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So you or someone you love is having a baby! Congratulations!!
If you’re reading this; that baby probably has Clubfoot. I want to start off saying, that I was born with Clubfoot, just before the Ponseti Method became widespread. I play tennis with my Boyfriend weekly, and have trekked (like literally walked) all around Europe for fun just this year. I also have grit and resilience that help me with the general woes of humanity ;). Check out the blog for some “Club Foot” stories to come.
This post is about what to buy to prepare for your Baby’s likely Ponseti Treatment / Idea’s for what to put on your Registry for your Talipes Baby.
I’ve gathered recommendations from experienced parents to help you prepare for your clubfoot baby’s Ponseti casting, including some helpful product links. I highly recommend joining some Club Foot Support groups on Facebook because these Mom’s, Dad’s, Grandparents, Etc. have some incredible advice that I think you’ll want to hear. Comment with your tips for registering for a Talipes/Clubfoot Baby!
#1 Purchase / DIY – Bar Covers for Comfort
Your baby is going to want to move it’s body, including it’s little legs! Because they’ll be wearing the boots and bar for 20+ hours a day, they’re going to be kicking the bar as well (they’re going to be strong!)
To prevent any discomfort/them getting bumped by the bar, consider investing in bar covers. One smart parent suggested that Seat-Belt-Covers, work as well. However, for a more dedicated option, you can explore specially designed Ponseti Bar Covers available in on sites like Etsy. Width around 4.5 inches is ideal for these, I recommend buying a few so you can alternate them when they need a wash.
You can also make your own bar cover with a pool noodle covered with fabric. You can repurpose tights, long socks, or even an older kid’s leggings to cover the pool noodle. If you enjoy sewing, select cute fabric from a store and craft a custom cover in a tube shape with the fill from an old pillow or stuff animal.
#2 Button Up Rompers, Nightgowns & Wide Sleepsacks
No Onsies! If you do get Onsies though, you can just cut off the feet (if you can’t make a return or regift). The Ponseti casting process requires easy access to your baby’s feet. Opt for zip-up sleepers and onesies with buttons all the way down, making diaper changes and cast adjustments more convenient. Many parents recommended Hudson’s Bay PJs for Clubfoot Babies.
2 Piece Pajamas – avoid ones that get tight at the ankles, this makes it harder to get over casts. Speaking of the cast – size up to accommodate for it!
Wide Sleepsacks – you need room to accommodate for the BnB. Swaddle style isn’t going to work so pass on those. A parent recommended this swaddle for Clubfoot Kiddos.
#3 Thin Knee-High Socks
Thin and flat fabric is the key here, to make sure that the socks aren’t bunching up or interfering with the brace. Here’s socks made especially for AFO/Ponseti bracing
#3 Leg Warmers – for over the cast
This is for caregivers! These should help avoid discomfort of the cast hitting or rubbing up against you. They also help protect the cast in case of a “blowout.” Here’s some from Amazon.
These Legwarmers from Etsy are especially made fro Talipes (Clubfoot) Casting.
Speaking of holding your baby, there’s a whole Facebook group dedicated to Babywearing with Clubfoot – there’s 6K members at the time I am writing this and I am more than positive they have wisdom for you.
#4 Weleda Wound Cream and Mefix
To address potential blisters and rubbing issues, consider having Weleda wound cream on hand. It’s known for its effectiveness in soothing and healing delicate skin. Additionally, using a makeup pad between the boot and the strap can help minimize rubbing. Some parents also recommend applying Mefix on areas where the strap puts pressure for added comfort.
#5 Bonus – AFO / BnB Friendly Stroller
Ponseti kids need to skip jumper toys because they can damage the progress in their tendons. So save money on these, and focus on getting a great stroller so you can entertain your little one with quality time and walks outside. (Parents said do NOT get the Sit Me Up – there’s risk of the cast getting caught requiring you to cut the fabric)
I recommend a stroller with a removable snack tray, for easy ability to take the baby in and out of the stroller, without removing the bar. This being said, don’t assume your baby will be in a stroller longer than usual – many Clubfoot babies reach the walking milestone before or at the expected time frame! Some moms reported her CF kiddo walked 2 months before her non-CF kids!
Parents recommend ed the following options:
1. Baby Jogger City Mini & Baby Jogger Tour 2
2. UppaBaby Vista 2 (most expensive! very stylish though)
– Also, if your baby is a little big for the baby bassinet with the bar on, you can get an Uppa Baby Snugseat Insert to go in the Big-Kid seat (if that makes sense)
3. Evenflo Pilot – this is a modular system that turns into a carseat!
4. Mockingbird
From one mom: “I got a new stroller that’s really nice with BNB, it’s the Cybex Eezy Twist. Her other strollers her legs were always dangling at an awkward angle and looked uncomfortable but this one’s great with the leg support option! It’s quite the investment but it’s super light and compact too.”
No-gos: No Sit Me Ups, Jumpers, Bouncers,
Ponseti kids need to skip jumper toys because they can damage the progress in their tendons. So save money on these, and focus on getting a great stroller so you can entertain your little one with quality time and walks outside. (Parents said do NOT get the Sit Me Up – there’s risk of the cast getting caught requiring you to cut the fabric)
Also – In The Car? Take off the bar.
It’s safer to remove the bar while your kiddo is in the car. In case of a car accident, it’s really dangerous for your baby to have the bar on.
I am testing this
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