My 19 month old is now in DAFO's for a majority of the day and in between uses pediwraps for stretching (sometimes simultaneously). We are in EI and awaiting an open spot in outpatient PT. We went to the EI office this morning to see how he would do with an infant walker, I think the brand was a Rifton. It had hand pieces and a chest belt. He was a bit resistant, but I think alot of that was because he wasn't used to it. How long did it take your toddlers to get used to the idea of using a walker? They are going to order him one that has different angles of use (ie-straight up, leaning back, leaning forward). I looked this walker up on the Rifton site and with the accessories they want we are looking at approx $2200.00-$2500.00. Thanks for any help that you can provide.

Amy

Hi Amy,
My son was originally put in a kaye walker at about 2 1/2. He really resisted it for the longest time. It wasn't until we got the crocodile walker at age three that he showed interest and actively used it on his own volition. He is nearly 4 now and zooms around on it like a speed demon!!!!!! I think too that the interest in it increased as his strength increased. He has low tone so we have been working a lot on strengthening up his muscles and that has helped him considerably.
What is the difference between DAFO's and AFO's? Have not been able to work that one out!
Cheers, Kari

I think that AFO's only go a little above the ankle, where DAFO's go almost to the top of the calf just before the back of the knee. Thanks for the info on the walker, I am excited to get it and get him started on his mobility.

Amy

My son is 9 and uses both KAYE and a WENZELITE Nimbo.
Rifton makes more of a gait trainer than a standard walker.
Different PT's will have different opinions.
Either way, to save you some money, feel free to contact me. I have wholesale accts with all manufacturers and would be happy to pass along some savings. Thanks!

Doesn't EI cover the costs of the walker? We borrowed a walker from someone that had outgrown theirs - but EI covered the equipment for the most part.

EI does cover equipment after our insurance on a sliding scale basis. The "walker" by Rifton is more of a gait trainer, but my PT refers to it as a walker, I suppose it is a matter of symantics.

Thanks for the info.

Amy