Essential Considerations When Buying a Pediatric Wheelchair

Children are designed for action. They love playing with other kids, climbing stuff, exploring the outdoors, and participating in many other physical activities. Sadly, not all kids can enjoy their favourite activities on their two legs. If you have a paraplegic child, you are responsible for helping them enjoy life fully regardless of their condition. Finding the right wheelchair is arguably the best way to help a paraplegic child. This article highlights factors that you must consider when buying a wheelchair for your kid.

Adjustable Sizing -- Wheelchairs come in different seat sizes. Typically, smaller seat sizes are designed for kids, while larger seats are meant for adults. Notably, you need to consider a few factors when choosing a seat for your child's wheelchair. For example, your child will continue to grow, which means that they will need a bigger seat size with time. Also, paraplegic children get accustomed to their wheelchair since it becomes an extension of their bodies. Therefore, rather than buying a new wheelchair every time, you should invest in one with an adjustable seat. This saves money and eliminates the need for your child to get acquainted with a new wheelchair every time they outgrow a seat.

Lightweight -- Strength development in paraplegic kids usually takes time, and the last thing you need is to buy them a wheelchair they will struggle to operate. Just because your child can use a wheelchair over a 100-meter distance comfortably does not mean it is light enough for them to use all day. The best wheelchair is light enough for your child to operate it comfortably throughout the day. Fortunately, modern wheelchairs are made from technologically improved materials, making them significantly lighter in weight. For instance, some wheelchair manufacturers have moved from aluminium to ultra-light carbon fibre and reinforced thermoplastics.

Colour Options -- Children with mobility problems are very different compared to adults with similar difficulties. While an adult does not put too much attention on the colour of their wheelchair, children do. Therefore, other than being functional, children's wheelchairs should be attractive, especially for self-esteem reasons. A beautiful wheelchair stands out and attracts attention, particularly among school-going children. Most manufacturers produce multi-coloured wheelchairs since they understand children's needs. Therefore, you should not struggle to find a wheelchair which fits the personality of your kid.

To learn more about wheelchairs, contact a company like Adaptive Equipment Pty Ltd in your area.


Share