According to the latest data available, nearly 240 million children in the world have some form of disability. While every parent must teach their child how to dress, parents of children with disabilities face unique challenges. And it’s not just getting dressed that presents a challenge; traditional clothing often doesn’t account for the needs of children with physical limitations, sensory sensitivity, or medical devices.

Start With The Right Clothing

Depending on your child’s disability or medical condition, you should look for clothing that will provide comfort as well as access to important medical equipment, casts, or braces. Adaptive clothing, clothing designed to make it easier for people to dress and move around, can be key to getting both comfort and practicality out of your clothing. befree is an option when it comes to adaptive clothing. The company makes lightweight and heavyweight adaptive pants that have zippers that span waist to hem so they can easily be put on standing or lying down without having to pull the pants up over the legs.

Key Features of Effective Adaptive Clothing

What makes adaptive clothing stand out? Here are some essential features to look for:

• Side openings: Allows for easy dressing and undressing.
• Elastic Waistbands: Provides comfort and accommodates medical equipment on the stomach area.
• Breathable Fabrics: Promotes comfort by regulating body temperature and preventing irritation.
• Durability and Easy Care: Adaptive clothing should withstand frequent washing and wearing without losing functionality.
• Compatibility with Medical Devices: Designs that accommodate catheters, braces or casts ensure convenience and practicality.

Sensory Preferences

While purchasing clothing, take in consideration which fabrics and designs will suit your child best. Soft materials, seamless designs, tagless garments, and elastic waistbands can be helpful.

Dressing Aids

Don’t be shy about using dressing aids to help you get your little one dressed. Dressing sticks can help with positioning and retrieving clothing, and grip button aids can help with buttoning shirts and pants. Additionally, sock aid dressing tools, shoehorns, and zipper rings or pulls can also be beneficial.

Stick With a Routine

Like anything, having a routine can help children understand why and how they need to get dressed. Give yourself plenty of time so that you aren’t rushing, and lay out clothing and accessories the night before so that you know what dressing tools will be needed, so you aren’t scouring the house for them in the morning.

Check-in With Your Doctor or Therapist

Your doctor and/or therapist can also offer suggestions of tools that can help with dressing. They can also help you develop ways to help your child get dressed independently.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Puzzo, Co-founder of befree and mother of a child with Cerebral Palsy

ABOUT BEFREE

Befree was co-founded by Nicole Puzzo, a mother of a child with Cerebral Palsy. The brand is dedicated to improving lives by addressing the real, everyday challenges of people living with limited mobility. befree is committed to making adaptive and inclusive fashion that really works. Though clothing is a basic human need, for millions of people with temporary or permanent disabilities, getting dressed can be an ongoing daily hardship. For more information,visit: www.befreeco.com

Cover photo by Meruyert Gonullu