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walkers and activities

twinsmama
1 Recommendation

Hi everyone! I am mommy to a beautiful 22 mo old girl who has mild CP. She has AFOs and we just got a front walker for her a few weeks ago and she is taking off. She's super active and loves doing everything her twin brother does. Are there walkers out there for all terrain? She likes to play outside but ours won't go in the grass and it's really hard at the playground.
Also, we are travelling up north this winter for Christmas. There will be snow. How can she get around and play in the snow with her cousin and brother? Do they make snow boots to go over AFOs?
Thanks for all your help!

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5 replies

Sasori

Hi there, my girl is 21mths. We don't have a walker, although we are working on that. She does love to go walking with me holding her up tho, she has a great step pattern. Over here in New Zealand, we all aspire to getting a Hart walker. I don't know where they originated or where they are available, but google them and have a look. They will cope with grass...but on second thought if you're daughter has a 'front walker' she may be too good a walker to bother with one of these. Have a look anyway! I'm sure someone out there will make a chunky walker that will get your girl out and about - and if not, do you know any engineers? Sometimes you need to get inventive, who knows, you may make millions on a new design! Same thing with the snow boots, anything is possible! We're still trying to design a decent pair of shoes to go over our girl's AFOs. You may find that snow boots offer more than enough support for her feet/ankles that you don't need to use the AFO's with them. From memory (and it was a while ago) snow boots (like for skiing) are pretty solid things. Good luck, and let us know if you find any exciting products!

twinsmama

Here in the states, the "standard" for shoes to go over AFOs is a company called Stride Rite. They make extra wide shoes that fit. They are also expensive. I found a website called www.keepingpace.com
They have socks to keep their feet dry (they really work!) and shoes as well. we live in south texas where the weather is usually hot. So, I use crocs over the AFOs. They are light weight. But, you need the mary jane style strap to fit around the braces. I've also found that sandals with two velcros (one at the toes and one mary jane style) also work great. Regular shoes are cheaper which is good since we out grow them so fast!
I'll let you know if I find anything else. Thanks for the walker info.

Sasori

Cool, thanks for that info! I'll go check out that website now. We're heading over your way (well, the US) to have stem cell (cord blood) therapy soon(ish). Have you looked into that at all for your daughter?

BeckyD8164

Hi there! If you would like an all-terrain walker, you might want to take a look at http://www.spinlife.com/Snug-Seat-Crocodile-Walker-Walkers-and-Gait-Trainer s/spec.cfm?productID=82473. It is the called the Crocodile walker and comes in 3 sizes and colors and various options. It is made in Denmark and is very high quality and is sold here in the US as well. We ordered my son's 1st walker, a Crocodile and it is due to arrive anytime now and we can't wait! There are also other websites which give more information on it and there are video's of it being used on YouTube. It is a posterior walker which I believe is usually prescribed for CP kids and you want a front walker, but I thought you may want to see it anyway. Hope this helps!

GavinsMama

My son is 2 and also has a Crocodile gait trainer. He has really learned to maneuver it all over,and it does well outdoors on different terrains.

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