5 Year Grandaughter Needs Clothes She Put on and off Herself.

Updated on December 09, 2017
C.A. asks from Saint Paul, MN
7 answers

she has some right/left and coordination special needs. Recommendations for type/brands/stores? Thanks

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So What Happened?

Thanks! She has lack of strength, reduced body coordination and on right side of body, plus spatial issues. She hasn't been able to figure out pulling up pants or putting on shirts over her head. She works with OT. With clothes recommended (pull-on pants and Tshirts) she may just need practice. She did learn to put on her own jacket with laying it on the floor/flipping method.

More Answers

D.B.

answers from Boston on

Target just rolled out a whole line of adaptive clothing for kids. Designer Tommy Hilfiger just did a big project on this too - I saw a report on TV. While his stuff might be more expensive, it might be worth it. If it's too much, you might get some ideas there and then see if you can find some alternative at lower cost.

They've gotten away from buttons and zippers and more into snaps and even magnets so things line up easily. There are also a lot of things without tags if she has any sensory issues.

Can she manage elastic waist pants herself? Sometimes just pulling up is much easier than doing a fly and a button. Otherwise the magnet-front shirts might be easier than a standard tee shirt or sweat shirt. Also, some kids can't figure out how to put their arms in the sleeves of an open-front shirt/jacket/coat, but they can learn the "jacket flip" where they lay the garment down and put their arms in the sleeves, then flip it over their heads. That's pretty standard in preschools and elementary schools, for neurotypical kids as well as those with coordination issues or other special needs.

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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Some of the Cat & Jack clothing at Target is adaptive and reasonably priced. If you check out their website, they have descriptions of the adaptive features. If you search for adaptive clothing, you may find some options that are good for her.

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

5 yr olds are still learning to dress themselves and often need help.

While I don't know what sort of clothes might be easier for her - what helped our son was his preschool/kindergarten had toys which helped to practice the things you needed to do in order to get dressed.

Some strips of cloth had buttons and button holes, snaps, others had zippers, a few had buckles, and they even had something to help them practice tying laces on their sneakers.

https://www.amazon.com/Lakeshore-Snap-Button-Dressing-Fra...

https://www.amazon.com/Lakeshore-Buckle-Lace-Dressing-Fra...

They look simple enough although a little pricey to buy.
It shouldn't be too hard to make your own versions to give as gifts to your granddaughter.

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

It's hard to know what to recommend because not sure exactly what the issue is. I have a relative who works in OT - I'd ask her if you could specify what the issues are. Is it fastening clothes or getting things over her head, etc.?

My kids just stuck to pull on pants (leggings and sweatpants) at that age and tee shirts.

Is that too challenging? if so, please elaborate.

Have you considered working with an OT specialist? My child had motor coordination issues and we had one work with her - made a huge difference. She gave us lots of helpful, practical advice and tips - she observed our child and made recommendations and came back (at our request only) after x amount of months. We kept in contact, and she and I decided together how we felt my child was progressing. I did the work in between with my child.

Just a thought :)

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B.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on this. There are a lot of inexpensive options to choose from. You start with her learning how to put on underwear. Learn how to get both legs through and pull them up. Make sure they are loose enough. After she masters underwear, pants are next as most of the skills she has learned with undies. Have her sit flat on the floor to get legs through then stand to pull up. Keep lessons short and fun.

T.D.

answers from Springfield on

please elaborate, can she put a simple t-shirt on by herself? what about sweat pants? those are affordable at walmart or target. target also has some leggings that look like jeans which should be easy to put on. at age 5 my kid wore sweats and tshirts everywhere except for school where they wear a uniform.

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N.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

She's still a little young to be completely independent while dressing but I understand she's at that age when she wants to do it all by herself.

There are tons of outfits out there right now, for Christmas, that have pull on pants and pull over tops.

Dollar General, Walmart, Penneys, Target, all sorts of stores in the shopping malls.

Teach her the tags go in back.

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