How to Teach Kids to Walk With Prosthetics

A prosthetic for kids should always be fitted and aligned by a medical doctor. Understand that during the healing process, the prosthetic may need to be adjusted or realigned a few times before walking is possible. Once the doctor says that it's okay for the child to learn to walk with the prosthetic, there are a few things that you can do to help the process along. Make his walking with the prosthetic a little easier using the same principles you did when he was learning to walk for the first time without a prosthetic.

Instructions

• 1

  Focus on standing. The first thing you need to focus on when teaching a kid to walk with prosthetics is the simple act of learning to balance again. Balancing can be a challenge with a prosthetic. Each day, work on standing and sitting with the prosthetic until balance can be sustained for several minutes.

• 2

  Start walking with crutches or a walker. Something that the child can use to regain balance helps inspire confidence and make the transition into walking with the prosthetic easier to manage.

• 3

  Let the child lean on you. Once you take away the crutches or walker, don't expecthim to be able to walk alone just yet. This requires building up key muscles with practice and getting used to balancing with the prosthetic. Just as when a child is first learning to walk, leaning on you or simply holding your hand can make balancing easier.

• 4

  Walk behind him during practice. Having you there gives him a sense of security and make walking less stressful. You'll also be there in case he needs you to lean on.

• 5

  Follow the treatment course outlined by the his physical therapist. While you can do a lot to teach him to walk with the prosthetic, the physical therapist can give you a more specific timeframe for completing each step in the process that is unique to his situation, ability and prosthetic.