Has anyone used a harness to help their baby learn to crawl?

[ntt]

Hi, I've been supporting him under his chest with my hands while he tries to scamper along the carpet but it's killing my back and kness so I need to buy a harness thingy for his upper body so I can support him whilst I'm standing up. Any recommendations? Thanks

Don't have a special needs child but thought I would post and bump this for you. I am not sure what special needs your son has but children without special needs tend to crawl when they are ready. However, if you need to use one how about trying one of the regular toddler harness reins available cheaply from places like Wilkinsons, Ethel Austin and Woolworths, etc.

Thanks Helsi, Basically, his motor trouble is low tone - hypotonia - and needs to build up the strength in his arms and develop the pattern of crawling. I will be doing this exercise with him quite a lot so need a harness that won't cut into him around his shoulders and chest, so it will need to be quite well padded.

could you make one? Not sure how but something nice and soft with long handles for you. Im thinking something similar to a dolls wrap up carry thing but bigger and longer handles..
a flatter version of \link{http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Baby-Annabell-Carrier-Doll-Holder_W0QQitemZ9513226708QQcategoryZ64848QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem\this}, but stronger and safer

I was thinking more along the lines of \link{http://www.kiddicare.com/invt/xdlclpadjustharnessl\this}, but it would have to be a lot more padded and with a larger area over the chest. I tried to make one from a length of fleece but failed

coiuld you get ordinary reins and just pad them out with fleece?

Could you use a wrap sling? They're wide and soft so won't dig in anywhere (and guess you might even have one already). Might need to get creative with the wrapping technique though.

Hiya !

What about a Baby bjorn ntt (modified if needed), as the basis for a cradle / sling thingy ?

I suppose I'll have to do that starlover if I can't find anything better.

Tried that with my Ellaroo wrap Mrsb crossing over at the chest, which was too bulky, then with a narrower length of fleece, but this didn't work because it kind of scissored up around his neck. I just don't have time to get too creative with making one unfortunately.

Hi Hub! I have a baby bjorn but the support it offers is too low. I could chop it up and stuff, but by the time I'd finished (which I don't have time for anyway) and replaced the straps, which are too short and wide for my purposes (I want to be standing), there'd hardly be anything left of it, but something as padded as that would be great

Could you sew a sleeved and legged babygro to a length of material, like a stork's sack holding a baby IYSWIM ?

ntt have you tried an OT
or phoned the wheelchair centre
as they have all types of harnesses available.
OT can make referral for you
or portage can do this
good luck
xxx

Lol Hub - thought along those lines already too much sewing involved again I'm afraid! I need something I can whip on and off with whatever he's wearing otherwise I won't do it as often as I think I should.

DSW, we so far only seen a physio, but I asked her about it today. She said she wouldn't recommend one at all and to stick to using a rolled up towel under his chest and giving him tummy time on the floor (I think she's a bit old fashioned and stuck in her ways bless her - she's retiring in a couple of weeks anyway). But I know he loves trying to crawl when I hold him and know that it works for him. We in the middle of being referred though and I'm due to meet a new team any day now including a new physio and ot (I think). I haven't asked about portage, but I will - I'll have anything going! Thanks x