"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."
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It is important that the child is well and happy when in their standing frame.
When using a standing frame with a child it is important that they are put in correctly. The aim of this leaflet is to demonstrate the correct procedure for this.
Your Physiotherapist will be able to advise and provide you with the most appropriate type of standing frame. This decision will be based on an assessment of your child's needs and abilities.
The Physiotherapist will show you how to position your child safely and correctly in the standing frame. You will also be advised how long your child should be in the standing frame for.
The aim is for your child to spend 1 hour a day in the standing frame, 5 days a week.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your standing frame, please contact your Physiotherapist.
Benefits of using a standing frame
helps to strengthen the bones in the legs
encourages good position of the hip joint, so reducing the risk of dislocation
helps to keep the spine straight and strengthens the back muscles
helps to minimise the risk of deformities to the spine, hips, knees and ankles
stretches muscles in legs and spine
can improve muscle strength
allows a change of position which relieves pressure on the skin and internal organs
encourages head control
improves kidney and bladder function
improves hand function
can provide a good position for eating and drinking
alternative play position
enables child to be same height as friends allowing better interaction
These will not be relevant for all children and should be discussed with your therapist on an individual basis.
Placing the child into the standing frame
your child should wear appropriate footwear as advised by your Physiotherapist
your Physiotherapist will show you how to help your child into their standing frame
place the child's feet onto the foot plates
fasten the Velcro straps securely
make sure that the stitched cross on the hip strap is facing the child
place the hip strap around the child's hips
make sure the longer straps are loose and free
slowly stand the child up
if possible, have someone else in front to guide the child's arms on the tray
supporting the child at their pelvis
apply the Velcro hip strap onto the frame and secure with the clip
finally secure the chest strap
Checklist
look at the child's position from the front, side and back
look at foot, knee, hip, shoulder and head position.
the child should be well supported in the frame and look relatively straight
make sure that the child is showing no signs of discomfort
there should be a 3 finder space between the chest strap and the child's armpit look from the front and behind
check that the child's hips are level and not rotated (turned or pulled more to one side) knees should be facing forward and be comfortable
feet should be facing forwards
Ideas for activities in the standing frame
Do not think of the standing frame as an activity. Instead think about ways to play with your child in the standing frame.
baking
water play
washing up
drawing painting
playing with toys
sharing a book
Things to look for
light headedness/dizziness
unexpected colour changes
pressure marks (particularly around the knees/shins) that do not disappear after 20 minutes out of the standing frame
pain
colour change
sickness
If you notice any of the above please remove the child from the frame and inform their Physiotherapist before using it again.
Patient information leaflets
