Childrens Wheelchairs

If you have a child who is physically disabled then you understand the challenges many face when looking for wheelchairs that are comfortable and appropriate for a growing body. This is why many manufacturers specialize in creating special chairs for children. In this article, we will explore some features to look for in a quality wheelchair, as well as some models that have good reputations.

If you've ever rode in a wheelchair for longer than a day at any point in your life, you can understand the discomfort that can quickly ensue. The armrests often are hard and painful - even with a cushion present, the backrest is not cushioned well and does not provide flexible enough posture restructuring, the foot rest can often be too hard, and the seat cushion (the most important feature for many) can leave your bottom sore.

Because companies manufacturing wheelchairs have suffered the reputation of offering a shiny, square, vinyl-upholstered chair, many have upgraded their models to reflect a new sense of style and comfort. This is especially important for a child who spends a large portion of the day in a wheelchair, as they often don't possess the patience or understanding necessary to cope with discomfort. As a result, now it is relatively easy to find chairs that come in a variety of styles and colors, as well as those that are specifically designed to meet the changing needs of the child.

Selecting Children's Wheelchairs

When you're choosing a chair for your child, you want to make sure that you consider his or her needs based on age, disability and abilities. Usually this is an easy step in the process because your physician or occupational therapist will make the determination based on expertise. Some things they will consider include the amount of support your child needs and how the chair will be propelled (manual or powered).

Features to Consider

Once the doctor has made the initial determination, you will have a meeting of the minds to determine the best mandatory and optional features for your child. You might need to choose specific tires based on whether activities will be primarily indoors or outdoors, or you might need special equipment to help transport the chair with your child in it depending on the disability. Some optional features might include the adjustable seating feature to let the chair grow with your child, weather-resistant upholstery in a variety of materials including nylon, velour and leather, detachable footrests for a child that can stand with aid, and armrests that allow the chair to fit easily under a desk.

Popular Models

Viper Junior - This chair is manually propelled with flame retardant nylon upholstery, flip-back armrests and composite mag-style wheels. It is a lightweight chair (only 28 lbs.) but holds up to 300 lbs.

Invacare IVC 9000 - This chair is extremely versatile allowing for a dynamic recline from 95 to 160 degrees. Also, it is durable and low-maintenance with a long-lasting carbon steel frame that will ensure you can hold on to it for many years.

You can learn a lot more about children's wheelchairs by searching the Internet for expert advice - but of course, you want to work with your child's physician before making any final decisions. And also be sure to get your child's input on favorite wheelchairs so that you can make sure to buy the most comfortable and stylish one possible.