About the Designer
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Add-A-Bands are designed by Wiltse Parker Crompton, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Minnesota in 1965, and has practiced as a pediatric therapist for forty years. Wiltse recently retired from the Early Childhood/Special Education Program of the Bemidji Public Schools in Bemidji, Minnesota where she provided home based services to infants and toddlers from newborns through age two. Wiltse has completed the training for the Bobath Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment Program and The Feldenkrais Method and incorporates both of those methods into her practice of occupational therapy. Wiltse is the mother of eight children, grandmother of eighteen children, and the sister of Patia Parker, an amazing individual with Down syndrome who, as an infant sixty-three years ago, began her challenge moving through life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Add-A-Bands?
Add-A-Bands are a lower extremity assistive device designed to enhance the development of children who are delayed in motor skills by keeping their legs in positions for more effective movement.
Add-A-Bands are a lower extremity assistive device designed to enhance the development of children who are delayed in motor skills by keeping their legs in positions for more effective movement.
2. What is unique about Add-A-Bands?
Add-A-Bands consist of a ring and two adjustable straps which work together to limit excess widening of the legs while allowing combinations of hip and leg movements needed for effective movement.
Add-A-Bands consist of a ring and two adjustable straps which work together to limit excess widening of the legs while allowing combinations of hip and leg movements needed for effective movement.
3. How do I know if my child needs Add-A-Bands?
If your child is extremely flexible, he or she may have difficulty getting into and/or maintaining positions from which to move because his or her legs spread in an angle too wide to support the attempts.
If your child is extremely flexible, he or she may have difficulty getting into and/or maintaining positions from which to move because his or her legs spread in an angle too wide to support the attempts.
4. Do Add-A-Bands help with my child’s therapy?
Add-A-Bands are a supplement to your child’s therapy, serving as an extra pair of hands as movement patterns are facilitated by his or her occupational or physical therapists. At home, during the many hours of the day and week when your child is exploring on his or her own, Add-A-Bands enable him or her to more effectively practice what was learned in therapy as well as to independently discover new movement patterns.
Add-A-Bands are a supplement to your child’s therapy, serving as an extra pair of hands as movement patterns are facilitated by his or her occupational or physical therapists. At home, during the many hours of the day and week when your child is exploring on his or her own, Add-A-Bands enable him or her to more effectively practice what was learned in therapy as well as to independently discover new movement patterns.
5. What can Add-A-Bands do for my child?
With Add-A-Bands your child will be better able to get into and maintain positions so he or she can get stronger and then move within or from those positions. For example, Add-A-Bands:
With Add-A-Bands your child will be better able to get into and maintain positions so he or she can get stronger and then move within or from those positions. For example, Add-A-Bands:
- Keep legs from spreading wide while lying on back or stomach
- Facilitate rotating to either side rather than splitting through the middle, between wide spread legs, when transitioning from sitting to stomach lying
- Keep legs from slipping out from under body when pushing up onto hands and knees
- Help stay on hands and knees while rocking back and forth in preparation for creeping
- Assist with stability when moving forward on hands and knees
6. Will Add-A-Bands restrict my child’s movement?
Add-A-Bands allow combinations of unrestricted movements at the hip joints. The only movement which is limited is excess widening of the legs often observed in children with low muscle tone or lax hip ligaments. Add-A -Bands allow for a dynamic, changing base of support necessary for smooth, coordinated movements.
Add-A-Bands allow combinations of unrestricted movements at the hip joints. The only movement which is limited is excess widening of the legs often observed in children with low muscle tone or lax hip ligaments. Add-A -Bands allow for a dynamic, changing base of support necessary for smooth, coordinated movements.
7. What does base of support mean?
The base of support is the area on the supporting surface (i.e., floor, ground, etc.--included around and within your child’s feet and knees if kneeling; feet, knees, and hands if creeping; and feet if standing, walking, or running). The area within the base of support varies during movement, at times shortening or lengthening and narrowing or widening. It also changes with the development of motor skills. As an infant gains strength and balance, for example, his or her sitting base of support narrows allowing movement out of the position. Also, when a child begins to walk, his or her base of support is initially wider than when, with increased balance, a narrowing of the base occurs. Add-A-Bands can be adjusted to change the allowable base of support as your child needs change depending on his or her developmental stage. This adjustment allows your child to unrestrictedly move within a range, changing the base of support and space between his or her legs as the movement requires.
The base of support is the area on the supporting surface (i.e., floor, ground, etc.--included around and within your child’s feet and knees if kneeling; feet, knees, and hands if creeping; and feet if standing, walking, or running). The area within the base of support varies during movement, at times shortening or lengthening and narrowing or widening. It also changes with the development of motor skills. As an infant gains strength and balance, for example, his or her sitting base of support narrows allowing movement out of the position. Also, when a child begins to walk, his or her base of support is initially wider than when, with increased balance, a narrowing of the base occurs. Add-A-Bands can be adjusted to change the allowable base of support as your child needs change depending on his or her developmental stage. This adjustment allows your child to unrestrictedly move within a range, changing the base of support and space between his or her legs as the movement requires.
8. If my child’s base of support is too wide, what may happen?
A wide base of support may block movement in one direction and encourage it in another, which may be to your child’s disadvantage. For example, if your child has low muscle tone and/or lax hip ligaments, he or she may experience increased flexibility leading to a wide base in sitting. From that position, it may be difficult to shift his or her weight to one side or the other in an attempt to rotate his or her trunk and pelvis and lower onto the floor. The legs in a widened position may block the movement by not allowing the necessary weight shift to initiate it. The most available option is then to move through the middle and lower onto the floor by simply folding over at the middle. This option does not assist in developing more mature patterns requiring rotational movements, which promote increased balance and strength necessary to care out those patterns. This same blocking effect can be observed when “froggy legs” make it difficult to shift and rotate out of stomach lying to side or back lying, or when pulling to stand becomes difficult with the wide spaced knees blocking the weight shift to initiate the movement.
A wide base of support may block movement in one direction and encourage it in another, which may be to your child’s disadvantage. For example, if your child has low muscle tone and/or lax hip ligaments, he or she may experience increased flexibility leading to a wide base in sitting. From that position, it may be difficult to shift his or her weight to one side or the other in an attempt to rotate his or her trunk and pelvis and lower onto the floor. The legs in a widened position may block the movement by not allowing the necessary weight shift to initiate it. The most available option is then to move through the middle and lower onto the floor by simply folding over at the middle. This option does not assist in developing more mature patterns requiring rotational movements, which promote increased balance and strength necessary to care out those patterns. This same blocking effect can be observed when “froggy legs” make it difficult to shift and rotate out of stomach lying to side or back lying, or when pulling to stand becomes difficult with the wide spaced knees blocking the weight shift to initiate the movement.
9. What age is recommended for the use of Add-A-Bands?
A child of any age can use Add-A-Bands since they can accommodate walking as well as crawling and creeping movements or kicking legs while back lying.
A child of any age can use Add-A-Bands since they can accommodate walking as well as crawling and creeping movements or kicking legs while back lying.
10. How are Add-A-Bands worn?
Add-A-Bands have two cuffs, each with a Velcro fastener, which fit around the thighs. They are put on and taken off by fastening or unfastening the Velcro.
Add-A-Bands have two cuffs, each with a Velcro fastener, which fit around the thighs. They are put on and taken off by fastening or unfastening the Velcro.
11. Are Add-A-Bands worn over or under clothing?
If Add-A-Bands are worn over clothing, cotton leggings or sweat pants are better than khakis or jeans which may cause a problem with slipping. If used under clothing, there needs to be sufficient fabric through the inseam so the ring can freely slide through the adjustable straps. Clothes that allow a generous amount for diaper bulk should work well.
If Add-A-Bands are worn over clothing, cotton leggings or sweat pants are better than khakis or jeans which may cause a problem with slipping. If used under clothing, there needs to be sufficient fabric through the inseam so the ring can freely slide through the adjustable straps. Clothes that allow a generous amount for diaper bulk should work well.
12. Do Add-A-Bands require any adjusting?
Add-A-Bands have a narrow strap on each cuff which needs adjusting when they are first fit to your child by his or her therapists. These adjustable straps determine the angle at the hips and consequent spacing of the legs. Therefore, the angle set by adjusting the straps also determines the maximum or outer range of movement for the changing base of support as your child is moves. When setting the angle, place your child in a sitting position so the bottom of his or her feet are touching. This assures there is no restriction in the needed range of motion for floor movements. The setting of this angle by the adjustable straps, allowing optimal spacing of the legs, can be determined by your child's therapist. Thereafter, it is only is only necessary to reset the angle occasionally by adjusting the straps.
Add-A-Bands have a narrow strap on each cuff which needs adjusting when they are first fit to your child by his or her therapists. These adjustable straps determine the angle at the hips and consequent spacing of the legs. Therefore, the angle set by adjusting the straps also determines the maximum or outer range of movement for the changing base of support as your child is moves. When setting the angle, place your child in a sitting position so the bottom of his or her feet are touching. This assures there is no restriction in the needed range of motion for floor movements. The setting of this angle by the adjustable straps, allowing optimal spacing of the legs, can be determined by your child's therapist. Thereafter, it is only is only necessary to reset the angle occasionally by adjusting the straps.
13. Will Add-A-Bands bother my child?
Initially a child may look at Add-A-Bands with curiosity, but the interest will most likely be brief. Since your child can move with increased ease while wearing the Add-A-Bands, there is generally no objection to them.
Initially a child may look at Add-A-Bands with curiosity, but the interest will most likely be brief. Since your child can move with increased ease while wearing the Add-A-Bands, there is generally no objection to them.
14. How often are Add-A-Bands worn?
You and your child's therapists can determine how much your child should wear Add-A-Bands throughout the day. Because Add-A-Bands are comfortable, and generally not noticed, they can be worn for several hours at a time. Check your child's skin periodically for any marks that may occur from the pressure of the Add-A-Bands. Be sure you can slide one finger under the cuff of each band after fastening the Velcro to make sure they are not too snug.
You and your child's therapists can determine how much your child should wear Add-A-Bands throughout the day. Because Add-A-Bands are comfortable, and generally not noticed, they can be worn for several hours at a time. Check your child's skin periodically for any marks that may occur from the pressure of the Add-A-Bands. Be sure you can slide one finger under the cuff of each band after fastening the Velcro to make sure they are not too snug.
15. How long will my child need to wear Add-A-Bands?
Once a child becomes familiar with new, more efficient movement patterns, the use of the Add-A-Bands may decrease. If your child goes back to old habits, such as moving from sitting to stomach lying through wide split legs, you may want to use the bands as a reminder for awhile.
Once a child becomes familiar with new, more efficient movement patterns, the use of the Add-A-Bands may decrease. If your child goes back to old habits, such as moving from sitting to stomach lying through wide split legs, you may want to use the bands as a reminder for awhile.
16. Can Add-A-Bands be worn while my child sleeps?
It is recommended to supervise the use of Add-A-Bands at all times and, therefore, not advisable to have them worn by your child during nap-time or nighttime. Six short pieces of ribbon are sewn into the add-a-bands so they cannot be lengthened into a long strap, but there is a potential for harm if Add-A-Bands are misused.
It is recommended to supervise the use of Add-A-Bands at all times and, therefore, not advisable to have them worn by your child during nap-time or nighttime. Six short pieces of ribbon are sewn into the add-a-bands so they cannot be lengthened into a long strap, but there is a potential for harm if Add-A-Bands are misused.
17. Is there any latex in Add-A-Bands?
There is no latex in Add-A-Bands. The two cuffs are 100% nylon fabric laminated to 100% polyurethane foam backing. The two adjustable straps are 100 % cotton. The six connecting pieces of ribbon are 100 % polyester.
There is no latex in Add-A-Bands. The two cuffs are 100% nylon fabric laminated to 100% polyurethane foam backing. The two adjustable straps are 100 % cotton. The six connecting pieces of ribbon are 100 % polyester.
18. Will Add-A-Bands stay in place while worn?
The foam backing on Add-A-Bands assists in keeping them in place. It is recommended to either place Add-A-Bands directly on skin or over snug fitting clothing such as leggings. They may need to be adjusted occasionally, but it should be infrequent.
The foam backing on Add-A-Bands assists in keeping them in place. It is recommended to either place Add-A-Bands directly on skin or over snug fitting clothing such as leggings. They may need to be adjusted occasionally, but it should be infrequent.
19. How soon will my child outgrow Add-A-Bands?
Add-A-Bands are designed to grow with your child. They are very adjustable, as well as very durable, with a generous amount of Velcro sewn into them. It is most likely your child will need only one pair during the time he or she may benefit from the use of Add-A-Bands.
Add-A-Bands are designed to grow with your child. They are very adjustable, as well as very durable, with a generous amount of Velcro sewn into them. It is most likely your child will need only one pair during the time he or she may benefit from the use of Add-A-Bands.
20. How do I care for Add-A-Bands?
Spot cleaning or hand washing and air drying is recommended.
Spot cleaning or hand washing and air drying is recommended.
21. Do I need a prescription for Add-A-Bands?
It is not necessary to get a physician's prescription for Add-A-Bands. It is recommended that you discuss your child's need with his or her physician and physical and occupational therapists, however.
It is not necessary to get a physician's prescription for Add-A-Bands. It is recommended that you discuss your child's need with his or her physician and physical and occupational therapists, however.
22. Will my insurance pay for Add-A-Bands?
You can request a recommendation from your child's physician and present it along with information about Add-A-Bands to your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost. Or your child's therapists may write a letter to justify the need for Add-A-Bands. Since Add-A-Bands are highly therapeutic, and a fraction of therapy costs, you may be reimbursed.
You can request a recommendation from your child's physician and present it along with information about Add-A-Bands to your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost. Or your child's therapists may write a letter to justify the need for Add-A-Bands. Since Add-A-Bands are highly therapeutic, and a fraction of therapy costs, you may be reimbursed.
23. How do I order Add-A-Bands?
Add-A-Bands can be ordered online using the information provided for credit card billing, or a check or money order can be mailed to the address provided using the printable order form.
Add-A-Bands can be ordered online using the information provided for credit card billing, or a check or money order can be mailed to the address provided using the printable order form.
24. How do I determine my child's size for Add-A-Bands?
Your child's size can be determined by using a tape measure to measure the circumference around his or her mid-thigh in either inches or centimeters. Measure over clothing unless you are certain you will use Add-A-Bands directly next to your child's skin.
25. How did Add-A-Bands evolve?
I shared the same frustration many parents and therapists have when trying to keep a child's legs in a supportive position for good positioning and movement. I had been aware of the difficulties with positioning and movement facing children who have excessive flexibility for a very long time since my sister had been born with Down syndrome years ago, and I realized her movement difficulties were largely due to her flexibility. One day, years later, I was working with a child who was unable to stay on his hands and knees without the support I was giving him. I was determined to find an easy, unrestricted way to prevent his legs from slipping out from underneath him while allowing the option for movement i.e. initially rocking back and forth on hands and knees and ultimately creeping forward.