Mum details how she saved $1,200 by crafting her son a spectacular wheelchair made from Kmart products
- Replies 4
The sad truth is that not everyone can afford to splurge on necessary medical aids even when they need them. So when little Malachi broke his leg from playing outside with his kitten, his mum knew that she had to find a way to turn the adversity around to the best of her ability.
Crystal Jackson quickly realised that she wouldn’t be able to keep her energetic toddler still while his leg healed. With her creative juices and a quick trip to Kmart and Bunnings, she threw together an epic DIY wheelchair for him – and it took the internet by storm.
Similar aids cost more than $1300, but Crystal made the most out of a discarded chair and a $16 memory foam cushion.
The low rider chair allows the 'almost three-year-old' to roll around on his own on his endless backyard adventures.
The savvy mum revealed that Malachi could be stuck in the cast for a while because his doctors plan to replace his cast once his bones have realigned with the help of the current one.
Malachi’s epic wheelchair! Image Credit: @DailyMail
“We will find out how long it will take to fix once he is in the new cast,” she said.
The very active toddler still manages to 'climb all over' his mum when he isn't riding around in the purpose-built chair.
Crystal shared images and clips of the DIY wheelchair on Facebook, detailing how she transformed old chairs from Kmart for the job.
“The legs were wobbly so we didn't use it. The seat size is perfect, giving his leg support," she explained.
The creative mum placed a memory foam cushion above the seat for extra comfort and then bolted the chair to a piece of furniture moving board that she purchased from Bunnings.
Next, she attached a pair of large wheels and an axle. She designed it to be 'low to the ground so he can get in and out himself to play on his mat with his toys'.
“We have a handle, however, decided not to put it on as he will only be using it at home and when we pop in for a social play at daycare,” she said.
“I placed a black foam on the back to secure the wheels and stop little fingers.”
Crystal detailed the chair’s creation process. Image Credit: Daily Mail
On top of that, she also has a seatbelt for the chair but decided against putting it on.
The makeshift wheelchair was up and running just two days after the little boy got injured. Upon learning this fact, fellow mums online couldn’t resist expressing their awe.
“Necessity is the mother of invention. Great idea, mum! I hope the little man recovers quickly,” one mum responded to the post, adding that the chair could make for an epic go-kart later.
“Hope it really helps him and recovery is smooth! I hear you, my son turns three at end of June!!! They. Don't. Stop.” commented another.
“Awesome invention! Great job, mum. Looks like he approves,” praised a third.
Crystal initially considered buying a similar wheelchair but opted to make one herself after seeing them retail for $1300-a-pop.
Malachi's furry friend, an adorable and equally playful grey kitten, seems to have taken a liking to the chair too!
Kitten gave it a thumbs up… Or maybe a paw up. Image Credit: Daily Mail
Crystal added that she is grateful the accident didn't end in disaster for her little boy.
"It could have been so much worse... The ambulance officers and everyone at the hospital have been amazing with him,” she said.
The bubbly youngster is looking forward to heading to daycare so he can show off his cast and cool wheelchair.
“We're visiting on Monday so he can see his friends. He has been sick for 3 weeks prior to this,” Crystal continued.
She said that she wanted to share her mini project in the hope that it would inspire parents in the same position.
What are your thoughts on little Malachi’s DIY wheelchair? Share them with us in the comments!
Crystal Jackson quickly realised that she wouldn’t be able to keep her energetic toddler still while his leg healed. With her creative juices and a quick trip to Kmart and Bunnings, she threw together an epic DIY wheelchair for him – and it took the internet by storm.
Similar aids cost more than $1300, but Crystal made the most out of a discarded chair and a $16 memory foam cushion.
The low rider chair allows the 'almost three-year-old' to roll around on his own on his endless backyard adventures.
The savvy mum revealed that Malachi could be stuck in the cast for a while because his doctors plan to replace his cast once his bones have realigned with the help of the current one.
Malachi’s epic wheelchair! Image Credit: @DailyMail
“We will find out how long it will take to fix once he is in the new cast,” she said.
The very active toddler still manages to 'climb all over' his mum when he isn't riding around in the purpose-built chair.
Crystal shared images and clips of the DIY wheelchair on Facebook, detailing how she transformed old chairs from Kmart for the job.
“The legs were wobbly so we didn't use it. The seat size is perfect, giving his leg support," she explained.
The creative mum placed a memory foam cushion above the seat for extra comfort and then bolted the chair to a piece of furniture moving board that she purchased from Bunnings.
Next, she attached a pair of large wheels and an axle. She designed it to be 'low to the ground so he can get in and out himself to play on his mat with his toys'.
“We have a handle, however, decided not to put it on as he will only be using it at home and when we pop in for a social play at daycare,” she said.
“I placed a black foam on the back to secure the wheels and stop little fingers.”
Crystal detailed the chair’s creation process. Image Credit: Daily Mail
On top of that, she also has a seatbelt for the chair but decided against putting it on.
The makeshift wheelchair was up and running just two days after the little boy got injured. Upon learning this fact, fellow mums online couldn’t resist expressing their awe.
“Necessity is the mother of invention. Great idea, mum! I hope the little man recovers quickly,” one mum responded to the post, adding that the chair could make for an epic go-kart later.
“Hope it really helps him and recovery is smooth! I hear you, my son turns three at end of June!!! They. Don't. Stop.” commented another.
“Awesome invention! Great job, mum. Looks like he approves,” praised a third.
Crystal initially considered buying a similar wheelchair but opted to make one herself after seeing them retail for $1300-a-pop.
Malachi's furry friend, an adorable and equally playful grey kitten, seems to have taken a liking to the chair too!
Kitten gave it a thumbs up… Or maybe a paw up. Image Credit: Daily Mail
Crystal added that she is grateful the accident didn't end in disaster for her little boy.
"It could have been so much worse... The ambulance officers and everyone at the hospital have been amazing with him,” she said.
The bubbly youngster is looking forward to heading to daycare so he can show off his cast and cool wheelchair.
“We're visiting on Monday so he can see his friends. He has been sick for 3 weeks prior to this,” Crystal continued.
She said that she wanted to share her mini project in the hope that it would inspire parents in the same position.
What are your thoughts on little Malachi’s DIY wheelchair? Share them with us in the comments!
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