Special Needs Strollers, Adaptive Strollers

What Kind of Special Needs Stroller is Right for My Child?
When determining which stroller is right for your child, there are a number of important factors to consider. First, before purchasing a stroller, it is important to consult with a doctor or therapist to find out what requirements or features would best accommodate your child’s unique needs. For example, you may need to find out what angle is optimal for your child and what accessories are necessary to provide safe, individualized support in the stroller.

Secondly, select a stroller that is appropriate for your child’s weight and height. It is more economical to buy an adjustable stroller that will change to accommodate your growing child’s changing needs.

A third element to consider is how the stroller will be used. If you are an active family that enjoys the outdoors, an all-terrain or jogging stroller may be appropriate. If you need something small and easy to maneuver in a busy shopping mall, a lighter weight fold-and-go stroller with smaller wheels might be the right choice.

Finally, choose a stroller that will fit easily into your vehicle. You should measure available trunk space before making your final purchase decision.

What are the Different Kinds of Special Needs Strollers?
There are a number of different models of special needs strollers designed to accommodate children from infancy to adolescence and beyond. These strollers provide a range of options to support children with minor mobility issues to those who have complex positioning needs. The following list describes some of the many special needs strollers available. Many strollers created today are highly functional and conveniently combine several of the features outlined below.

Tilt-in-Space Strollers
When children have moderate to severe muscle tone challenges, they often need maximum flexibility with tilting/reclining functions to relieve pressure on joints and to achieve the most comfortable and safe position possible. Tilt-in-Space, or tilt/recline strollers can be used for diaper changes, naps and provide optimal positioning for medication or suction tube access.

Early Intervention Strollers
Designed to accommodate infants to older children with special needs, early intervention strollers provide the very latest innovations in early intervention seating. These strollers offer multiple positioning features including tilt, recline and hi-lo capabilities.

Multiple Positioning or Fixed Position Strollers
These strollers are designed for children with moderate to severe mobility issues who need special positioning equipment attached to the stroller to correctly support them. Fixed position adjustments generally range from 5 to 20 degrees, depending on the needs of the child.

Fold-and-Go Strollers
These lightweight strollers are designed to meet the needs of special needs kids on the move. There are not many extra accessories and options on these strollers. They fold up quickly and are ideal for short trips, comfortably accommodating children with mild to moderate mobility issues.

Bus Transit Strollers
Bus Transit Strollers are especially made to safely transport special needs children on public transportation. They are usually equipped with motor vehicle tie-down anchors to limit movement of the stroller while in transit. They are also equipped with three-point occupant restraint systems to ensure a safe ride.

Jogging and All-Terrain Strollers
Jogging and all-terrain strollers are great for active parents with special needs children. They are equipped with especially wide pneumatic tires with additional available options such as adjustable handle height, hand brakes and one-hand steering. The child is kept safely inside with a safety harness and multi-position reclining seat.

No matter what kind of stroller you choose, one of the most important things you can do before making your final selection is to check this site for safety alerts and recalls.

After you have done your research and make your decision, it’s time to for you and your child to hit the road in your new stroller and enjoy the great outdoors!

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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