Thursday, April 02, 2009

How to Protect the Pump?

Riley is getting ready to start baseball. This will be his first year playing with a real baseball. Prior to this year he was playing T ball and they used a soft, spongy ball.

Since Riley does better when his insulin delivery is not interrupted, I really want him to wear his pump while he plays. But, every time I think about that hard baseball accidentally hitting his pump, I cringe.

So, does your child wear their pump while they play sports? If so, how do you protect it?

Riley wears an Animas 1250. I've looked at Animas' web site and do not see a protective cover for the pump. Any ideas?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello! :)

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Kelly said...

You should be able to find a cell phone case with a clip attached that can fit his pump....I would try to clip it to the back of his waisted pants....I'm the same with Maddison....interupt the insulin delivery and you just can't get numbers right after that! Reason #1that I dread swim season!

Anonymous said...

I would agree with the reader that said to use a cellphone case. I've done that for Nikki during dance classes, recitals, cheerleading, etc. and definitely put it in the back - I'm with you on the getting hit by a hard baseball thing! :-D

Allison Blass said...

I would also consider the placement of the pump. The pump is most likely going to get hit if it's in front, and on his left side (if he's batting and facing to his right)... If clipped it to the back, it might be more out of the way.

I'm not sure how protective a cell phone case actually is... but from what I can tell, pumps are pretty sturdy. I've dropped mine on the ground so many times... Also, you might consider clipping the pump *inside* his pants, rather than on the outside, to prevent the buttons from facing outwards. Might be more uncomfortable...

Sports and dresses - the 2 things insulin pumps are just NOT meant for (I feel your pain...).

Anonymous said...

Minimed has a sports pack with a hard plastic piece of plexiglass that fits in front of the pump to protect the pump. Animas is approx. same size and would fit in it. I would also put the pump on my house insurance if possible, although if anything happens to it, I'm sure Animas will replace it.

Jill said...

What about one of those sports harnesses that he can put on under his shirt and the pump will rest between his shoulder blades? I know I've read about bike riders using those but I imagine it would work for baseball too. Then you wouldnt have to worry about it falling off his pants. Here is a link to one...

http://www.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/shop/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=28&category_id=21&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=116

I'm sure if you shop around online you might find one cheaper. Also try e-bay or if you're crafty enough they don't look too hard to make :) Hope this helps and have a great ball season!