Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 Everyone has been so helpful with answering all my questions! It seems like we are having to make so many decisions all at once here. I really appreciate all of the experience everyone has shared, it is really helping. I have another question, now. What do you use for your older kids, when they have outgrown a stroller, but only need a place to ride part of the time - and you don't always know if/when they will need it? I mean, my son rides in his stroller the whole time we are out, maybe 1/4 of the time. Those times, he needs full body support, with some recline, and head support so his head doesn't slump over. At the other extreme, sometimes we can get away without having it at all. In between those times - which is about 50% of the time - we need to have it along because he will use it part or most of the time, and he will need varying amounts of support at those times (sometimes just a place to sit, and sometimes full support - it can really vary). Sometimes he won't use it at all but we still need to have it along just in case, especially if we are out all day. He is just too heavy to carry anymore, so that can't be a back-up. We really have to have something with us that he can ride in, in case fatigue sets in, or he starts losing coordination in his right leg and falling tons. (When I say fatigue, this is different than regular 4yo fatigue. Once it starts, it often lasts days or weeks or even a couple of months, and occasionally gets so bad it drains him just to hold his own head up, much less sit upright.) Do you use a wheelchair, or a special needs stroller, or just squish them into a regular stroller? Do any of your kids need head support part of the time? We are thinking of using a wagon, at least part of the time. We were going to get a special needs stroller (Lex EASyS 2) but my son's OT said that would soon seem too babyish for him. Right now he is almost 5yo and is okay with a stroller-looking stroller, but he will have to have it for at least 5 years before insurance will buy him something new, and as she put it, " by 8yo, a boy isn't going to want to be caught dead in a stroller " . I think she is right about that. She recommended either a jogging stroller or a wagon, or if that wouldn't work, then a wheelchair. The jogging stroller for special needs kids has a low seat back, and no head support on the sides. Even with the seat back extension, he would still be too upright for a lot of times, and no side support for his head (or torso, when he needs that). I've looked around at the wheelchairs that are available, that would provide enough support for the times he needs it. But I just can't imagine pushing something like that around while he walks or runs ahead of me half of the time! I worry I would either start restricting our outings, or else encourage him to ride more than he should - just to avoid people's comments - and neither of those options is acceptable to me. So, we are thinking of using a wagon for awhile. My sister is buying him a Radio Flyer Discovery wagon, which is roomy. The sides come off so it will fit in our van more easily, and the sides are tall enough to give a *little* support. We would have to bring blankets/pillows for him to recline on at other times, though. If we are going to the zoo or on a walk, I just can't imagine him facing up at the sunny sky the whole time, instead of seeing where we are going. So it seems like this will only work part of the time, not full-time. Anyway - it just seems like there is not a good option for a kid who only needs full support part of the time. Is anyone else in this position, and if so, what sorts of things have you tried, and what has worked the best? Thanks, Lynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 Lynne My 9 year old uses a convaid stroller. They fold up and it was measured and fitted for his needs. The insurance paid for it. It dosen't really look like a wheelchair but it's not a baby stroller. We got the wheels for all terriains because we don't have sidewalks around our neighborhood and it is great. You can steer it with one hand. Hope this helps. Barbara > >Reply-To: Mito >To: Mito Mito > >Subject: mobility questions >Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 18:46:43 -0700 > > Everyone has been so helpful with answering all my questions! It >seems like we are having to make so many decisions all at once here. I >really appreciate all of the experience everyone has shared, it is >really helping. > I have another question, now. What do you use for your older kids, >when they have outgrown a stroller, but only need a place to ride part >of the time - and you don't always know if/when they will need it? > I mean, my son rides in his stroller the whole time we are out, >maybe 1/4 of the time. Those times, he needs full body support, with >some recline, and head support so his head doesn't slump over. At the >other extreme, sometimes we can get away without having it at all. In >between those times - which is about 50% of the time - we need to have >it along because he will use it part or most of the time, and he will >need varying amounts of support at those times (sometimes just a place >to sit, and sometimes full support - it can really vary). > Sometimes he won't use it at all but we still need to have it along >just in case, especially if we are out all day. He is just too heavy to >carry anymore, so that can't be a back-up. We really have to have >something with us that he can ride in, in case fatigue sets in, or he >starts losing coordination in his right leg and falling tons. (When I >say fatigue, this is different than regular 4yo fatigue. Once it >starts, it often lasts days or weeks or even a couple of months, and >occasionally gets so bad it drains him just to hold his own head up, >much less sit upright.) > Do you use a wheelchair, or a special needs stroller, or just squish >them into a regular stroller? Do any of your kids need head support >part of the time? > We are thinking of using a wagon, at least part of the time. We >were going to get a special needs stroller (Lex EASyS 2) but my son's OT >said that would soon seem too babyish for him. Right now he is almost >5yo and is okay with a stroller-looking stroller, but he will have to >have it for at least 5 years before insurance will buy him something >new, and as she put it, " by 8yo, a boy isn't going to want to be caught >dead in a stroller " . I think she is right about that. She recommended >either a jogging stroller or a wagon, or if that wouldn't work, then a >wheelchair. > The jogging stroller for special needs kids has a low seat back, and >no head support on the sides. Even with the seat back extension, he >would still be too upright for a lot of times, and no side support for >his head (or torso, when he needs that). > I've looked around at the wheelchairs that are available, that would >provide enough support for the times he needs it. But I just can't >imagine pushing something like that around while he walks or runs ahead >of me half of the time! I worry I would either start restricting our >outings, or else encourage him to ride more than he should - just to >avoid people's comments - and neither of those options is acceptable to >me. > So, we are thinking of using a wagon for awhile. My sister is >buying him a Radio Flyer Discovery wagon, which is roomy. The sides >come off so it will fit in our van more easily, and the sides are tall >enough to give a *little* support. We would have to bring >blankets/pillows for him to recline on at other times, though. If we >are going to the zoo or on a walk, I just can't imagine him facing up at >the sunny sky the whole time, instead of seeing where we are going. So >it seems like this will only work part of the time, not full-time. > Anyway - it just seems like there is not a good option for a kid who >only needs full support part of the time. > Is anyone else in this position, and if so, what sorts of things >have you tried, and what has worked the best? > Thanks, > >Lynne > _________________________________________________________________ Scope out the new MSN Plus Internet Software — optimizes dial-up to the max! http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=byoa/plus&ST=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 I forgot to add - thanks for letting me know that 9yo boy is okay with it, too! The Convaid strollers definitely do not look babyish. Does your son use the stroller for his bad days at school, too? Or do you have other solutions for school? Lynne B Hoffman wrote: > Lynne > My 9 year old uses a convaid stroller. They fold up and it was measured > and fitted for his needs. The insurance paid for it. It dosen't really > look like a wheelchair but it's not a baby stroller. We got the wheels for > all terriains because we don't have sidewalks around our neighborhood and it > is great. You can steer it with one hand. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 hi lynne, just to add....my 4 year old daughter has the convaid cruiser and i am very happy with it. although, we do use it all the time, b/c she can not walk.....but i like the fact that it does fold, like an umbrella stroller. also, she does not have full head control, so her convaid has the head support. they offer lots of accessories for the stroller. hope this helps. bethany mom to brennan 6, palmer & anna grace (leighs) 4 > Everyone has been so helpful with answering all my questions! It > seems like we are having to make so many decisions all at once here. I > really appreciate all of the experience everyone has shared, it is > really helping. > I have another question, now. What do you use for your older kids, > when they have outgrown a stroller, but only need a place to ride part > of the time - and you don't always know if/when they will need it? > I mean, my son rides in his stroller the whole time we are out, > maybe 1/4 of the time. Those times, he needs full body support, with > some recline, and head support so his head doesn't slump over. At the > other extreme, sometimes we can get away without having it at all. In > between those times - which is about 50% of the time - we need to have > it along because he will use it part or most of the time, and he will > need varying amounts of support at those times (sometimes just a place > to sit, and sometimes full support - it can really vary). > Sometimes he won't use it at all but we still need to have it along > just in case, especially if we are out all day. He is just too heavy to > carry anymore, so that can't be a back-up. We really have to have > something with us that he can ride in, in case fatigue sets in, or he > starts losing coordination in his right leg and falling tons. (When I > say fatigue, this is different than regular 4yo fatigue. Once it > starts, it often lasts days or weeks or even a couple of months, and > occasionally gets so bad it drains him just to hold his own head up, > much less sit upright.) > Do you use a wheelchair, or a special needs stroller, or just squish > them into a regular stroller? Do any of your kids need head support > part of the time? > We are thinking of using a wagon, at least part of the time. We > were going to get a special needs stroller (Lex EASyS 2) but my son's OT > said that would soon seem too babyish for him. Right now he is almost > 5yo and is okay with a stroller-looking stroller, but he will have to > have it for at least 5 years before insurance will buy him something > new, and as she put it, " by 8yo, a boy isn't going to want to be caught > dead in a stroller " . I think she is right about that. She recommended > either a jogging stroller or a wagon, or if that wouldn't work, then a > wheelchair. > The jogging stroller for special needs kids has a low seat back, and > no head support on the sides. Even with the seat back extension, he > would still be too upright for a lot of times, and no side support for > his head (or torso, when he needs that). > I've looked around at the wheelchairs that are available, that would > provide enough support for the times he needs it. But I just can't > imagine pushing something like that around while he walks or runs ahead > of me half of the time! I worry I would either start restricting our > outings, or else encourage him to ride more than he should - just to > avoid people's comments - and neither of those options is acceptable to > me. > So, we are thinking of using a wagon for awhile. My sister is > buying him a Radio Flyer Discovery wagon, which is roomy. The sides > come off so it will fit in our van more easily, and the sides are tall > enough to give a *little* support. We would have to bring > blankets/pillows for him to recline on at other times, though. If we > are going to the zoo or on a walk, I just can't imagine him facing up at > the sunny sky the whole time, instead of seeing where we are going. So > it seems like this will only work part of the time, not full-time. > Anyway - it just seems like there is not a good option for a kid who > only needs full support part of the time. > Is anyone else in this position, and if so, what sorts of things > have you tried, and what has worked the best? > Thanks, > > Lynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 hi lynne, just to add....my 4 year old daughter has the convaid cruiser and i am very happy with it. although, we do use it all the time, b/c she can not walk.....but i like the fact that it does fold, like an umbrella stroller. also, she does not have full head control, so her convaid has the head support. they offer lots of accessories for the stroller. hope this helps. bethany mom to brennan 6, palmer & anna grace (leighs) 4 > Everyone has been so helpful with answering all my questions! It > seems like we are having to make so many decisions all at once here. I > really appreciate all of the experience everyone has shared, it is > really helping. > I have another question, now. What do you use for your older kids, > when they have outgrown a stroller, but only need a place to ride part > of the time - and you don't always know if/when they will need it? > I mean, my son rides in his stroller the whole time we are out, > maybe 1/4 of the time. Those times, he needs full body support, with > some recline, and head support so his head doesn't slump over. At the > other extreme, sometimes we can get away without having it at all. In > between those times - which is about 50% of the time - we need to have > it along because he will use it part or most of the time, and he will > need varying amounts of support at those times (sometimes just a place > to sit, and sometimes full support - it can really vary). > Sometimes he won't use it at all but we still need to have it along > just in case, especially if we are out all day. He is just too heavy to > carry anymore, so that can't be a back-up. We really have to have > something with us that he can ride in, in case fatigue sets in, or he > starts losing coordination in his right leg and falling tons. (When I > say fatigue, this is different than regular 4yo fatigue. Once it > starts, it often lasts days or weeks or even a couple of months, and > occasionally gets so bad it drains him just to hold his own head up, > much less sit upright.) > Do you use a wheelchair, or a special needs stroller, or just squish > them into a regular stroller? Do any of your kids need head support > part of the time? > We are thinking of using a wagon, at least part of the time. We > were going to get a special needs stroller (Lex EASyS 2) but my son's OT > said that would soon seem too babyish for him. Right now he is almost > 5yo and is okay with a stroller-looking stroller, but he will have to > have it for at least 5 years before insurance will buy him something > new, and as she put it, " by 8yo, a boy isn't going to want to be caught > dead in a stroller " . I think she is right about that. She recommended > either a jogging stroller or a wagon, or if that wouldn't work, then a > wheelchair. > The jogging stroller for special needs kids has a low seat back, and > no head support on the sides. Even with the seat back extension, he > would still be too upright for a lot of times, and no side support for > his head (or torso, when he needs that). > I've looked around at the wheelchairs that are available, that would > provide enough support for the times he needs it. But I just can't > imagine pushing something like that around while he walks or runs ahead > of me half of the time! I worry I would either start restricting our > outings, or else encourage him to ride more than he should - just to > avoid people's comments - and neither of those options is acceptable to > me. > So, we are thinking of using a wagon for awhile. My sister is > buying him a Radio Flyer Discovery wagon, which is roomy. The sides > come off so it will fit in our van more easily, and the sides are tall > enough to give a *little* support. We would have to bring > blankets/pillows for him to recline on at other times, though. If we > are going to the zoo or on a walk, I just can't imagine him facing up at > the sunny sky the whole time, instead of seeing where we are going. So > it seems like this will only work part of the time, not full-time. > Anyway - it just seems like there is not a good option for a kid who > only needs full support part of the time. > Is anyone else in this position, and if so, what sorts of things > have you tried, and what has worked the best? > Thanks, > > Lynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2004 Report Share Posted January 17, 2004 hi lynne, just to add....my 4 year old daughter has the convaid cruiser and i am very happy with it. although, we do use it all the time, b/c she can not walk.....but i like the fact that it does fold, like an umbrella stroller. also, she does not have full head control, so her convaid has the head support. they offer lots of accessories for the stroller. hope this helps. bethany mom to brennan 6, palmer & anna grace (leighs) 4 > Everyone has been so helpful with answering all my questions! It > seems like we are having to make so many decisions all at once here. I > really appreciate all of the experience everyone has shared, it is > really helping. > I have another question, now. What do you use for your older kids, > when they have outgrown a stroller, but only need a place to ride part > of the time - and you don't always know if/when they will need it? > I mean, my son rides in his stroller the whole time we are out, > maybe 1/4 of the time. Those times, he needs full body support, with > some recline, and head support so his head doesn't slump over. At the > other extreme, sometimes we can get away without having it at all. In > between those times - which is about 50% of the time - we need to have > it along because he will use it part or most of the time, and he will > need varying amounts of support at those times (sometimes just a place > to sit, and sometimes full support - it can really vary). > Sometimes he won't use it at all but we still need to have it along > just in case, especially if we are out all day. He is just too heavy to > carry anymore, so that can't be a back-up. We really have to have > something with us that he can ride in, in case fatigue sets in, or he > starts losing coordination in his right leg and falling tons. (When I > say fatigue, this is different than regular 4yo fatigue. Once it > starts, it often lasts days or weeks or even a couple of months, and > occasionally gets so bad it drains him just to hold his own head up, > much less sit upright.) > Do you use a wheelchair, or a special needs stroller, or just squish > them into a regular stroller? Do any of your kids need head support > part of the time? > We are thinking of using a wagon, at least part of the time. We > were going to get a special needs stroller (Lex EASyS 2) but my son's OT > said that would soon seem too babyish for him. Right now he is almost > 5yo and is okay with a stroller-looking stroller, but he will have to > have it for at least 5 years before insurance will buy him something > new, and as she put it, " by 8yo, a boy isn't going to want to be caught > dead in a stroller " . I think she is right about that. She recommended > either a jogging stroller or a wagon, or if that wouldn't work, then a > wheelchair. > The jogging stroller for special needs kids has a low seat back, and > no head support on the sides. Even with the seat back extension, he > would still be too upright for a lot of times, and no side support for > his head (or torso, when he needs that). > I've looked around at the wheelchairs that are available, that would > provide enough support for the times he needs it. But I just can't > imagine pushing something like that around while he walks or runs ahead > of me half of the time! I worry I would either start restricting our > outings, or else encourage him to ride more than he should - just to > avoid people's comments - and neither of those options is acceptable to > me. > So, we are thinking of using a wagon for awhile. My sister is > buying him a Radio Flyer Discovery wagon, which is roomy. The sides > come off so it will fit in our van more easily, and the sides are tall > enough to give a *little* support. We would have to bring > blankets/pillows for him to recline on at other times, though. If we > are going to the zoo or on a walk, I just can't imagine him facing up at > the sunny sky the whole time, instead of seeing where we are going. So > it seems like this will only work part of the time, not full-time. > Anyway - it just seems like there is not a good option for a kid who > only needs full support part of the time. > Is anyone else in this position, and if so, what sorts of things > have you tried, and what has worked the best? > Thanks, > > Lynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 LYnne, He is transported to school in it then uses a walker to get around, but if he feels he needs to, he will use it in school. The only problem is he has to be pushed by somenone. We are trying to get a motorized wheelchair but the ins. is giving us a hard time. When we first got the stroller he walked alot just used it for when he was tired, but he has since suffered a stroke and has some paralyize. So think hard how often he will use it and if someone pushing him around would be a problem before you make your decision. Not that he minds getting pushed but you want to give the kids as much independence as possible. Barbara > >Reply-To: Mito >To: Mito >Subject: Re: mobility questions >Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 19:30:10 -0700 > > I forgot to add - thanks for letting me know that 9yo boy is okay with >it, >too! The Convaid strollers definitely do not look babyish. > Does your son use the stroller for his bad days at school, too? Or do >you >have other solutions for school? > >Lynne > >B Hoffman wrote: > > > Lynne > > My 9 year old uses a convaid stroller. They fold up and it was >measured > > and fitted for his needs. The insurance paid for it. It dosen't really > > look like a wheelchair but it's not a baby stroller. We got the wheels >for > > all terriains because we don't have sidewalks around our neighborhood >and it > > is great. You can steer it with one hand. Hope this helps. > _________________________________________________________________ High-speed users—be more efficient online with the new MSN Premium Internet Software. http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=byoa/prem&ST=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 His chair is built so it stays in the reclined position but it would of been nice if we got the one that you can adjust. (live and learn) and no he dosen't need head support. > >Reply-To: Mito >To: Mito >Subject: Re: mobility questions >Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 19:28:33 -0700 > > Is it able to tilt and recline, and does it have head support for when >that >is needed? Or did you get the Scout? We looked at one, at a wheelchair >shop, >and it was *very* cool! I worried it would not provide enough support on >his >bad days, though. > Does your son ever need support to keep his head up? > >Lynne > >B Hoffman wrote: > > > Lynne > > My 9 year old uses a convaid stroller. They fold up and it was >measured > > and fitted for his needs. The insurance paid for it. It dosen't really > > look like a wheelchair but it's not a baby stroller. We got the wheels >for > > all terriains because we don't have sidewalks around our neighborhood >and it > > is great. You can steer it with one hand. Hope this helps. > _________________________________________________________________ Let the new MSN Premium Internet Software make the most of your high-speed experience. http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=byoa/prem&ST=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 His chair is built so it stays in the reclined position but it would of been nice if we got the one that you can adjust. (live and learn) and no he dosen't need head support. > >Reply-To: Mito >To: Mito >Subject: Re: mobility questions >Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 19:28:33 -0700 > > Is it able to tilt and recline, and does it have head support for when >that >is needed? Or did you get the Scout? We looked at one, at a wheelchair >shop, >and it was *very* cool! I worried it would not provide enough support on >his >bad days, though. > Does your son ever need support to keep his head up? > >Lynne > >B Hoffman wrote: > > > Lynne > > My 9 year old uses a convaid stroller. They fold up and it was >measured > > and fitted for his needs. The insurance paid for it. It dosen't really > > look like a wheelchair but it's not a baby stroller. We got the wheels >for > > all terriains because we don't have sidewalks around our neighborhood >and it > > is great. You can steer it with one hand. Hope this helps. > _________________________________________________________________ Let the new MSN Premium Internet Software make the most of your high-speed experience. http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page=byoa/prem&ST=1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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