Getting out and about with a toddler with mild hemiplegia — Scope | Disability forum
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Getting out and about with a toddler with mild hemiplegia

Loobieloo07
Loobieloo07 Community member Posts: 5 Listener
Hi everyone, I'm wondering if anyone has advice on getting around with a baby and a toddler (who has a mild hemiplegia) we use a buggy board but it's just getting too heavy for me and my little boy can't walk long distences if we're out as a family I end up carry him and I have noticed we go out less and less on my own because its such hard work 
Any advice great fully recieved 

Comments

  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Loobieloo and a very warm welcome to the community!

    Sorry to hear this is becoming increasingly difficult. It must be frustrating. Would something like a buggy seat be helpful at all?

    I am tagging @Richard_Scope who is our cerebral palsy specialist to see if he's come across this before.

    In the meantime, I hope other members are able to provide their suggestions. :)
    Scope

  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    edited January 2020
    Hi there @Loobieloo
    I have found buggy boards with seats. Hopefully, they may help solve the issues you are dealing with.
    Fnova Mini Board with Seat
    and this one which is favourite of my friend's kids.
    Mee-Go Sit N Ride

    They are a little pricey but cheaper than a double buggy. I hope they can give you some ideas.
    Scope
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  • April2018mom
    April2018mom Posts: 2,882 Disability Gamechanger
    Hello and welcome @Loobieloo!

    Sorry to read that. I know you must be frustrated. My son is now a full time wheelchair user. In the beginning I had my doubts about wheelchairs. But it was what he needed. You might want to read this helpful article on wheelchairs 
    https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/getting-a-wheelchair
    What about a powered wheelchair? It is a very good option for those who cannot walk very far or completely unable to move their legs at all. I recommend visiting a mobility aids shop if possible or contacting NHS wheelchair services to see if they can help. If you do go to a mobility aids shop, make sure to ask the staff questions and test out a few models of wheelchairs. It is a good idea to read up on reviews and specifications.

    Ask his doctor or therapist for suggestions. When we were searching for a wheelchair, I talked to my son’s therapist for ideas and advice. She gave me some recommendations. Or you can try acquiring a wheelchair through other means. Alternatively what about getting in contact with the council and social services? They might also be willing to assist you in exploring your options and finding something suitable for your child. 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Loobieloo07, how are you doing?

    I hope the advice has been helpful, I have mild CP and know how important it can be to keep up mobility but also to rest. Has your son seen a physio recently? A splint or physio may help to strengthen/support muscles so he can walk that little bit further. 
    Scope

  • CharlotteG
    CharlotteG Community member Posts: 9 Connected
    edited January 2020
    If this seems obvious then apologies, but have you thought about carrying baby in a sling / carrier and pushing toddler in the buggy if he gets tired? Or I still carry my 3 YO with CP in a back carry sling sometimes if we’re going somewhere a buggy is difficult. Using a sling distributes her weight better so I can carry her a lot more easily then I can without. You may have a sling library in your area where you could hire one to try for a few months rather then committing the full cost if you’re unsure. Let me know if you’re interested and I can always see if I can find a group in your area. 
  • emmarenshaw
    emmarenshaw Community member Posts: 710 Pioneering
    edited January 2020
    A warm welcome to the community @Loobieloo07 I’m Emma, one of the Community Champions. I have CP myself. I’d  be happy to help if need any further assistance with anything.
  • Loobieloo07
    Loobieloo07 Community member Posts: 5 Listener
    Hi everyone sorry I haven't responded earlier had a few challenges recently. 
    I did read and appreciate everyone's comments and thank you for taking the time to respond
    We have changed our double buggy for a lighter one and it has made life a lot easier for now and I have some more confidence in getting about,
    Out next adventure starts this week with serial casting. 
  • jadealyssa
    jadealyssa Community member Posts: 63 Courageous
    Hi @Loobieloo07
    As  @Chloe_Scope said physio may be able to help and provide you with some splints, they are fantastic. Also you could ask physio to refer you to wheelchair services and they can provide all sorts including a special adapted pushchair which my some has for when he tries while out and about.
    I am also a mum to a child with CP and he had serial casting done and it worked wonders for him. To begin with they will be strange for your son but they soon adjust.they usually make your child as comfortable as possible while casting them and offer to put thier favourites programmes on the tele or they lay out some toys infront of them. Theh usually tru to cast while your child is lying on thier belly as it's the best position for them to manipulate the muscle
    i hope they work as well as they did for my son.
    Please keep us updated and I hope all goes well 
    Best wishes 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Loobieloo07, I'm glad you have managed to find something that works better! 

    How has serial casting gone? I hope it's not too uncomfortable for him!
    Scope

  • Loobieloo07
    Loobieloo07 Community member Posts: 5 Listener
    At first he said it hurt but think it was just cause it was different it's hard to tell with him!  He asked if I could take it off at bed time, but not letting it hold him back. But the poor lad has also got a chest infection he is such a little trooper 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    It can be achy with our foot being pushed into an unusual position for us, I hope it eases and he gets used to it! How long is he having it on for?
    Scope

  • Loobieloo07
    Loobieloo07 Community member Posts: 5 Listener
    He has had it on for a week and off this morning then on again tomorrow for two more weeks then see what happens we are also seeing orthopedic consultant after the two weeks.
    I feel like he is getting really thin all over not sure if it's a combination of starting pre school, having a chest infection, or having to work a bit harder with his cast on, he is really hit and miss with food at the minute which isn't like him, his leg looks really think out of the cast not sure if I should be worried or not? 
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @Loobieloo07, I hope the fitting went well on Monday. Were you able to mention your concerns? As you say, it could be multiple factors. The leg can get thinner due to a lack of movement, but you'll be surprised how quickly it goes back to normal.

    If you have any concerns then please speak to the physio or consultant. I hope it goes okay. :)
    Scope

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