Pediatric Wheelchairs
Posted on 16. Feb, 2009 by Dave in Electric Wheelchairs
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Based on age, the sizes or types of pediatric wheelchairs could be categorized into four:
- Small child wheelchairs for children ages six and below
- Junior pediatric wheelchairs for kids with ages six and above
- “Growing” wheelchairs that grow with the kid
- Specialty pediatric wheelchairs for kids with special needs
Materials used in making pediatric wheelchairs
Pediatric wheelchairs are usually aluminum-made, but some are made of steel. The aluminum type is popular due to its light mass, and the seats are shaped to secure the child. Seats could be filled with air, foam, polymer, or even gel. Pediatric wheelchairs could be ordered based on many factors: back dimensions, wheel base, length of the arms to wheels, etc. The weight of the person is factored in for the width of the seat. A long time ago, when a kid has outgrown a wheelchair, that would be the end of it. That is why the latest kind of pediatric wheelchairs have growth kits. These kits include hardware or extensions that could be incorporated into the chair as the kid grows up. Think of the savings these wheelchairs give to middle or low-income families. Not many can afford to buy a new wheelchair everytime the kid outgrows the mobile aid.
Modern features of pediatric wheelchairs
At present, there are other novelties being added to wheelchairs. There is now a safety device that allows wheelchairs to be placed in vehicles. There are now pediatric wheelchairs that have detachable footrests, elevating footrests, and footrests that move side to side. There are wheelchairs which permit the elevation of legs in cases of swelling. For quadriplegics, headrests are present, which can be adjusted according to the kid’s weight and height.
Indeed, newer models of pediatric wheelchairs are being manufactured to look “cool” for teenagers. Pediatric wheelchairs with bright hues are available in the market. Seat cushions and footrests could be color-matched and changed according to the user’s whims. There are anti-tilting bars on some kinds of pediatric wheelchairs so that they would not tip over backwards. Some pediatric wheelchairs are reclinable. This feature is especially handy for quadriplegics so as to relieve the pressure from their backsides.
Choosing the right pediatric wheelchairs
In the course of deciding what kind of pediatric wheelchairs to consider, it would be best to see the child’s doctor or physical therapist. These people could give invaluable insights on the wheelchair requirements for the child. The doctor or physical therapist is in a position to say how much support a kid would need, like whether a manual or an electric wheelchair is better. The doctor can also make suggestions on what features are most needed by the child in terms of safety and comfort.
