Disabled Strollers: Frequently Asked Questions

A disabled stroller is a great way to get your physically handicapped child out and about in style.  All children (challenged or not) like to have fun stimulating experiences and a mobility aid is a great way to get out there.  Here are answers to frequently asked questions about these adaptive aids:

image Does my child need a disabled stroller?

Obviously, your child's doctor will provide you with specific guidance on your child's needs.  Having said that, you may indeed a pushchair if she:
  • has mobility issues
  • has delays in developing motor skills
  • has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, Spina Bifida etc..
  • has been diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorders (e.g. Asperger Syndrome)
  • tires easily, or lacks stamina when walking
  • is recovering from an accident 
  • is an adult recovering from a stroke 
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When is a disabled stroller more preferrable to a wheelchair?

  • Strollers are a better choice when passengers do not have use of their arms
  • Wheelchairs tend to have a  very 'medical' look and feel to them.  Whereas, mobility strollers with their bright colors and modern design have a much more inviting and casual feel. 
  • Many mobility strollers are often less expensive than standard wheelchair models
  • Wheelchairs' narrow tires tend to get bogged down on sandy or muddy surfaces.  In addition, they offer very little traction on grass or gravel.  Further they are unsuitable for jogging or running with your physically handicapped child.
image What should you think about when purchasing an adaptive stroller?

Well, the key thing is to think about is your child, his needs, and how you intend to use the stroller.  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is he mildly, moderately, or severely disabled? 
  • Will he require minimal or significant positioning?
  • How much does my child weigh?
  • How tall is he?  Does he have an unusally long torso or legs? 
  • Is this stroller for indoor or outdoor use, or both?
  • Where will I go with the stroller?  The beach, parks, fairgrounds, or just the mall?
  • How long will I use the stroller with my child?  (infancy, toddler, teen years?)

image Which class of Disabled Stroller is best?

There are umbrella style pushchairs and jogging style strollers - and it all depends on where you and and your child will go.  Umbrella pushchairs are light, fold down to small packages and are designed for convenience, easy storage, and portability.  Joggers on the other hand are much bulkier, more sturdy, carry more weight, and are suitable for running. 

In some cases, it may be necessary to purchase several strollers for different situations.  some for everyday use, and others for specialized activities like the beach or excursions.

number 5 When is a child too old to ride in a stroller?

It depends on your child's size and temperament!  You will definitely have to stop when the child becomes too large to fit in the stroller or if there has been a change in her medical condition. 

The larger capacity strollers can carry up to 200 lbs so there is a lot of leeway there.  However, sometimes young adults become too tall or too long even before they are too heavy for the stroller.  So you will have to pay careful attention to dimensions as well as weight. 

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Is it necessary to purchase accessories with the stroller?

Accessories can be very important additions to your disabled stroller purchase.  There are 4 kinds of common attachments: (i) seat back extensions (ii) foot-well extensions  (iii) front wheel swivel kits (iv) positioning inserts

The first two accessories extendn the working life of your stroller allowing you to adjust it as your child grows.  The other two allow you to use the stroller in more situations and environments.  Keeping your child snug and well positioned when riing over bumpy terrain is critical.  Anything that allows you to maximize the use of the product is a good deal.

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Should I purchase the stroller online?

Many online stores have a very wide selection of brands and models.  In addition, they have live, knowledgeable customer service personnel who can answer you specific questions. One of the key issues is child sizing - and they can be very helpful with this issue.
Please visit this page to see some of the leading online retailers