Best for Baby?

Abstract

To the Editor: We would like to comment on “Device for Carrying a Physically Handicapped Child: Suggestion from the Field,” which was written by Jacqueline D. Mast (Physical Therapy, March 1985). We agree that it is important for parents and caretakers to have a means of transporting a child from place to place. We are concerned about effects that the recommended cloth carrier would have on a child with central nervous system damage. It is our experience that children with this disability most frequently require positioning that will inhibit capital and cervical hyperextension, scapular retraction, lower extremity extension and adduction, and plantar flexion. The carrier, by its design, facilitates scapular retraction, inhibits hands-to-midline, and allows hip and knee extension and plantar flexion. The contours of the carrier's body encourage trunk and cervical extension. On the positive side, the carrier does position the child's legs into abduction and free the child's and the caretaker's hands for activities. [ ARTICLE][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/65/351?iss=3