How to Make a Stander for a Child That Can Not Sit or Stand Easily for Under $50.00.
I searched for a stander to buy for my 4 year old granddaughter that suffers from shaken baby syndrome. However, I could not locate one online or in a specialty store due to her special needs. She required a stander that supported her back all the way up to her neck because she could not support herself sitting or standing.
They do have a large variety of stands available, yet, none that would allow her freedom to move to build her leg muscles. All of the stands restricted her movements and would require her to be strapped in for support of her back and head. So, I decided to make her one myself.
I decided to use pvc pipe and I would make the seating portion out of cloth. I had never cut or glued pvc pipe before, but found it to be relatively simple to do. The only advice I would give is measure the pipes, fit them all together first, then clue them. The glue dries within seconds so be accurate in your positioning of these pipes.
Materials for a stander that measures 3ft by 3ft square.
Materials for a stander that measures 3ft by 3ft square:
- 12 24 inch 1" pipe
- 8 "T"-shaped 1" corners
- 8 curved corner joints
- pvc glue
- hand saw to cut pipes
- 3 yards heavy weight fabric (I used 100% cotton printed material and quilted it.)
The pipe will need to be cut straight as possible to keep the stander in line.
Make the seat first leaving room for legs. I needed support for my granddaughters back so I made the body portion longer than normal. The hole that the seat sets in will seem too small but I used a dinner plate as a guide for the circle to cut out. The small hole keeps her arms supported and prevents her from slumping down..If you can not sew, be creative, look for a cloth seat in an old baby swing or Johney Jumpup...There are many seamstresses that would assist you if you can not make the seat cloth part.
She loves her freedom, she can stand or sit, move her legs freely. This has allowed her to start building her all her muscles in her neck and body. The 3 feet square keeps her from hitting her head when she moves.
Note: most clerks will assist you in getting the required pieces that you will need at
the hardware stores.
