need advice for 19 month old starting pump

[MikeG]

Tommy was diagnosed at 16 months... he just turned 19 months old. We are setting him up with a pump next week. We tried a belt and a harness on him and he pretty much pulls it off. As it is, anything or anyone new to him is a chore for him to overcome. Of all the things to worry about with the pump, we are most worried about it staying attached to him.
Is there any advice/suggestions or successful products you can recommend for an 18 month old that was successful for your child in keeping the pump attached to him/her?
thanks

[TimO]

We've used Minimed's waist pouch for our 4 year old for the past 2 years. He got used to it quickly and it didn't interfere with pulling down the pants, etc. (only $18 on web site-we have several and rotate using them-just throw in the wash). Be sure to get the waist pouch with the velcro clasp rather than the plastic snap connector-that's uncomfortable next to the skin. Just cut the length to fit his tummy-he'll get used to it much easier than the harness. We thought he had enough to deal with without straps on each shoulder-also the waist belt can be worn in front or back and with the lockout feature on the pump you won't have to worry about him playing with the buttons. Just my thoughts but it's worked well for us.

[kiwikid]

Have a look at the back buddys on www.diabetesnet.com - there are some nice choices of fabric and they make them to measure for your child and to fit your choice of pump. I really like ours and I use "Tubeguard" to keep the tubing rolled up neatly and out of the way :cwds:

[MikeG]

thanks, I was just on the MiniMed site. The belt on this site does look diffeent than the one we have for Tommy. The belt and harness we have actually came from MedTronics but they seem a little rough for someone so young.
One more question... will a belt actually work for a 19 month old. I am just thinking that he will pull and spin it on his waist? He really resist anything new. We can not even give the poor guy a decent hair cut... he sees the scissors and thinks we are setting him up for a poke.

[MikeG]

thanks Kiwikid... I viewed this site earlier and saw the pack you suggested. It does look much more comfortable than the one we have from Medtronics. It may be the option we need.

Thanks Again!

[MikeG]

thanks, I was just on the MiniMed site. The belt on this site does look diffeent than the one we have for Tommy. The belt and harness we have actually came from MedTronics but they seem a little rough for someone so young.
One more question... will a belt actually work for a 19 month old. I am just thinking that he will pull and spin it on his waist? He really resist anything new. We can not even give the poor guy a decent hair cut... he sees the scissors and thinks we are setting him up for a poke.

[Ben'sMommy]

Hi Mike!

Have you thought about a pak from www.pumpwearinc.com (http://www.pumpwearinc.com)?

My son began pumping at 14 months and we have always used these. They are wonderful especially the double zipper paks and the softy paks for bedtime. They look really cute and are available in all sorts of designs and fabrics. They even do mini pump paks for teddies and dolls!!! :)
You may also be interested in their vests and creepers which come with pump pockets sewn in.
The paks are a little expensive but I bet if you try one you'll love them.

The belt worked for us and I'm sure will work for your little man too. It may take him a few weeks to get used to having something attached to him but after a while he won't even notice it. I guarantee it!

I didn't like the idea of the harness as I felt it looked very cold and clinical. And it seemed heavy and uncomfortable.

Hope this helps.

So glad that Tommy is getting a pump. It will change his life!!!

[MikeG]

Thanks for the encouragement Carol! It is nice to hear that the Pump has worked so nicely for Ben and your family. We just ordered the creeper you suggested for Tommy and have also ordered a pack from diabetes.net. Hopefully, once we get the pump next week, we will quickly learn what works and what does not.
Always nice to hear the success stories!
Thanks

[Ben'sMommy]

You're welcome Mike!
Let us know how it goes when you get the pump.
I'm so excited for Tommy. :)
Best of luck.

[ramrummy]

If you know someone who sews, ask them the make a small puch out of two pieces of material with either a double ended zipper, buttons, press studs or velcro to close the top and attach it to a soft material belt made from the same material and closed with velcro. I was talking to a single mum with not much money, so she couldn't buy the packs, but she made her small son a selection of these pumps to fit the clothes he was weraing and she said they worked great.