Toys and Equipment We Use in Westchester County
Every parent has seen the post about the one toy that changed everything, and wondered whether any of it is real. Some of it is. Equipment is not magic and it does not replace therapy, but the right mirror, mat or ball can turn a position your child hates into one they will tolerate, and a tolerated position into practice they will actually repeat. These are the categories our therapists in Port Chester and Mt Kisco point families toward.
What our physical therapists name, and why.
Product names below are listed as our therapists refer to them. We do not stock or sell any of these items, and we do not have a favourite retailer. If a category is broader than the named item, the category matters more than the brand. As an Amazon Associate, Developmental Steps earns from qualifying purchases.
Baby Products
Positioning and attention pieces for the first year, mostly used to make tummy time and side-to-side head turning easier to tolerate.
Musical Toy$9.99View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror$14.99View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Boppy Original Nursing Support$44.77View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Fisher-Price Portable Baby Chair$42.99View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib ToyView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams SootherView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Play Piano Musical Baby Toy$16.99View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table, GreenView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
LeapFrog Spin and Sing Alphabet Zoo$20.21View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Head Shape Pillow$21.99View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Toddler Products
Low obstacle pieces that turn open floor into stepping, weight shifting and route planning practice for a child who is already walking.
Exercise Equipment
Grown-up looking gear that works well with children because it gives the body something unstable or resistant to work against.
THERABAND Exercise and Stability Ball$16.70View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
THERABAND Professional Latex Resistance TubingView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
THERABAND Professional Latex Resistance Tubing (alt.)View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Cando Hand Exercise Web (No Latex)View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
CanDo Hand Exercise Webs for Physical TherapyView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Highest Quality Yoga MatView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Yes4All Foam Balance Pad for Gym WorkoutView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
StrongTek Professional Wooden Slant BoardView on Amazon (opens in a new tab) →
Supplies
Surfaces and consumables. Use taping supplies at home only if your therapist has shown you the technique for your child.
Three things worth knowing first.
Match the item to the goal, not to the age on the box. A ball that is the right size for one child is the wrong size for the next, and a slant board is useful only if someone has shown you what to do on it. Supervise anything a child stands, climbs or balances on, and put it away between sessions so it stays interesting. And nothing on this list treats anything on its own, it just makes practice easier to repeat.
For movements you can start today without buying anything, see the exercise videos → or the resource hub →
We do not sell these products and we are not the retailer. Bring the list to your child's therapist and ask which two items are worth it for your child right now. Call us at (914) 939-6400 →