One thing that you must know is that kids wheelchairs are not just the child-sized versions of adults wheelchairs. They come with a range of other things that are specifically designed for teens and kids special needs. Whether your kid needs a wheelchair for full-time use, long term support or to temporarily recover from an injury, the children’s wheelchairs special needs will provide them with postural control and helpful support even as they encourage freedom and independence. Because of their simplicity, most parents always choose to have at least one manual wheelchair for their kids. This makes them a versatile option for use both outdoors and indoors. If you are looking for the best kids electric wheelchair, click here to read our in-depth review.

Why kids need a wheelchair and some of the benefits of kids wheelchair

At first glance, not every child with a disability needs a wheelchair. What’s important is whether the wheelchair will help them interact with other people and take part in other activities that they should be doing in life. In most instances, it’s not easy to transport children with disability in a normal wheelchair. Since these wheelchairs do not come with enough support, the child often droops hence cannot sit stably and safely in it. With the help of kids wheelchair and positioning aids such as a headrest, cushions, upper body belts, and high back, the child gets support and stability when they are sitting upright. This means with the best child’s wheelchair and kids wheelchair accessories, you can avoid postural damage as early as possible. Here are some more reasons why kids need a wheelchair.

• The first contact with aids. Quite often, the kid’s wheelchair is among the first aids to be used even when the diagnosis of the condition is not yet clear. It’s, therefore, the first thing to use when many caregivers or parent are still not familiar with the issue. Medical suppliers and pediatricians can help in the choosing and the supply of the best wheelchair for the kid.

• Children with special needs. Because of their disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, some kids need to be carried while lying down all the time. Most commercial wheelchairs do not come with these possibilities for the children. This is why it’s important to look for the best kids wheelchair. In which the seat can be converted into a form of bed that the kid can use to lie on. More so medical equipment such aspirator or oxygen tank can be placed on a special shelf under the seat to be used by the kids.

• Older children. If the kid cannot operate a wheelchair by him or herself, a pediatric wheelchair can significantly help them. Even those who can walk on their own for a very short distance such as the ones with mental retardation will need a wheelchair to help them. This type of wheelchairs will come with a slightly reclining position for resting or roof to shield them in case of such.

• It encourages interaction and socialization. The right wheelchair for the kid also encourages interaction with friends and family members thus making them participate in every day’s life activity. This will eventually improve the lives of both the child and the adult.

Types of kids wheelchairs

There are different kinds of kids wheelchairs that include growing chairs for small children, small child wheelchairs and specialty chairs for kids with special needs. It’s, therefore, important to know the condition of the kid before choosing the best one. Discussed below are the different types of kids wheelchairs.

Manual wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs are available in several styles and types. While most of them are propelled using special arms, there are some with a Hemi or lower frames that are designed to be propelled using arm length. Since these wheelchairs range in prices, their prices are always affected by several factors including the options selected and the kind of customs that they come with

Small kids wheelchairs

These wheelchairs are generally designed for children who are under six years of age or those who have similar weight and height. Some small kids models have also scaled-down versions of the normal wheelchairs used by adults, while other models address social concerns that the kids may be having. Small kids wheelchairs and children’s wheelchair accessories are always available in a selection of accessories, options, and custom modifications.

Junior growing chairs

These wheelchairs are meant for children who are six years and above. They are made in such a way that they will meet the needs of the kids as they grow.

When it comes to replacing the chair, insurance providers often place some limitations on how often the chairs may be replaced. Due to this, buying a new chair every year can be financially prohibitive. Chairs with growth kits or growth chairs allow some adjustments to be made on them as the kids grow so that they can accommodate the changes that often occur on their bodies. More so, designers are also increasingly responding by making chairs that fit more comfortably into the changing situations of the kids. While others provide a selection of upholstery and frame colors, some of them are more streamlined in their appearance.

Lightweight or sports wheelchairs

These wheelchairs refer to the ones with light frames. Originally developed for sports, these chairs have increasingly become popular because they promote independence and offer sportier appearance. While some companies provide chairs that are specifically meant for racing, many lightweight versions are meant for daily use. Most of these wheelchairs come with a rigid frame with quick-release wheels and folding back for storage and transport. Also, these wheelchairs have low back and are used without armrest. Without wheels and leg rest, these chairs typically weigh less than 30 pounds. Many wheelchair manufacturers, therefore, offers one or more sports or light wheelchairs for the kids. Some models come with light frames, some have folding frames while others offer different choices so you can choose the one that suits your kid’s needs.

Everyday standard wheelchairs

Standard wheelchairs are the more traditional wheelchairs used. Featuring a swing away footrest, folding cross-bay frame, detachable or fixed armrest and high back with push handles, these chairs enables someone else other than the child to help push them around. In most instances, they are also available in a wide variety of options, features and custom modifications that you can sue. If you are looking for the most affordable children’s wheelchairs UK for your kid they are the best.

Specialty wheelchairs

Specialty wheelchairs refer to the wheelchairs that meet the specific needs of the kids. In some instances, they come with a specification that can be put on a normal wheelchair. Some come with modified wheel axle drives to allow a person with disability or amputee to propel the wheelchair on one end.

For instance, a child who wants to stand may also be interested in a wheelchair that’s equipped with a lift to rise to a standing position. Similarly, several companies offer reclining wheelchairs for those who cannot remain standing for long. There are also others which will allow the child to pursue other interests such as wheelchair sports or even racing with a lot of ease.

Powered kids wheelchair

This is also another invention in kids wheelchair for sale. Until recently it was thought that kids did not have the necessary skills required to use a powered wheelchair. It was even thought that powered wheelchair may inhibit the development of other skills in them. The current research has however shown that just like any other skill, with proper practice when children are supervised well they can operate these wheelchairs with a lot of ease. However, powered selection requires some considerations that must be net for one to end up with the best wheelchair.

Scooters

Nowadays, manufacturers are also coming up with special scooters or three-wheelers for children. As compared to other powered wheelchairs, these are quite affordable types. However, it’s important to know that not all children will be able to use these wheelchairs. Scooters generally require the children to have strong upper body and arm function. They should also be able to support themselves in a seated or upright position for an extended period. The scooter can be the best alternative for a child with some walking disability who requires an extended range of mobility. However, it’s also important to note that some wheelchair lifts are not meant to be used with these scooters. Overall, scooters provide optional features such as crutch, carrying basket, seat belts, powered seats, padded seats, and armrests. These are also some models that offer headlights, key lock starters and, horns and tail lights.

Strollers

For very young children or the ones who cannot push themselves, a stroller may be the best alternative for them. Depending on the manufacturers, axles to allow for easy removal, choice of upholstery or and accessories may be available for the children. Generally, strollers are available to meet a wide range of needs that the kids may have. Both the conventional and all-terrain strollers may also fold up for easy transport thus making them the best if you regularly travel with your kid.