SureSteps {31 for 21 - Sunday's Stories}

You might remember a post from last year describing Reese's resistance to anything gross motor. Well, her preference for stationary life continues. She's made considerable progress in a year - she's crawling, bear crawling, cruising, standing from a seated position & will take steps with handheld assist - but she is definitely very cautious when it comes to gross motor activities. She would much rather sit &/or stand to play. We've found that she has to be 100% confident in her abilities before attempting a new skill.

Her low muscle tone & flexible joints no doubt contribute to her gross motor delays. When standing, her feet overpronate (excessively roll inward) which makes it difficult for her feet & ankles to stabilize her body. This is a common problem for kids with Ds & we knew orthotics were in her future.

Introducing Reese's snazzy new accessories...

These are SureStep SMOs (Supra Malleolar Orthotics), commonly referred to as SureSteps in the world of hypotonia.

Thankfully Children's Mercy has an orthotist on staff that is well versed in SureSteps. Reese was measured a few weeks ago & then recently underwent a fitting.

Trying on her SureSteps for the first time

Not exactly thrilled with it

Directly from the SureStep website:

The SureStep SMO remains the most advanced method of controlling excessive pronation and providing stability to the hypotonic population. Through the use of extremely thin, flexible thermoplastic, the SureStep SMO compresses the soft tissue of the foot. This compressive force stabilizes the foot and ankle complex while still allowing for the development of the intrinsic muscles, muscle strategies and movement patterns necessary to develop a normal, natural gait pattern. The SureStep SMO has revolutionized orthotic management for children with hypotonia and has become the mandated method of treating this population in many areas of the world.

Taking them for a test spin

 

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear" is Reese's go-to distractor

Reese will be in SureSteps for a while, even after she starts walking. It's all about proper positioning & attempting to prevent future orthopedic issues resulting from malalignment of the foot & ankle in these early years. 

Harper, quite literally, digesting information on SureSteps

 

Attempting to digest stroller straps, too. Told you she's an enthusiastic eater.

 

Stride Rite, here we come!