How to Accurately Fit a JettProof Vest
JettProof undervests are a popular item in our undergarment range and can help children and adults experiencing sensory challenges, anxiety and other medically diagnosed conditions regulate their bodies and filter sensory information. But, for the wearer to experience the best outcome, the undervest must fit correctly. Fitting a JettProof undervest correctly involves a bit of expert insight, some understanding, and a gentle touch. Read on to discover more about the product, its benefits, and our guide for accurately fitting a JettProof undervest.
The Benefits of JettProof Undervests
You may be thinking that a undervest is just a undervest, but if you have ever had a morning disrupted by an itchy tag, annoying seam, or a general sense of disarray, you and your family may find a sense of relief from a JettProof undervest. Designed for all-day use, under any type of clothing, the JettProof undervest can help regulate the body and filter sensory information, which enables the ability to stay calm and focus on the task at hand. The careful design and use of Calmtex, a specially manufactured lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric, makes the JettProof undervest unique in the way it offers the wearer reassuring, gentle pressure throughout their day. Kind of like wearing a hug with extra benefits…
- JettProof undergarments can be worn all day, every day, helping the wearer to feel calm and secure during any activity.
- Children (and adults) can wear their favourite outfit, school uniform, or even costume while enjoying the calming benefits of a JettProof undervest (your little superhero can feel strong both inside and out while wearing their favourite costume).
- JettProof undervests include special external stitching for a seamless feel and stamped labelling for children and adults with tactile sensitivity (no more itchy tags or annoying seams inhibiting your morning routine).
- JettProof undervests are manufactured with an extra-long length to provide sensory input to the entire torso.
When it comes to helping your family receive optimal results from our JettProof undervests, accurate sizing is essential. With a few simple steps and considerations, you and your family could gain the support you need.
Your Guide to Fitting a JettProof Undervest Accurately
Whether you are a parent or an Occupational Therapist looking to fit a JettProof undervest, there are a few key steps to follow. These steps will help ensure that your child receives the best fit and experience when it comes to wearing a JettProof undervest.
Step 1 – Understanding the Effect of the Undervest
The first step to fitting a JettProof undervest for your child is understanding. After all, you want to get the most out of your experience, and by understanding the reactions that may take place, you can help prepare your child.
Essentially, the undervest is activating receptors on the body, and your child may experience one of the following:
- Your child has no problem with the compression due to the undervest, and rapidly adjusts to the feeling in a comparatively short time and does not want to take it off.
- Your child has an initial adverse reaction (itchy, uncomfortable, “take it off”). In most cases (based on testimonials and feedback from parents/carers), encouraging the child to persist for a period (up to half an hour) results in acceptance, and again the desire of the child to keep it on.
- You and your child agree that the undervest should be removed. You may consider trying the next size up, but this is not ideal as it would reduce the compression slightly.
It is important to discuss the initial effects of the undervest on the body with your child (depending on the individual’s need) as even small changes can seem overwhelming if they feel unprepared. While most children will put on the undervest and feel instantly better, around 30% report an initial feeling of tingling or itching for a few minutes. This is normal and is the sensory system adjusting to the undervest’s mild pressure.
Step 2 – Taking Measurements to Find the Correct Size
Now that you and your child understand the initial effects, it is now time to start fitting the correct size. To find the correct size, you will need to measure your child’s chest.
Measure the chest circumference at nipple height with your child’s arms down (for girls, it is an underbust measurement). Once you have the measurement you can use the JettProof sizing chart to select the correct size. There is also a sizing calculator on the website that can be helpful.
If the measurement taken is between sizes, it is best to choose the smaller size. Correct compression is important to optimize the effectiveness of the undervest. If your child’s undervest is too large, it won’t be able to offer the proprioceptive feedback your child’s body needs.
Step 3 – Choosing the Right Colour or Fun Print
The next step is to choose the colour or fun print that your child likes. Using an undervest that is in your child’s preferred colour or fun print design is more likely to help when it comes to acceptance of the garment.
Step 4 – Putting the Undervest On
When it comes to placing the undervest on your child, make sure they are relaxed and not in a heightened state, to ensure they don’t instantly reject the undervest. TV or an electronic device can be a positive distraction tool, to get them over any initial adjustment discomfort. Once your child is calm and ready to give it a go, stretch the neck of the undervest and place it over your child’s head. Then place each arm through the armholes, pull the undervest over the torso and hips, and pull down over the underpants. Rocking your child back and forth as you move the undervest down the torso is a fun and quick way of getting the undervest on. Put their regular clothing over the top, and don’t forget to praise your child. Ideally, the undervest should be put on directly before bed and after a shower or bath. Once the undervest is on, let your child move, play and do whatever it is they normally would. Talk with them about how the undervest feels. If your child is agitated and unhappy, take the undervest off and try again another time. For most children, however, the undervest feels like a gentle hug that they can wear all day. When it comes to taking the undervest off, start at the bottom and lift it over your child’s head, with their arms raised. Your child may need help removing the undervest, but many children learn to get it off and on easily by themselves if they are physically capable. If the fitting is successful, your child may want to wear their undervest 24/7, in which case it will only need to be removed for showering and changing.
Our Top Tips for First-Time and Early Wearers
To gain the most out of wearing a JettProof undervest, here are a few of our top tips to consider in line with the above steps:
- Pick a happy time of day to put the undervest on, when your child is not anxious, tired, overwhelmed, or just before bed.
- After putting the undervest on, encourage your child to do something they love for ½ an hour, for example, watching their favourite TV show or playing a computer game. Some wearers may experience a little tingling for about 15 minutes. This is normal, as the body is adjusting to the new sensation.
- Assist the child to put the undervest on, and to take it off, especially after a shower when their skin is still damp (it is easier to put on the undervest when the skin is dry). Most children will need the assistance of the parent/carer to put the undervest on and off. Providing this assistance avoids any frustration and the child becoming overwhelmed.
- Make sure you praise your child for trying something new and any effort they make when it comes to their independence. Most children (and adults) will love wearing the JettProof undervest and when they wear it, can gain the kind of all-day-long support they need to regulate their bodies and focus on the task at hand. If you think a JettProof undervest might be what you or your child needs, check out our shop, or email us to find out more.
For more information please email sales@jettproof.co.uk or click here.