We encourage as much independence as possible. We also encourage doing what it takes to explore the great outdoors. While we’re huge fans of accessible trails, I’m not opposed to helping our kids experience the inaccessible. A couple of weeks ago, I shared Christopher Kain’s book, Rugged Access for All: A Guide for Pushiking America’s Diverse Trails with Mobility Chairs and Strollers. I love the idea of a push chair for hiking, but had no idea how to find one. The following post from Avril Rogers helps with that process!
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Family life with special needs children requires specific care and constant adjustments. Of course, this doesn’t mean that your experiences have to be limited. On the contrary, they will be much fuller because you get to see the world from a unique perspective. To do this, though, it’s important to invest in the right equipment that can aid you and your child.
The U.S. Census Bureau states that there are currently over 3 million children living with disabilities, and among the main considerations is mobility. Thus, having a pushchair or stroller is a worthwhile investment as it enables your child to interact with the world in a safe and immersive manner. However, there are thousands of pushchair models out there, so here are some of the things to keep in mind:
Family Lifestyle
When picking a stroller, it’s always best to consider your family’s lifestyle. Factor in how much time you think you’ll be using the pushchair for, how often you’ll need it, and whether you do a lot of traveling or not. If you live in an area with rough terrain, consider getting a jogger stroller as these are specifically built to handle different trails and even allow the user to do some light jogging. Wonders Within Reach also features an all-terrain wagon in our article on traveling the world. They’re a great starting option, but it’s best to upgrade to an actual pushchair sooner rather than later. If you do a lot of flying or driving, a lightweight foldable model should do the trick so you can easily pack it away.
Of course, the number of kids you have also plays into what might be the best option. If you have multiple children, you can opt for a tandem buggy. The selection of double pushchairs on iCandy shows how you can find models that underscore maneuverability, which may otherwise be difficult with multiple children. You can even look for double pushchairs that can switch between parent- and world-facing modes so you can adjust it depending on how busy a venue is, how narrow any doorways are or should your child feel over-stimulated. Just make sure that it’s suitable and comfortable for both your kids.
Types of Features
Next, you’ll want to consider any special features that will cater to your child’s unique needs. If they have difficulty keeping themselves upright, there are pediatric tilting pushchairs that can carry up to 200lbs and have 5-point harnesses to align the spine and general posture. Ergonomics play a big part here, so it’s important to pick a chair that can maintain your child’s well-being and comfort for the long-term.
After all, Medical News Today’s article on sitting positions notes that correcting the sitting position can greatly reduce overuse conditions for sensitive joints and reduce the wear and tear on muscles and ligaments. If your child is of an age where they would want to have some more control, there are also adaptive strollers that can recline and swivel for added agility. If in doubt, you can also ask your pediatrician for specific features to look out for.
Ease of Use
This is where you consider things like the weight, height, and size of the pushchair. Not only do you want a model that can safely and comfortably carry your child, but one that is easy enough for you to use, as well. Since WeCapable’s list of most common problems faced by wheelchair users includes inaccessible ramps and getting stuck in narrow doors, these same considerations come into play when picking the right stroller, especially if your child is older and in a bigger buggy.
Some key details you’ll want to check are whether the chair is adjustable, if the footrest is foldable, whether the whole chassis can be collapsed, and if the back height aligns with your child’s neck. If a model ticks off all the aforementioned criteria, then you’re looking at a pushchair that can ergonomically carry your child without any hassle on the carer’s part.
Last but not the least, include your child in the shopping process, so they’re more likely to take to it. With the right pushchair, you and your family can unlock a whole slew of adventures with fewer worries about mobility.