Ican't remember how I stumbled upon this. eBay perhaps? I think I waslooking for some type of 'jumper' device for the baby. I figured when Iwas downstairs working, it would keep her busy and in one spot, out oftrouble.

Merry Muscles

A few years ago, I told Santa my interest in this product, and he agreed with me thatit was something our youngest might like, so he brought it for her when she was still an infant. Now, in all honesty, I rarely get time to go down to myoffice to work (most of my work is done in my kitchen), so she reallyhadn't used her Merry Muscles as much as I would have liked. But, whenwe did get to use it, I was very pleased with it.

How does it work? You fasten the Merry Muscles to thedoorway (ours screwed in), where it hangs, and you put them in it tojump around (has very durable snaps).

How is this different than other jumping devices? Well, itwas designed by an occupational therapist for safe positioning. I likehow it hugs the body, which is a BONUS- it's safer because the child can't CLIMB out!Also, you can purchase a doorway attachment so you can move it fromdoorway to doorway. It is also washable, which is great. The price wasreasonable (I think I may have ordered mine new from a store on eBay,not from this particular website).

This company also makes and sells larger versions of these forindividuals with special needs. Of course, I checked into getting onemade for my son, but in his case the cost was a bit pricey, and unless Isell an organ I won't be getting one for him (yet!). I think with his otherexpensive equipment, I ran out of organs to sell. I think I'll see ifmy husband has any he can give up...

It is very cool. Definitely worth printing off the information and asking your therapist about it, and whether or not it would be right for your special child. May also be great for those who crave sensory input.