A wheelchair is vital for a child's health and comfort if they have trouble moving. Choosing the right wheelchair is important because it affects your child's independence and quality of life. As a parent, you must consider key factors to find the best wheelchair for your child.
This article will list and discuss the important considerations to remember when buying a wheelchair for kids.
How to Choose a Pediatric Wheelchair
Consider these eight points when buying a child's wheelchair.
1. Types
Different wheelchairs for kids meet different needs. Knowing these types helps with decision-making.
Manual Wheelchairs
To use this, the person or someone helping them must push it. These are usually lighter and easier to move around compared to powered wheelchairs.
- Self-Propelled: This type of manual wheelchair has big back wheels. The user can push forward and backward by moving the wheels with their hands. Children with strong upper bodies can use them, giving them more independence.
- Attendant-Propelled: This wheelchair needs a caregiver to push its smaller back wheels. These help disabled kids move around. Caregivers can move these wheelchairs more easily in tight places.
Power Wheelchairs
Joysticks or other controllers move these battery-powered wheelchairs. They assist children with mobility challenges in becoming more independent.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: These wheelchairs handle difficult terrain better and travel farther, which is best for outdoor adventures.
- Mid-Wheel Drive: Indoor use is preferable with these lightweight ones. With their tight turning radius, mid-wheel drive wheelchairs get around furniture and tight spaces.
- Front-Wheel Drive: Riding on these is easy, even on rough terrain. Front-wheel drive wheelchairs climb and handle curbs and ramps better.
Sports Wheelchairs
They're light and maneuverable. Sports wheelchairs are fast and agile and can be customized for basketball, tennis, and racing. Their lightweight aluminum or titanium build and low center of gravity make them stable.
Specialty Wheelchairs
Custom-made for special-needs kids. Pediatric wheelchairs with tilt-in-space or reclining seats help with posture and pressure. Specialty wheelchairs can support complex medical needs, including long chair stays. Headrests, lateral supports, and customizable seating systems are common with this type.
2. Features
Wheelchairs vary in features. Know your child's needs and which features are best. Consider these essential features for your child:
Adjustability
As the child grows, the wheelchair should adjust. The wheelchair parts that can be adjusted:
- Seat depth and width
- Backrest height and angle
- Footrest height and angle
- Armrests
Cushion
Cushions keep you comfortable and stop pressure sores from happening. They are very important for keeping the skin from breaking down and distributing weight evenly. You can choose from these three cushion options:
- Foam cushions
- Gel cushions
- Air cushions
Frame Material
The frame material affects wheelchair weight and durability. Selecting the right material is crucial for child comfort and wheelchair usability. Most wheelchair frames are made of these materials, such as:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Titanium
Wheels and Tires
Different tires offer varying levels of maintenance, comfort, and terrain handling. Choose from these wheel options:
- Solid tires
- Pneumatic tires
Braking Systems
Good brakes ensure safety and control. Different braking systems vary in effectiveness and ease of use. Consider these two wheelchair brake systems for your child:
- Manual brakes
- Electronic brakes
Safety Features
These are important to prevent accidents and injuries. Ensuring the wheelchair has adequate safety features can protect the child from harm.
- Anti-Tip Bars: It prevents wheelchair backward tilt. Anti-tip bars stabilize children on inclines and uneven surfaces.
- Seat Belts and Harnesses: Secure seat belts and harnesses to prevent your child from falling and slipping in the wheelchair.
- Headrests and Lateral Supports: Headrests and lateral supports prevent children from falling forward or leaning to the sides, which can hurt them.
3. Usage
How the wheelchair will be used is important in choosing the right one.
Daily Use
For daily use, wheelchairs should be durable and comfortable for long periods. They should handle the wear and tear of everyday activities. This ensures the child can rely on their wheelchair for school, home, and outings.
Temporary Use
For short-term needs, basic models that are easy to transport and store are ideal. These wheelchairs are generally more affordable. These are perfect for temporary mobility issues or recovery periods.
Long-Term Use
Guaranteeing the wheelchair can accommodate growth and changing needs for long-term use. Customizable features and accessories are possible. A sturdy wheelchair can save money over time.
4. Age and Growth
Age and growth rate matter when choosing a wheelchair for a kid. Choose wheelchairs with adjustable features to grow with your child. This keeps the wheelchair comfortable and supportive even as their bodies change. Adjustability helps avoid frequent replacements.
Consider potential future modifications or upgrades. Children’s needs can change as they grow. A flexible wheelchair can adapt to these changes, providing consistent support.
5. Activities
Think about the activities the child will engage in while using the wheelchair.
School
A wheelchair for school should be lightweight and easy to use in class. It should also fit easily under desks and tables. Ensure it can navigate through crowded hallways and tight spaces.
Sports and Recreation
Sports wheelchairs or attachments are needed for recreational activities. These wheelchairs are designed for agility and speed. They help children participate in sports like basketball, tennis, or racing.
Outdoor Use
The wheelchair should have sturdy tires and a frame for outdoor use on different terrains. It should handle grass, gravel, and uneven surfaces. This ensures the child can enjoy outdoor activities safely.
6. Transport
Consider how the wheelchair will be transported. Lightweight and foldable options are easier to transport in vehicles. These wheelchairs can be stored in car trunks or back seats. Easy transport lets the child take their wheelchair anywhere.
Make sure the wheelchair fits in the family car or wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Some wheelchairs can be secured in a car for safety. Check for features that facilitate easy loading and unloading.
7. Budget
Budget is an important factor when choosing a wheelchair. Some wheelchairs offer more advanced features at a higher price. But there is also a cheap wheelchair that performs just as well.
Check the cost versus the features and benefits. Consider long-term costs, including maintenance and potential upgrades.
Check for coverage under insurance or availability of grants and funding. Many insurance plans cover wheelchair costs. Sale assistance is available through grants and programs.
8. Environment
Think about the environment where the wheelchair will be used.
Home Accessibility
Ensure the wheelchair fits through doorways and is suitable for the home layout. Consider ramps, door widths, and the height of counters and tables. Modifications to the home may be necessary to ensure accessibility.
Community Access
Consider the wheelchair’s performance in various community settings. This includes places like schools, parks, and shopping areas. The wheelchair should be easy to use in public places. It should also be durable enough to handle different surfaces and conditions.
Get the Right Pediatric Wheelchair Today!
Wheelchair access helps your child learn, make friends, and participate in the community. So don't forget to choose the right type and features for your child's lifestyle. Your child's mobility will improve with the right wheelchair. Check out this pediatric wheelchair to empower your child to explore today.
