llNo one likes to see children injured but it does happen. Even for smaller adults finding the right sized equipment for your recovery can be a challenge. When children get injured it’s important to let them continue life in as normal fashion as possible.
By doing so this will aid in a child’s enthusiasm to get the most out of the recovery period.
Is A Knee Walker Right For My Child?
Every child is different, but comfort is one of the most important things in the healing process. crutches can be confusing for a kid to use and after using them for so long they will get frustrated.
However, a knee scooter can cover a wide range of surfaces including pavement, dirt, grass, and light gravel. They do have to have a certain maturity level in order to best take advantage of the walker and we highly recommend the child being in middle school or older, but it again depends on his or her maturity level.
How To Measure A Child For A Knee Walker?
Even though height ranges are provided by the manufacturers, they are subjective since everyone's legs and torsos are different proportions.
A person who is 5'2" but has longer legs may be able to use one knee walker that a customer who is 5'3" with shorter legs may not. It all depends on measurements.
The best way to know for sure if a knee scooter will be the correct size for you is to measure in advance. |
To Measure...
Before getting started, you will need: A tape measure or yard stick, a family member to help is recommended and a solid, stable item to hold onto - such as a chair, counter or wall to balance.
Once the child Is safely balanced, bend his or her leg that will be on the knee walker to a 90 degree angle as if it were resting on the knee pad. Make sure they are standing up straight and not leaning. The most challenging part is getting kids to stay stationary long enough to get a proper measurement. Once you have it there are multiple options that exist for the child.
Can Kids Use Knee Walkers At School?
Yes kids can use knee walkers at school. It's advisable to get in touch with the teachers and school nurse to let them know about your child's situation. Many times students need extra time to get to and from class so this can easily be managed by having an open dialogue of communication between you and the teachers.
Knee walkers are actually really good for school use and are more manageable than crutches. Students have the added benefit of using their hands more freely for class activities and moving around from class to class becomes much easier than having to use crutches.
It should be noted that knee walkers cannot go up stairs so if the school has multiple floors it will be necessary to use an elevator. Again using the elevator is simple with knee scooter and much more easy to access.
Parents should know that knee walkers are not as optimized for their kids playing with other kids on the playground, in the courtyard or taking part in gym time activities. They are trying to recover so the safer experiences they have the better.
Don’t Let Friends Use The Knee Walker
It will be tempting for the child’s friends to want to use the device. This is not only dangerous, but they could get injured themselves using it without prior knowledge on how to operate the walker.
It’s also not a play toy it’s a piece of medical equipment designed to aid in recovery and just like a wheelchair or crutches the knee walker needs to be treated as such. They may also re-adjust certain settings which could throw off balance so its best not to let others play on the walker.
Further Reading: Knee Scooter Safety Tips
How Young Is Too Young For A Knee Walker?
At the end of the day you know your child best. When taking all options into consideration it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of every situation.
Being non-weight bearing for a child can be a very frustrating thing and they will need the proper guidance to ensure a healthy and happy recovery period. Although a knee scooter can be a viable option every child is different.
Certain children will learn faster than others, some kids might pick up how to use it right away while others may take time. Regardless of the situation the parents are the ones in charge, and you get the final say with what works best.
Can You Child Vacation With A Knee Scooter?
Of course, you can! More importantly they are fully able to utilize them at theme parks including Disney!
A knee walker can actually make a vacation even more fun for the child. Kids often get frustrated by using crutches especially traversing long distances such as theme parks. This is why using a knee scooter is a fun alternative. You child will love scooting around the parks and vacation destinations.
If you have recently had a child or small adult who has been injured, then the great news is you can rent a knee walker from us!
Further Reading: How to Rent a Knee Scooter for Theme Parks in Orlando
As an amazing alternative to crutches the knee scooter will make your vacation better than you ever could have imagined!
Best Knee Scooters Models for Children
All knee scooter models feature adjustable height knee pads and handlebars, however not all models can cover the same height ranges particular at lower heights. The three best knee scooter for kids are the Swivelmate, Knee Walker Jr, and the Free Spirit.
The Swivelmate
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In terms of comfortability for children the Swivelmate is as good as it gets. Although not every child will be able to easily fit on the model most middle school and high school students will.
Children ranging from 4”8 – 6”8 will find this model to be the best recovery can offer.
Offering a 90-degree turning radius, the user still has full control of steering while utilizing the 90 degree turning ability, so stability is never compromised.
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The Knee Walker Jr.
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Sturdy, yet lightweight, the new steerable Knee Walker Jr.. is the industry's First Junior Steerable Knee Walker!
This petite knee scooter is for individuals 3'6" to 5'4" tall who cannot bear weight on their foot or ankle yet want to remain active and mobile.
Weighing only 18 pounds, Knee Walker Jr. features four 5" foam filled tires and a 3" padded knee platform that is left or right-leg compatible.
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Well-built with many popular features makes the Free Spirit Knee Walker you should consider. Whether you are on your way to school, the supermarket or the mall the Free Spirit is ready to go!
The Free Spirit knee walker has features such as ergonomic loop-style brake handles, dual independent brake lines and a thick supportive knee pad.
The knee pad and handlebar are height adjustable allowing a perfect fit. It is fully steerable by turning the handlebars in the direction you want to go and has an excellent turning radius. The back-wheel separation is 8" keeping it narrow at the back.
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