4MyChild: Help and Hope for Life

November 16, 2006

Adaptive Clothing for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy sometimes have special challenges when it comes to finding clothing that is comfortable and easy to wear. Finding clothes that “work” can be a challenge. Helping a special needs child pick out clothing can be made easier by keeping some ideas in mind. The two most important factors are how easily they can be put on and comfort.

Many companies offer “adaptive clothing” or special needs clothing. Adaptive clothing is clothing that takes into account special needs such as sitting in a wheel chair and special openings and closures. Jeans will have a lower rise in front and higher in the back. Clothes may have a bib front or back closures and offer special features like a wider mitten for clenched hands.

You can also buy clothing “off the rack” and look for some of the features below.
Choose clothing’s that will go over the head easily, avoid turtlenecks! T-shirts and sweatshirts with a large neck opening are ideal, the stretch makes it easier to put on.

Clothing with Velcro is popular, but many kids find it scratchy and frankly it doesn’t hold up in the wash that well. Because there are more chances of food spills more frequent washing are usually necessary and Velcro closures don’t service constant washings.
Snaps work well, but be careful of snaps containing nickel, this metal is a known allergen and can cause skin irritation. Snaps that are attached to its own piece of fabric are better then snaps attached directly to fabric, they tend to tear out and won’t last as long.

Avoid clothes that are bulky or bunch up. Take away the worry of clothes that get caught or bunch up during transfers by buying clothes that fit and don’t add a lot of bulk.

Look for clothes that absorbent. Cotton is your best bet. Look for clothes that can absorb accidental spills and leaks. Cut out tags and labels that might irritate skin.

Here are some sites that sell adaptive clothing for children:
http://www.makoa.org/clothing.htm

http://www.wheelchairjeans.com/