Modified clothes and pjs

[Karen S.]

Hi Tracy.

When Hannah was in the hospital, I spent 3 months trying to figure out how to modify her clothes for her pulse ox probe, feeding tube, etc. Instead, I decided to only buy outfits that would allow easy access to these items. I bought pjs with feet, but with snaps instead of a zipper. The probe and her feeding tube fit perfectly between the 2 snaps. She was also unable to get her little hands on them as well.

Now almost 3 years later, she no longer has a feeding tube, but we use the pulse ox probe every night. She does not like pjs with feed, so I instead wait until she is sleeping, them slip on the pulse ox probe along with a sock. I made a small band out of elastic that fits over the top of the sock so that she can't get it off if she wakes up in the middle of the night. It has worked out great.

I do not know of any websites that specialize in special clothing, but I did meet some other mothers while Hannah was in the hospital who also modified their childs clothing.

Take care and good luck.

[cariaad]

A well-placed buttonhole can allow access for a pulseox probe or feeding tube and keep little hands away from it. You might give it a try! Deb

[indiemum]

Hello chicky poo,

Indie wears 2 peice flannel pj's and I always put warm and fuzzy socks on her. Not only does it solve the pain in the butt pj problem but it helps the probe to stay even more securly. We also have a g-tube so 2 peice is always better for us. If you look though you can find very cute 2 peice flannels and you could also use a onesie so her little back stay warm.

Kellyxoxoxox

[Carriestockmal]

I searched and searched the web to find clothing kids with medical needs. When Jack was in the hospital for that whole year - he barely ever wore clothes. It was so ungodly depressing to me that he couldn't even wear a shirt without it causing a problem. I refuse to cut holes in his clothes. I want him to look just as adorable and stylish as a healthy kid. I ended up starting my own line of clothing. I've partnered with an existing Philly based kids clothing company. Our new line is called Tender Hearts by Cozy Toes. We are in the beginning stages now. It's going steady, but slow. We've gone through a bunch of prototypes over the past 9 months and now have 6 designs. We've got a grant from our city, and I've been pitching people like crazy to try to raise the rest of the funds I need to take it the next step further - web sites, marketing, etc. We've recieved tons of support and endorsements from Jack's caregivers and doctors, therapists, etc. It makes me feel so good, like I am giving something back. But...until we are able to get more off the ground than we are now.. I am stuck buying only specific items that I can work around. (Of course - my partners do make him new stuff to try out). My son is always hot, so he just wears onsies to bed.

[Judy]

Over a year ago I purchased a onsie from someone on the Special Child Web Site (brand new). It had a hole for the G tube and was wonderful. We have also seen the warm one piece pajamas with no feet and those work perfectly with the G tubes and the probes. My daughter has even cut the feet off the ones for her girls (even though they did not need the openings for medical equipment) when they got too short and put a nice hem in them and they look like they were made that
way. Good Luck and God Bless You.

P.S. I do not like the 2 pc since our little ones always have their backs or stomachs open and I hate to put more clothing underneath the pj's. I wish someone would make the 2 piece ones with snaps at the waiste in the larger sizes like they do for infants. Anyone want to design them for us?????

[indiemum]

Tracy,

I just did a google for cozy toes and I went to the web site. I am not sure you want to go there because you will probably rack every single credit card you have. LOL!!!! I wish I had never found it. Good Luck and shop safely.

Kellyxoxoxo

[Carriestockmal]

Cozy Toes does have a website, but the line Tender Hearts is not on it yet. We've got that in the works. As soon as that line is up and running, I'll let you know!