We recommend fitting infants with a prosthesis as early as possible to encourage babies to accept and use a prosthesis as they begin exploring the world around them. For infants up to 18 months, tiny passive hands are the usual choice. Starting around age two, children often benefit from activity-specific prosthetic attachments for sports and play. The option of fitting a basic myoelectric hand and wrist becomes realistic around age three or four. The multi-articulating i-limb quantum is now sized for children, and the multi-articulating bebionic3 has a smaller size that fits teens.
The socket system that is used to connect the prosthetic hand to the body is customized to each child. Adjustable sockets that feature a lacing closure system will easily expand to accommodate a child’s rapidly growing limb, often allowing for several years of use between fittings.
Are you expecting a baby with a congenital limb difference? You can learn more about what to expect, read quotes from parents of children with a limb difference and find more information in our blog article “Congenital Limb Differences: What to Know Before Your Child is Born.”
If you have a child with a limb difference and you’d like to learn more about prosthetic options and resources, please visit one of our blog articles:
