Backback Photos

From ShortGut - Wiki

A pediatric rehab center or a physical therapist can assist you with adapting any backpack for TPN or enteral feeds. For a typically developing child, the combined weight of the bag, pump and fluid should not exceed 10%-15% of the child's total body weight. Ideally you should have the fit assessed by a Physical Therapist to ensure weight distribution and positioning of the backpack are correct. Using a front panel helps keep the backpack more secure and it helps distribute weight across the shoulders and chest to make it more comfortable. See photos below.

Trunk Support The piece for providing trunk support is made from neoprene. It is washable and provides some cushioning. It is pretty easy to sew through. D-rings and snaps are sewn on to secure the trunk support piece to the backpack. If you want to make it easier, just sew the "rough" part of the velco straps to the backpack and it will stick to the neoprene without the added snaps and d-rings. We found this worked well for Austin until he was old enough to start taking the velcro off, then we switched to the snaps and d-ring.

Sew the velcro straps to the backpack you've selected.

The front support then is easily attached to the backpack. Image:backpack2.JPG

A backpack can be introduced once the child can sit independently.