Accessible Clothing for Kids with Complex Needs
- webmaster48074
- Oct 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 20, 2024
At Kinetic Kids, we love helping WA families overcome everyday challenges, so kids can get back to doing the things they love. As an experienced paediatric occupational therapy and physiotherapy team in Perth, we know that something as simple as getting dressed can be tricky for children with complex needs, such as Cerebral Palsy, or those requiring PEG/PEJ feeds or continence care. Accessible clothing can make a world of difference, and we’re here to share some helpful tips to make dressing easier.
Keeping Kids’ Clothing… Well, Kid-Friendly!
Kids deserve clothing that feels like them - fun, comfortable, and easy to wear. Adaptive clothing is a game-changer for many children with disabilities, offering features that simplify dressing without compromising on style. At Kinetic Kids, we often find that small adjustments to regular clothing, or a few added features, can also make a big difference. Here are a few of our top tips to make dressing easier:
Look for Larger Buttons: Bigger buttons are much easier to manage than tiny ones.
Add Tabs or Ribbons to Zippers: Make those little zippers easier to grasp and pull up.
Sew Loops into Elastic Shorts: Small loops give kids something to grip, making it easier to pull up their pants.
Magnetic or Velcro Closures: Choose clothing with magnet or Velcro fastenings instead of buttons or zippers, for simpler dressing.
Where to Find Accessible and Adaptive Clothing in Australia
We’ve curated a list of accessible clothing stores recommended by families who have firsthand experience (a big thank you to all of them for sharing these websites with us!). From OT and physio-approved designs to clothing that accommodates mobility aids and medical devices, here’s where to find inclusive, stylish clothing for kids across Perth and Australia:
Known for their adaptive bodysuits, rompers, and school pants with pull-on waistbands, Marks and Spencer offers items designed to fit up to age 16. Their collection includes adaptive high-top trainers and hip dysplasia bodysuits.
This store features adaptive bodysuits, tracksuit pants with ankle zips for orthotics, and bathers with access for PEG feeds. With shoulder snaps, zips, and continence-friendly designs, Rare Wear makes dressing easier and more comfortable.
With rompers ranging from newborn sizes to adult, The Simple Seed offers stylish and inclusive options that feel as fun as they look.
Clever designs for quick G-tube access and easy nappy changes make this a top pick. Their Twirl Rompers look like dresses but provide full coverage, perfect for kids who are learning to crawl or walk.
Every Human Kids offers seamless socks, adaptive shoes, and other clothing designed for easy dressing. The shoes are as cute as they are functional! A big range of footwear ranging from orthotic friendly, wide & extra wide, easy on and AFO friendly. Option to use your NDIS plan if it includes funding for these items.
Wonsie offers comfy bodysuits with tummy access, incontinence-friendly bathers, and more to support kids with continence needs.
Designed for older teens and young adults, Jam’s adaptive clothing comes in cool, stylish designs that meet a range of dressing needs.
The Iconic’s small adaptive clothing line includes essential pieces with the convenience of free returns, helping families find the right fit.
How Our Paediatric Occupational Therapy Team Can Help
Working on dressing skills is a common goal for our kids OT team here in Perth. As experienced providers of paediatric physiotherapy and occupational therapy services, we know that small steps can lead to big successes, and we love supporting families in achieving these wins. If you’re interested in learning more about dressing tips or want specific strategies to support your child’s independence, reach out to our Kinetic Kids team today!
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