Special strollers for special-needs kids
What is the difference between a rehab stroller and a standard stroller anyway?
Rehab strollers are designed
specifically for children with
disabilities. The goal is to
fulfill the needs of children
with different disabilities
(physical, and sometimes
mental ones). The rehab
stroller is therefore different
from a standard stroller in
terms of its functionality,
resilience and, to a degree, its
appearance.
In general, a rehab stroller has these features:
Adjustable size, ergonomic & grows with your
child
Children with disabilities need a customizable stroller
to support a good sitting position. In a rehab stroller, the
lower leg length, seat depth, seat width and back height, for
example, can be precisely adapted to the size of the child.
This helps the child to be able to sit stably. The rehab stroller
can be adapted along with the body growth and development
of the child.
Higher load capacity, very stable & robust
Standard strollers usually have a maximum load capacity of
25 kg and are only as stable as necessary. This is not enough
for children who have to be transported in the stroller for a
longer duration because of their disability. Therefore, some
rehab strollers have a maximum load capacity of 50 kg;
they themselves weigh more. As a result, older and heavier
children – even teenagers – can be transported safely. A
sturdy design is also important for spastic children, because
enormous forces are released during a spastic episode. The
rehab stroller must be able to withstand these forces.
Positioning in the seat and back areas
Children with special needs frequently have, for example,
problems with their hips, insufficient upper body strength or
spastic movements. If various adjustments are made, a rehab
stroller can adapt to these problems, thus improving how
children can sit in them.
Support for the head due to a headrest
When the ground is bumpy or the child is tired and sleepy
while being transported, secure support for the head is very
important. Especially children with poor head control need
a headrest that is easy to adjust.
Removable seat that can be turned around
Due to the variety of ways that it can be adjusted, a rehab
stroller is usually heavier than a standard stroller. Therefore
an important function is that the seat unit can be removed
from the chassis. On some models, the seat can also be easily
turned around. In this way, the child can sometimes sit in the
direction of travel and other times face their mother or father.
If you want to be flexible here, look for a model in which the
direction of view can be changed easily without tools.
Adjustable seat position
The back of the rehab stroller can usually be adjusted in such
a manner that the child can be placed in the supine position.
Furthermore, a rehab stroller’s seat can be tilted. This means
that the seat can be fully inclined to the rear. Both possibilities
are important when, for example, the child cannot sit upright
for a long time, he or she takes a nap, or must lie flat every
now and again due to cramps. Furthermore, children who
are respirated need a supine position in the case of, for
example, SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy).
Accessories for positioning & adjustment
Various rehab accessories permit good sitting and stable
support: upper-body belts such as the 5-point belt, seat
vests, pads, abduction blocks, soft pelvic harnesses, trays,
etc. However, a 5-point belt can offer more than just stable
support while sitting; good 5-point belt means increased
safety for children that – because of their mental disability –
could simply jump out of the stroller and run onto the road.
Example
Standard stroller
„Children benefit from wearing shoes when
sitting in a rehab stroller – even if they can
not walk. Sturdy shoes that go above the
ankles or leg braces supply stability and
ensure that the children can place their
feet more easily and more strongly. This is
a fundamental foundation for being able to sit
comfortably. “
Christina Steingräber, Orthopedic mechanic
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