Shopping Trolley

[Tiggywunkle]

I had to put my 18 month old with hypotonia into a shopping trolley seat yesterday and it simply didn't work because he kept flopping to one side or the other. Our OT was here today and between us we are hoping we can come up with some solution. Ideally maybe some clip on side bars that would give him some "sides" to stop him flopping?? He can sit unaided very well BTW. We think the cloth shopping trolley inserts wouldn't work but we have no experience of these. Has anyone got any bright ideas to help please!

Thanks in advance!

We use a scarf as a sort of cumberband, round tummy under arms through the wires on backrest of seat and tie. It is no good if too floppy but kind of does ok for us as a bit of stability, it stops him from ending up going to one side and slumping down.

our local sainsburys has trolleys for children with special needs - can accomodate bigger children and has 5 point harness - I think they were provided after local parent asked and campaigned for them - I wish I could find a picture and know that doesn't help you in immediate future but worth a check.

Also try this charity www.remap.org.uk/ they may well have come across it, they have a database of ideas, might be a solution involving something that has another use or they could make something? - I only suggest it because it sounds like you might need a longer term solution to support ds

some foam blocks to wedge in as 'sides'?

when ds was tiny we used to take a couple hand towels and rolled them up for the sides and used one rolled one arched under the crotch with ends sticking out with each leg. Gave him a sort of bumper support :)

we used a highchair insert that had padded sides,

Like Incy, our sainsbury's has disabled child trolleys. THey are kept in the area between the two sets of doors rather than wiuth the "general" trolleys. THat said they are a nightmare to push!

The scarf idea could work if I can tie it tightly up each side. Thanks. A highchair insert may work if its firm, but the one we have is quite floppy at the sides. I will have a look though :)
Funnily enough the Remap man was here when I was recounting the tale to our OT and he did say he would go and have a look at the trolleys after seeing us but he hasn't mentioned it in a subsquent conversation. I must ask him.
I did ask the supermarket, Tesco, to look into if anything was available. They have an almost adult sized trolley for people with special needs. I asked for something between the baby size and the adult size!

We have this harness which is very soft but wide and supportive. it can be used to secure in chairs so supermarket trollies too i am sure. Its the floppy head which is the danger with low tone. here

ps I got mine on ebay for 12.99 + 4.00 postage here

What about a good sling that you can wear him on your back in the supermarket? It takes a while to get the hang of flinging a toddler under your ARM and on to your back though.

Thanks. That chair harness would probably work if I can get it tight enough - a supermarket trolley seat isn't that big really.
I have slings but haven't been able to use them much with DS due to a back issue. But I had back ache from leaning over with one arm either side of him to stop him toppling anyway :)
I wonder if two bits of rope or the scarf could do the trick - something just needs to be tight enough to keep him from leaning beyond it.

The harness can accommodate even a narrow supermarket trolley, doesnt have to be a wide chair, its adjustable to any width. also has clips for safety.