Overcoming Low Muscle Tone: Toys

This post is second in the series Overcoming Low Muscle Tone. To read the previous post in the series, "Activities", please click here.

a) Shopping cart
We got this shopping cart for Patrick, although I found it at a goodwill for $7. I have to say, he was interested in using it only until he had learned to stand with support and he had started to give a couple side steps with support of the furniture. This toy is great because it motivated him to move (we used it outside -he loves outdoors) and you can add weight to it to fit your kid's needs, like putting toys or things he wants to move around.

A cheaper alternative? You can use a lightweight stroller if you have one. Also, the Trader Joe's store by our house has little shopping carts, and I heard some Giant stores do too (not the one by us though). Check at the stores near you if they have any and let your little one help you with some shopping.

b) Ride-on toys
Ride-on toys are GREAT for toddlers with low muscle tone. If they want to go anywhere, they will have to use their legs. A friend of us gave Patrick this one, which was great because he liked the noises every time he bounced, so he was constantly bouncing, making his legs stronger. Also, there are other ride-on toys that have a little storage area, and you could place cans or something heavy inside to make your child work harder to move, once he has mastered the use of it.

Patrick has now a lil quad, but I would not recommend this for your low muscle tone child, until he has gotten strong enough to walk and move around on ride-on toys. You can read this post I wrote to learn why.

c) Trampoline
I bought this trampoline for Patrick and despite the not so good reviews, he likes it. It is a bit expensive though, but he has had it for almost a year and still looks like new. He used to get on it everyday, but not much anymore. At first, when he couldn't stand on his own, he liked climbing on it and getting out of there (it has padding so it is safe) so even then it was entertaining and helpful for his low muscle tone. Then eventually he learned to jump on it and he enjoys it and I'm sure little Robbie will get some use out of it as well.

d) Gym ball.
Children with hypotonia lack strength and balance. A gym ball will help with both. There are exercises you can have your child do on a gym ball, here are two ideas:

1.- Place your child upside down on top of the gym ball. Slowly, move the ball forward, and help your kid to not fall by placing his/her hands on the ground. This activity will help mostly with the upper side of his/her body.

2.- Place your child sitting on the ball. Slowly move the ball to all sides. Your child will try to stay on top without falling, therefore making him learn to get more balance and more strength.

An alternative? Your back or your partner's back. Place your child sitting on your back while you bend on knees and hands on the floor, then move around while he rides on. The more you move your back, the more balance he will need, and it is fun, too! It helps if you have your partner or someone with you to help hold your child while you move to prevent falling, or at least try to do this activity on a padding surface and be ready to catch your child in case he looses balance.

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These toys are helpful for hypotonia kids that already stand with support. We addressed Patrick's hypotonia until he was 1 year old, so I don't have much insight for infants. However, I may write about  hypotonia in infants in the upcoming months, as it looks like our baby Robert also has hypotonia.