What To Consider When Choosing A Wheelchair For Your Child

As a parent, ensuring your child has access to all the medical equipment they need is imperative. This is especially true when it comes to purchasing their first wheelchair. You want to ensure the chair is able to meet their mobility needs efficiently while also ensuring comfort. If you're having difficulty choosing a chair for your child, here are some of the factors you should consider during your decision making process.

Chair Function

The primary manner in which the wheelchair will be used is an important factor to consider. For instance, is maneuverability or stability more important? In terms of maneuverability, children who will be active while in their chair, such as playing sports, would be better suited to have a chair designed for maneuverability. This style of chair is designed to make tight turns and accommodate shifts in weight and balance.

Chairs designed for stability are better suited for children who have decreased trunk control or strength and won't be active in the chair. These types of chairs typically have lower centers of gravity and a wider base to prevent the chair from tipping and make the child feel more secure.

Length of Use

Another factor to consider is how long you plan to use the chair for. Are you looking to find a chair to grow with your child or a more temporary solution? If you're looking for a chair to grow with your child, ensure it is equipped with a wheel-axle plate that is adjustable.

This type of feature allows you to adjust the height of the seat as your child grows. You should also look for a chair that has adjustable cross braces. Cross braces allow you to widen the base of the seat to also accommodate for growth. If you're looking for a temporary solution, none of these adjustable features are necessary.

Mobility

In terms of mobility, wheelchairs typically fall in one of two categories: pushed or self-propelled. A pushed wheelchair is a design that requires someone else to push the chair. In this case, the chair should have handles that you and the other caregivers can comfortably reach, which also means the chair sits high off the ground.

Self-propelled chairs are designed for children who have the mobility functions to propel themselves in the chair using the wheels. In this case, the chair needs to have a lower frame so that they child can easily reach the wheels without having to strain or become fatigued.

Make sure you are taking your time during the selection process to ensure you are choosing the chair that is right for every facet of your child's life and needs. For more information, contact a wheelchair dealer like Neergaard Pharmacies.

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