PediatricDigest: Toy Ideas For Children Who Use Mobility Devices

Our Physical Therapy team has put together a list of toy ideas for children using mobility devices.

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Toy Ideas For Children Who Use Mobility Devices

Pediatric physical therapists use play to help children achieve their functional goals. Through play, children develop strength, agility, coordination, and balance skills. Play can look different depending on the child's developmental disabilities. Pediatric physical therapists recommend appropriate toys that promote physical development and support social engagement specifically for your child.

Here are some engaging toys and activities to help develop arm and leg strength in children, tailored for various mobility levels.

Manipulative Toys and Activities:

1. Pegboard Games

   - LiteBrite: Kids can use pegs to create designs, enhancing fine motor skills and hand strength.

2. Arts and Crafts Kits

   - Kneading Materials: Silly Putty and Play-Doh help strengthen hand muscles and improve dexterity.

   - Beading Kits: Stringing beads onto cords can enhance fine motor skills.

3. Building and Engineering Toys

   - Playstix®: Encourages creativity while developing hand strength and coordination.

   - Snap Circuits®: Engages kids in building while improving problem-solving skills and hand movements.

4. Magnetic Toys

   - Magna-Tiles® or Magformers: Encourage spatial awareness and fine motor manipulation.

Outdoor Activities:

1. Wheelchair or Walker Accessories

   - Clip-On Baskets: Great for scavenger hunts, encouraging mobility while collecting items.

   - Personalization Kits: Let kids decorate their devices, improving fine motor skills as they apply stickers or designs.

2. Obstacle Courses

   - Use colored cones, pool noodles, hula hoops, and PVC pipes to create fun navigation challenges.

   - Incorporate sidewalk chalk paths or jump ropes for added variety.

   - A musical welcome mat or floor mat piano can make the finish line exciting and encourage movement.

3. Kites: Flying kites promotes outdoor play, upper body movement, and coordination, making it suitable for all mobility levels.

Strength-Building Activities:

1. For Wheelchair Users:

   - Adjustable Basketball Hoops: Encourages upper-body strength through shooting practice.

   - T-Ball Sets: Allows for hand-eye coordination and upper body movement.

   - Throwing Games: Football/ring sets or Velcro darts to encourage upper body use.

   - Sensory Balls: Soft, textured balls for catching practice, helping with grip strength.

2. For Walker or Gait Trainer Users:

   - Stomp Rocket Sets: Kids can kick the rockets, encouraging leg strength and coordination.

   - Kicking Games: Use beach balls or balloons for fun, interactive play that promotes lower body movement.

   - Obstacle Challenges: Create fun games that involve kicking or maneuvering around obstacles to build strength and confidence.

These activities are not only beneficial for physical development but also provide opportunities for creativity, teamwork, and outdoor fun!

Information obtained from APTA:
https://www.choosept.com/health-tips/tips-select-toys-children-with-special-needs