Written by Mike Price, OT
Pediatric shower and commode chairs are mobility devices for children and young people with special needs that keep them from being able to perform daily bathroom activities without assistance. More than 10 million children in the United States meet the definition of special needs, having a condition that requires health and related services to address numerous diagnoses that include preterm birth, congenital genetic and metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, results of severe infections, trauma, or malignancies.
Children with medical complexity have special healthcare needs related to chronic conditions and functional limitations that depend on technology assistance to support and maintain their health and also need special consideration to accomplish personal bathroom activities.
A pediatric shower commode chair helps a caregiver navigate a small bathroom space. Using this aid, a child can be rolled into position over the toilet or into a bathtub or shower. Since bathroom surfaces get slippery when wet, the risk of a fall is increased during bath time. By using a rolling shower chair, a child doesn’t have to be transferred out of the chair for a potty trip or a bath, so using a shower chair minimizes the bathroom fall risk.
Medical issues present barriers to personal care and hygiene. If your child relies on medical technology, has motor impairment, or has muscle tone abnormality or a movement disorder, bathroom time can be tedious and even dangerous without a shower chair.
Each pediatric combination shower and commode chair provides a safe way to roll a child into a bathroom to use the toilet or get a bath or shower without having to leave the chair. These chairs are usually constructed from PVC or stainless steel to stand up to water without rusting. Depending on where they will be used and what medical conditions they address, these chairs can be heavy duty or lightweight, ranging from simple to boasting a long list of features. Our top 5 choices for pediatric shower commode chairs offer a range of benefits to match the durability, dimensions, and design requirements that will create the best individual fit for your child.
Addressing chronic conditions, pediatric shower commode chairs need to stand up to repeated and long-term use. Medical equipment requires a significant investment, so it makes sense to research the best choice for your situation and choose a well-made shower chair that will be comfortable and safe for your child for years to come.
The size of the bathtub or shower stall, even the size of the bathroom itself, can influence the choice on what is the best option for a pediatric rolling shower chair. It needs to be easy for caregivers to maneuver so they can safely transport special needs children into and out of the tub or shower.
Like any personal care device, a pediatric shower commode chair needs to be a good fit for the person using it. It has to accommodate the frame of its intended user and, as with any device specifically created for children, it needs to allow for their growth. Height settings should be measured carefully to ensure a great fit now and into the future, retaining value over an extended period of time.
Opening our list of the best pediatric shower and commode chairs is the 18-Inch Wood Tone Shower Chair. The rust-proof frame of this chair, crafted by MJM International and made of durable medical grade PVC to provide long term service, has the additional health benefit of preventing the growth of bacteria. This pediatric shower and commode chair rolls on nylon threaded stem casters that won’t rust and it has a convenient pocket behind the fast-drying mesh backrest to transfer and store personal hygiene items. Its elongated seat is 18 inches deep and 20 inches high with a seat height clearance of 17.625 inches. It can accommodate users up to 300 pounds.
This is a solid basic model shower chair that comes in several colors and can be counted on for years of dependable service. It stands out for the antibacterial properties of its PVC frame construction, which support a healthy and safe environment for your child.
This Tripp Tiltable Shower Chair by Etac is number 4 on our list of best pediatric shower and commode chairs. Its tilt mechanism leans the chair safely back to a 35-degree angle and it will fit inside a shower and slide over a toilet to meet multiple personal care needs. It is sized to accommodate children, teens and young adults up to 175 pounds and is designed for a lifetime of use with a rugged stainless steel rust-proof water-resistant frame. The 360-degree rust-proof wheels make it easy to maneuver in a small bathroom space and it has a removable splash guard and an adjustable footrest.
It has two sizes of seat cushions, both with anti-slip properties, that reflect heat just as the soft back pad does. Optional additions include a commode pan and lock to keep the pail in place while the chair is tilted. It has a chest harness if the user has difficulty remaining upright in a seated position. There is a large back cushion for support and comfort and lateral support is provided by an available crossbar. For taller users, a height-adjustable head support is recommended.
This pediatric rolling shower and commode chair is a dual purpose bathroom aid and its construction ensures it will hold its value for years. It boasts a level of maneuverability that makes it easy to use in a small bathroom, while the tilt feature makes bathing a more comfortable and soothing experience.
At number 3 on our list is the Soft Seat Commode Chair with Lap Bar made by IPU. It comes in multiple frame sizes to ensure an individualized fit. The deluxe padded seat and lap bar combine comfort with safety and keep your child from sliding off the chair.
The furniture-grade PVC frame will never rust and is easy to keep clean and sanitized, while the mesh backrest is quick to dry. The chair comes with a detachable commode pail under a comfortably cushioned seat. The 3-inch casters provide a smooth ride over multiple surfaces and an additional way to customize the fit of this chair is through its sliding footrest.
You can choose frame size and seat and mesh colors, and this chair can accommodate users weighing up to 300 pounds.
This rolling shower and commode chair made the list as a top choice because it is designed to minimize the risk of sliding out of the seat. It will keep your child upright and safe during bathroom visits and its durable frame will not ever rust so it will last for years.
Our number 2 choice is the Pediatric Reclining Shower Chair. Made by industry leader MJM International, this is a deluxe combination rolling shower and open-front commode chair. Its elongated seat meets the needs of boys and girls and it can comfortably recline for a more enjoyable bath time. The anti-slip grips are useful for children who can lift themselves into and out of the chair, and the grips give caregivers a reliable hand hold too. The non-rusting medical-grade PVC frame is reinforced at every stress point, so it will be reliable for years.
This rolling shower and commode chair has a push or pull handle that makes it easy for caregivers to maneuver in tight spaces. It boasts extra padding for comfort behind the head, in the lumbar region, and as part of the adjustable elevating leg rest. It has a multi-position tilt so you don’t have to settle for anything less than the perfect angle for comfort and safety. Its four 3-inch twin brake casters make it easy to roll and control.
This shower and commode chair made the list of top choices because it has so many features that are especially helpful for children who do not have the ability to maintain a seated position. Reclining at the perfect angle, special needs children who do not have the ability to maintain a seated position can still enjoy a comfortable bathing experience with pressure points resting on thick cushions.
Coming in at the top spot on our list is the Pediatric Shower Chair by IPU. Available in two sizes, including one that’s height adjustable to allow for growth, this rolling shower and commode chair is an ideal choice to assist a child with mobility limitations.
The generous surface area of the removable seat is contoured for comfort. It’s easy to lift or remove and the chair is available for order with or without a commode pail. The PVC frame is waterproof and won’t rust, and neither will the twin-wheel locking casters. This combination shower and commode chair can be counted on for years of service, and none of the 11 colors available for the mesh backrest will fade over time.
This chair is a solid all-around choice to accommodate children who can’t stand during showers because of arthritis, cerebral palsy, or any other condition. Either version of this versatile device can accommodate up to 250 pounds, and the height-adjustable model can be raised in one-inch increments to be useful, comfortable, and safe for kids as they grow.
Cons
Hygiene is a key element of good health, and cleanliness contributes to overall well-being by warding off skin related issues and preventing the spread of hygiene-related illnesses. For many special needs children, using a bathroom can be extremely challenging without adaptive equipment to manage personal care needs. A pediatric rolling shower chair makes bathroom time more enjoyable, easier, and safer for special needs children, helping them be as healthy as they can be.
For children who can’t bathe or potty on their own, pediatric shower and commode chairs help manage personal care needs and make a positive contribution to their everyday lives..
Polymer plastics and stainless steel are both good choices for frame construction, each being rust-resistant and able to stand up to years of use. PVC frames also have antibacterial qualities that contribute to a healthier environment. Quick-drying mildew-resistant mesh is the best backrest material, preventing skin issues that arise from direct over exposure to moisture.
Since discomfort or even pain often accompanies the physical condition of a special needs child, a reclining shower chair allows the user to lie back and relax while the body is fully supported during a bath or shower. The reclining angle can be adjusted to provide the most comfortable position for the child’s unique condition..
High levels of water exposure and humidity can create an active breeding ground for fungus, mold, and mildew. All soap needs to be rinsed off and a shower chair needs to be wiped down and dried completely after each use. After it is clean and dry, the chair should be stored somewhere away from the humidity of the bathroom. Chairs should be cleaned monthly with tile cleaner or another antibacterial agent applied with a scrub brush to clean every piece of the chair, including hard to reach spaces and cracks. After the deep cleaning, it should be rinsed with water and completely dried before being used.
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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