Disclaimer: Customer stories and testimonials on this page may speak to a customer’s individual experience with the Otteroo and their child’s impairment. These stories and testimonials may not reflect all Otteroo experiences. The Otteroo is intended to provide buoyancy to promote free movement in the water to support natural development and is not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent a disease or condition.
Raylix's parents had already heard of the Otteroo when they received one as part of their Cure SMA care package.* When she was two months old, Raylix was diagnosed with SMA Type 1 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and soon received a package full of products to help with her development.
Raylix's mom, Amanda, talked to us about her daughter's experience.
It's overwhelming. The first time I saw her kick and move around on her own, I cried. It was something that I'm not able to see outside of the water, just her being so independent.
A lot of parents joke with us that they were initially hesitant about the Otteroo, but you were already familiar with it?
Yeah, we have seen lots of other SMA families use it, and it's just incredible to watch them kick and move around. It's something that they're not usually able to do.
What did Raylix think of it the first time she was in the Otteroo?
Well, the first time we put her in it, she started to cry. Then I just stepped back and gave her a minute to get used to it. She started kicking her legs, and I could see that she was actually realizing that she was able to move around on her own. After that, she started laughing and smiling. She really enjoys it.
How often does she go in the Otteroo?
We try to do it every night, or as much as possible.
Have you noticed any kind of physical changes in her from using it?
Yes, I think it has really helped her move different areas of her body that she's usually not able to do outside of the water. We kind of consider it her aqua therapy session.
What is it like for you to see her mobile?
It's overwhelming. The first time I saw her kick and move around on her own, I cried. It was something that I'm not able to see outside of the water, just her being so independent.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I just want to say that it's a great product. It has really helped her!
*We are so humbled that parents of babies with SMA think that the Otteroo is so necessary for babies with this diagnosis that they have generously donated to make sure every family receives an Otteroo in their care package. To learn more or to request a care package, please head over to Cure SMA's website.