Written by Megan Smith, PT
In today’s fast-paced, modern world, we have lots of ways to get around. For most families, travelling in a vehicle is the most accessible mode of transportation. But any parent of a child with special needs can tell you that even simple tasks, such as a car ride, can require additional thought and planning.
Shopping to find the best car seat for a child needing extra accommodations can be a bit daunting. After all - don’t all car seats do basically the same thing?
The truth is, every car seat is created differently. Between stabilization features, head support, and bodily positioning, choosing the best car seat for your child is both an investment and a necessity.
Whether it’s running to the grocery store or meeting up with friends, Drive Medical’s Spirit APS Car Seats give comfort to children who have an array of needs when being taken on the town.
Above all, children need safety and comfort when it comes to being placed inside a car.
Many conventional car seats provide stability to children with a neurotypical body structure, but it can be much harder for a parent to find proper seating to accommodate a child with special needs. The memory foam backing found in all Spirit APS Car Seats helps absorb shock while being a gentle, moldable support ideal for all body types.
Designed with input from therapists, this car seat provides the protection of a 5-point harness at higher weights than commercial seats, and allows for a reclined seating position, encouraging better postural control.
When considering a car seat, parents ought to consider factors such as size, style, and configuration. Safety should be the highest priority, with comfort being a close second - especially in a vehicle being used for the majority of transport.
In many cases, children who have a hard time staying strapped in will require a car seat with safety harness straps and buckles providing snug restraint that they cannot undo by themselves. The APS Car Seat models are perfect for restless hands due to their unique 5-point harness system, with the added option of clip guards to prevent children from releasing the clasps themselves.
Safely supporting between 25 - 130 pounds, these seats also give the perfect amount of security to children as tall as 5’6”.
Spirit APS Car Seats are specifically designed to accommodate a wider range of pediatric special needs, including and not limited to:
These car seats are designed to grow with your child, fitting children of most ages and sizes and capable of being adjusted over the years.
Another amazing benefit is a variety of colors to choose from. If you know your child’s favorite color, then you can easily get the right color, making your child just as happy on the ride as they are comfortable.
Another noteworthy feature is how each vehicle’s shoulder belts may be used to tether (in most cases), and can be outfitted with adjustable hip and trunk supports for optimal positioning.
Finally, the Adjustable Positioning Car Seat provides a low profile side to facilitate easy child transfers in and out of the vehicle.
On the surface, an APS Car Seat strictly benefits the child, giving them secure comfort and stability while in vehicular transit.
But parents are just as likely to feel good about their child’s travel experience, knowing their little one is snugly seated in the safest possible device just feet from them.
Need cartime comfort? Want to give your child a seat that grows with them? Does your child need something different than the other commercial devices on the market? APS Cars Seats have the capacity to provide for every single one of these needs, and more.
"I just received our Columbia Spirit seat. I was very happy to receive it as our guy is a hefty 76 pounds and 50" tall (at only 7 years old). He's very delayed, so he didn't know to leave the seat belts alone when sitting in a regular booster. It installed like a dream, and is rock solid in my van. I was worried that it would overhang the captain's chair and block access to the back seat, but it totally didn't. Because the sides are fairly flat, it seems to take up less space than a typical baby car seat. I buckled my guy into it today and it was the first quiet ride we've had in months, as he loves the security of the harness and didn't feel secure in simply a booster. I'm happy he'll be safe for years now." - Littleboyzblue, Adaptivemall.com review
"I purchased this seat for my 12 year old with special needs. It is perfect. He is now safe while being comfortable in the vehicle." - Crystal R., Adaptivemall.com review
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
