"Taylor Made"...

We were at Children's today for our regular therapy with Infant Team. Our little trooper got her very own "taylor made" hand splints today! Because she is still fisted most of the time with her thumbs still tucked in like a newborn, the OT (Occupational Therapist) recommended Thumb Extension Splints. The purpose of them is to keep her thumbs out of her palms and encourage grasping, which she still isn't doing (other than fingers).

The PT (Physiotherapist) said that it's wonderful to see how well Taylor is fixing and following, and that she thinks the smiles are coming, that's exciting. In therapy we continued working on positioning...

On her back "curled in"

• put rolled face cloths behind Taylor's shoulders to help bring her hands together and to help her reach
• put a towel roll under her bum to promote bringing her hands to her knees and help her discover the lower half of her body

Sidelying

• try to improve her tolerance of this position
• takes weight off the back of her head
• brings hands together

Tummy (bring her arms under her body and help lift her chest up)

• Taylor works on lifting her head, holding it up, and pushing up through her arms/shoulders

Supported Sitting

• give her high trunk support
• work on Taylor tucking her chin while pulling her up to sitting
• work on holding head at midline
• support her head and challenge her trunk with weight shifts

Carrying

• choose times to challenge her to hold her head while being held

Experience a variety of movements

• if adequately supported, Taylor may enjoy swinging, quick movements, etc.

Sitting in highchair

• round in the shoulders and support at hips