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Today's post however is on yesterday's sewing project...arm restraints. Yes. I can't believe it either. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sewing custom arm restraints for my daughter. But here we are.
Every day I have to change out her trach ties (aka the straps that go around her neck to hold the tracheostomy in). I usually swaddle Maaike in a receiving blanket to get the job done, but she has now figured out how to wriggle her arms out. Last week as I was cleaning the wound area she got one of her arms out, reached up, and decannulated herself (aka pulled the tracheostomy out of her throat!)! I stayed calm and cool in the moment, but after I got it back in her neck I let myself have a freak out. As trach kids get older it becomes more common, often as an attention ploy, but 7 months is a little young for that. So, for now, arm restraints it is. But, at least I made it pretty!
Oh my goodness! She is so cute! I love the pretty arm restraints. :) How did you make them?
ReplyDeleteThey are as simple as a rectangle of fabric with velcro on opposite ends. Simple, but as you can see, effective.
ReplyDeleteThis post hits close to home. When you have a special needs child you find yourself making alot of things you never thought of. I have recently made "onezies" for a 6 year old. My daughter is six and will still play in her dirty diapers at night if she's not in a onezie. They don't make onzies in a size 6. I used little boys tank top undershirts. What a blessing my sewing skills have been with her. Good luck. And remember your not the only one in this boat. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAt least she's not screaming. :-) She actually looks pretty happy.
ReplyDeleteSo nice you could spend time with your sister. My sister and I just spent 4 days together too.
You should post a tutorial. So many kids with medical issues have to be restrained. Cleft kids usually end up wearing arm restraints called "No Nos". Elle easily wiggled out of hers. Yours looks much more effective.
ReplyDeleteOnly you could make arm restraints adorable! Glad you found a solution! And she looks quite fond of them!
ReplyDeleteShe looks so happy! I'm tearing up a bit thinking of the moments I've had with my baby girl where I had to keep a smile on in front of her, calmly 'fix' the situation and then freak out once I knew she was safe again—it's so hard! Thank you for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteI know how it goes with the things you never thought you need to do with sick children and how they kind of become normal. I think it is an amazing idea and was also thinking of what a wonderful swaddler for newborns - so easy for new mums to use.
ReplyDeleteThere were many times I could have used that. I alway ended up fighting the hands. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Idea! Good Job Mom!
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