Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. This post and all my blog posts are my experiences and opinions only.
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Right around when Seth turned 18 months we, with help from our PT, decided it was time to get Seth a posterior walker for a toddler. Up until this point he had successfully been using baby push toys for walking, and while they worked they didn’t put him in the correct upright walking position. Our hope was to get the walker and help him be more independent at home, daycare and out in the world.
Where Do You Get a Walker?
First, go through your insurance. Hopefully, with help from your PT or other doctor, you won’t run into any road blocks, but it can take a long time. We got really lucky and from when we started the process to when Seth got the walker took about 3 months in total. We got the Kaye Reverse Walker with a seat.
**TIP: If you have the walker delivered to your home, the time they give you is more of a suggestion than actual delivery time. Also, they say your child has to be there to “fit” the walker to them. This is not a real thing. The walker adjusts easily and is something you can do on your own or with your PT. Don’t pull your child out of daycare like I did and wait around for hours for the delivery person.**
The quickest option, if you can swing it, is to buy the “Amazon Walker” aka the Inspired by Drive Nimbo with seat. Thanks to Amazon we got the Nimbo Walker in 2 days. You’ve got to love Amazon Prime.
Learning Curve?
Seth didn’t get the walker and immediately take off. It took months for him to switch over from the baby push toy to the walker.
**TIP: After a while we hid the baby push toy. It made him use the walker.**
On The Go!
After he finally got consistent with using the posterior walker and asking for his “walk-walk”, we started taking it out and about. Yes, it is one more thing to pack, but my husband and I decided Seth deserved the same freedom our daughter has when we are out.
**TIP: Buy XL stroller clips and then you can clip the posterior walker for a toddler to your stroller. Beware of the stroller tipping over if the walker is clipped to it and no kids are in the stroller to counter the weight.**
Other Things To Consider
Since we had two posterior walkers, we were able to leave one at daycare and have one at home. This was a sanity saver for my husband and me.
Add some cushion to the back bar of the walker. I’ve seen some people use a pool noodle. Seth did not like this. We used bike handlebar tape. It provided enough cushion without adding bulk to the walker.
Seth got fast quick! He learned how to propel himself and soar down the driveway, sidewalk, etc. If you need to stop your child do not grab their walker, grab their body. I learned this mistake the hard way in the lobby of our local Children’s Hospital. I grabbed Seth’s walker as he ran away from me laughing and splat, he fell right on his face. Not a proud mom moment, but I learned from it.
Last thing, don’t bother with the “all-terrain wheels” you can find online. We bought them for Seth and after 2 returns, we never got the ones they showed on the website. The ones we ended up with were OK, but they are heavy and do not swivel. It is a huge miss that there isn’t a true outdoor posterior walker for a toddler on the market, but I will say as my son has gotten stronger using his walker outside has become easier for him.
I am SO appreciative that we took the leap to get Seth a walker. It opened up his world and allowed him so much more freedom. The joy on his face as he walks, runs and flies around with his sister and classmates makes my heart so happy!
It’s about progress, not perfection.
Melissa Cote