How to Select a Stroller for Special Needs Children

If your older child has special needs that include mobility problems, you need to find a safe stroller designed to accommodate her. Younger children with special needs can typically use standard strollers, but once they exceed the weight or height recommendations, these strollers become impractical. Today's generation of special needs strollers are designed to make taking children with physical disabilities out into the world as easy and comfortable as possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Talk to your doctor about any special restrictions or requirements you need to know of when choosing a special needs stroller. Some children need to be kept at a certain angle when lying down, so you may need to choose a stroller that has an adjustable tilt function.

2. Check the weight allowances on potential strollers. Select a stroller that will last as your child grows and gains weight. Special need strollers are too expensive to have to keep upgrading.

3. Test the ride before you buy. A special needs stroller should have a smooth ride, providing little disturbance to its occupants.

4. Check how easily it folds and unfolds. You won't want to have to fight with your stroller to pull it out or put it away, particularly when you're out and about. A good stroller should be easy to set up, operate and dismantle.

5. Select a stroller with an adjustable canopy to protect your child from the sun.

6. Choose a stroller with removable accessories or that can be adapted with additional accessories. Flexible accessories allow you to customize your stroller to your child's needs and continue using your stroller as your child's needs change.

7. Select different strollers for different situations. Some special needs strollers are designed for jogging while others are designed for quick and easy storage like an umbrella. If you can afford it, you should get strollers for all of the situations you find yourself and your child in.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to parents of children with conditions similar to your child's. Parents who have already solved some of these challenges are often the best resources.
• Discuss ways to pay for special needs strollers with your doctor or physical therapist. Insurance sometimes covers that cost, but if not, it's possible to get into programs that provide assistance on the basis of need.
• When shopping online, which can save you money and provide a wider selection, look for stroller reviews about any claims you can't test yourself.

[DoctorJ]

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