Busy Baby Mat Benefits Beyond Babies - Promoting Independence for All Ages

When I received my Busy Baby Mat and their other products as a first-time Mom of a young baby, I was beyond thrilled to start using them with my son. And when I found out I was pregnant again, this time with twins, I knew the Busy Baby products would be first on my registry list.

After I had the opportunity to use the products in real life with three different babies, my OT brain just couldn’t stop thinking about the uses for these products outside of the baby world.

Originally designed for children 3-24 months old, the Busy Baby products can also be useful for people across the lifespan, specifically those with motor, sensory, visual, cognitive, and other neurological challenges.

Their products can make life easier for those living with a disability, promoting independence and thus decreasing the caregiver burden. Taking care of basic self-care needs, having quick access to essential personal items, and improving the quality of life for those with progressive illnesses are just a few ways the Busy Baby products serve as assistive technology.

Occupational therapists are trained to find ways to simplify everyday tasks with the goal of increasing independence in occupations. Before we start, let me define the word occupation (from an occupational therapist).

Occupations are those tasks and activities we want to do, need to do, and must do to live our lives. Occupations are not always fun and leisurely and most often do not have to do with work; rather, they are connected to the roles we each identify as meaningful and personal.

Busy Baby products can be used within the clinical space to enhance the quality of life for those living with progressive illness, adapt the environment to improve independence for those living with chronic disabilities, and make life a little easier for caregivers who yearn to help their loved ones be “themselves.”

Below, I will break down each product, first highlighting its universality in its features, and then providing some OT insights into how I see the products being used both therapeutically and in everyday life for people across the lifespan.

• Made from safe and durable materials (100% food-grade silicone; free from toxins: BPA, BPS, PVC, Phthalates, and lead-free).

• Cleans with warm, soapy water and is dishwasher safe.

• Features built-in suction cups for stability on various surfaces and includes four attachable tethers that keep items within reach.

• Original Mat measures 8.5” x 11.5” and Mini mat measures 11" x 3"

• The Busy Baby mats are beneficial for anyone with limited upper extremity use. This product provides an anti-slip surface that would work great during cooking groups, meal preparation tasks, and grooming activities to help keep materials close by and increase clients’ independence. This mat could be suctioned to a wheelchair tray, a walker tray, bedside table, school desk or lunch table.

• The mini mat, placed vertically, can be used for anyone with spatial neglect or decreased spatial awareness. Using the mat provides the visual anchor, and the tethers allow everyday items (glasses, cell phone, etc.) to be stored on the neglected side, which will promote more functional use.

• The mats come in a variety of colors with many bright-colored options. The color contrast the mat provides can help anyone with visual impairments. For example, using the mat during medication management tasks to help eliminate losing pills, on countertops to store commonly used products, and on school desks to help keep supplies within the visual field.

• Made from safe and durable materials (100% food-grade silicon; free from toxins: BPA, BPS, PVC, Phthalates, and lead free).

• Cleans with warm, soapy water and is dishwasher safe.

• Adjustable neck closure, and a wide, deep pocket that catches any spills or crumbs, making mealtime mess-free.

• Features adjustable tethers that can hold both utensils and toys, keeping them within reach and off the floor.

• This bib can be utilized within the clinical space during meal times and grooming activities. You have the option to attach other utensils and/or tools to the bib.

• For example, using the Busy Baby Bib for shaving with the razor attached to help compensate for motor limitations in adults with diagnoses such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, or stroke. Built up or weighted utensils can be fastened to the tethers and used with clients who have tremors or weakness/coordination challenges.

• The bib can be used with school aged children during lunch time, easily wiped down and placed in the child’s backpack to go home with them.

• Busy Baby Utensils are made with a combination of food-grade silicone and Tritan plastic. Cleans with warm, soapy water and is dishwasher safe.

• The set includes a spoon, fork and knife. The soft, rounded tips of the utensils are gentle on delicate gums and teeth and the handles are uniquely designed to fit comfortably in children’s hands, making it easier for them to learn to self-feed.

• The utensils each have a hole near the end that is specifically sized to attach to any Busy Baby tether.

• The texture on the utensils provides an additional sensory experience when learning to move food from utensil to tongue to oral cavity. Whether teaching young children to learn or an older adult to re-learn how to feed themselves, the utensils can help to improve awareness in the mouth as well as promote independence.

• Having utensils close and attached to the bib is helpful for those with behavior issues, tremors, and lack of coordination.

• Made from safe and durable materials (100% food-grade silicon; free from toxins: BPA, BPS, PVC, Phthalates, and lead free).

• Cleans with warm, soapy water and is dishwasher safe.

• Attaches to Busy Baby Mat or other surfaces using adjustable tether points.

• Uniquely designed to hold any baby bottle or sippy cup, as well as water bottles; attaches to Busy Baby Mats, strollers, car seats, or any other handle to keep them within your child's reach!

• These bungees are a game changer for any wheelchair user, as they allow clients to attach almost anything to their wheelchair, keeping personal items accessible and decreasing reliance on others. For example, personal electronic devices, medication, water bottle, snacks, personal items such as lipstick or glasses.

• The bungee itself can be used as a fidget tool both used in conjunction with the mat or alone.

These products were originally intended to help foster development in babies and make moms' lives easier, however the use of these products across the lifespan and populations is undeniable.

The Busy Baby products can be utilized by therapists and professionals in sessions when working with clients and at home with caregivers and family members. The products can be used in hospitals, daycares, schools, rehabilitation programs, in the home, and within the community to help people be more independent.

Whether the consumer/client desires to maintain their independence, improve their independence, or enhance quality of life, the products from Busy Baby have proven to be able to help.