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This photo was taken when we first got the toddler chair for Emily. At
that time she needed the sandles and Velcro to keep her feet positioned properly.
She also needed the extra trunk support supplied by a rolled towel.
Today, she doesn't need anything for her feet and only needs extra
trunk support some of the time, particularly when she's tired or working
at something with her arms that challenges her.
The tray is very easy to clean -- even crayon marks wipe right off! The lipped edge of the tray aids in keeping items from falling off. Also, the tray stores on the back of the chair when not in use. The top of the seat back has a cut out handle so you can lift the chair with one hand and move it. Often, I have Emily in one arm and grab the chair with the other hand as we move to another area of the house. |
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Emily loved the experience of standing up without anyone holding on to
her. At first, she giggled just at seeing Mommy in FRONT of her instead
of behind her. The tray can be adjusted up or down as well as to differing
angles. The shelf she is standing on is also adjustable and so is the
frame. There are different slots for the Velcro straps so they can
be placed in the best position to meet the child's needs.
Now that Emily is older, at school they often adjust the tray so that it serves as an easle for Emily to paint or color.
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Emily was in her Gait Trainer when Grandma arrived with this hat she
just couldn't refuse.
Emily was in the kitchen with me, here, helping with chores. She didn't have the ankle straps in this photo, but she did get so she needed to use them. At this stage, the Gait Trainer worked better for Emily is this position, however, you can use it so it is in the reverse direction. We purchased the 24" frame, yet it still seemed a little too tall for her at first. We also have a handle bar that goes the whole length across the front, and we have a tray that goes on that bar. What I like most about this Gait Trainer is that everything is adjustable and interchangeable so you can experiment and come up with what works best for your child. Also, this allows for changes as your child grows and/or masters goals.
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Although Emily was not able to walk much in the Gait Trainer other than
on a smooth flat surface, it worked well outside too. She was able
to stand and bear weight on her legs. But most important for us, she
was able to participate in routine family events --like spring yard work.
As you can see from this photo, Emily loves being a part of everything the rest of the family does. This is also true at school, Emily has to do what ever the rest of the kids are doing. This is where the art of adapting is a must. Sometimes, Jimbo complains because we make him do more work than Emily does but we remind him she is working equally as hard because it is harder for her to do things. For Emily, I believe we have taught her that we expect the same of her that we do of Jimbo.
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