Products We Use
Over the years, we've found products and equipment that make daily life easier and help Bryer thrive. Some items provide the physical support she needs, others help her communicate and stay safe, and many simply make everyday activities more manageable for our family. Below are the things we use regularly and recommend to other families navigating similar challenges. We've organized them by category to make it easier to find what you're looking for.
Communication
Tobii Eye Gaze with Grid
This is Bryer's communication device. We started with a PRC device but switched to Tobii after consulting with experts at Rett University. The Tobii + Grid combination has been perfect for Bryer.
Low-Tech Communication Board
We have a velcro board similar to the ones found at AUG Resources. We keep a laminator at home and use it to print, laminate, and add velcro to picture cards. We typically try to match the cards found on her Tobii, but it's not necessary to do so. We always like to have yes/no cards on us for easy communication when we're out and about.
Seating & Positioning
Rifton Activity Chair
We use this for feeding and body stabilization during activities like using her talker or doing OT exercises.
Lovesac Small Bean Bag
We keep this in our living room for when Bryer needs more body support than the couch provides.
Kids Floor Chairs
We use these chairs around the house for short durations. They don't offer much support, but Bryer can sit in them comfortably for brief periods.
Mobility & Transportation
Special Tomato Jogger
We use this for taking Bryer on walks—one of her and our favorite ways to get outside together.
Maclaren Major Elite Push Chair
This umbrella stroller is perfect for walking through malls, airports, and other public spaces. It's designed specifically for special needs children. Ours is blue.
Car Seats
Thomashilfen Hercules Small Booster Seat and Convaid Carrot 3
At 70 lbs, Bryer uses these special needs car seats. I prefer the Thomashilfen for its swivel feature, which makes getting Bryer in and out of the car much easier. Both are expensive ($2k-$3k), and while some insurance plans cover car seats, ours doesn't. I found one on eBay at a great price, which is worth checking.
Diono Radian 3R
We used this until about 6 months ago when Bryer finally outgrew it. I highly recommend using this for as long as possible—it's slim, affordable, and easy to get kids in and out of.
Monitoring & Safety
Owlet Dream Sock
We use this to monitor Bryer's vitals while she sleeps when she's sick or has had a seizure—not daily. We bought the Owlet Dream Sock extension pack to fit her (goes up to 5 years), but it was discontinued by Owlet. You can find them on sites like eBay. She's 9 and wears a size 12 toddler shoe, and the extended sock size still works for her.
Sami Camera
We use this as a baby monitor with recording capabilities. It's not effective as a seizure alarm because it picks up all movement, and Bryer moves around a lot at night—it would keep us up constantly. However, it's helpful for reviewing her sleep the next day and as a monitor with the volume loud enough to wake us if she cries. We've also woken to seizure sounds using it.
Bathing
Otter Bathing Chair
We use this in the shower when Bryer needs extra support. She can still take regular baths with a nonslip mat in the tub since she can sit up and hold herself up, but sometimes the bath chair provides the additional stability she needs.
Daily Care
Simple Modern Kids Water Bottles
These are Bryer's favorite cups and we find that she is able to hold them. Most importantly, she drinks the most fluid from them. We are always working hard to keep her hydrated. You can also get replacement straws for them, which is super helpful.
Orgain Organic Nutritional Shakes
We give Bryer these shakes every single day. We've used them for years to help her get good protein in the morning, while also hiding all her liquid vitamins.
Bamboo Braces
We've used these for arm splinting at times, though not regularly since Bryer gets agitated by them. When we do need splints, bamboo braces are the best option we've found.
Lovejoy Bibs and Janmercy Bibs
At 9 years old, Bryer still needs bibs, and these are big enough while having cute styles that match her outfits. We love the floral set, neutral set, and classic set.
Youth Crews Diapers
Bryer still wears diapers, and these fit much better than adult-size diapers and are super soft.
WaterWipes
We use these water wipes for Bryer as they are super gentle and don't cause any rashes or irritation.
Munchkin Diaper Pail
We use this diaper pail and we've found that it's great and doesn't smell.
Queen Size Floor Bed
Bryer's dad and grandfather built her a queen size floor bed. This keeps her safe from falling out of bed. She can crawl in and out of it, though she does so less these days.
School
Nike Sportswear RPM Backpack
Bryer uses this purple backpack for school. It fits her large eye gaze device perfectly and has a soft laptop carry spot for protection.