for him. You may want to talk to his therapist and find out what she would suggest that may aid in his improvement. Don't go over board, just remember he is only turning 1 and a lot of parents I know personally spent way too much on an abundance amount of toys that the children never even needed nor used. Good luck and remember the most vauluable thing that he needs for his birthday is you and his family.

Hi,
I completely understand your frustration. My daughter is four and she has special needs too, she has Rett Syndrome, and does not sit up, crawl, walk or talk. I try to get her toys that make sound, she seems to like them. Like a musical keyboard she can play with while lying on the floor. Also, she has those toys for babies...the things that stand up in the floor with toys that hang from it, and you lay the baby under it so it can reach up and play. They may be good for your son to increase his arm strength, too. Toys r us has a section on their online store for "differently abled" kids. You might want to check that out, too. Good luck.
T.