When is it Time to Replace Our Stroller?
The seat depth on a special needs stroller is compared to the user’s thigh depth. The thigh depth can be the same as the seat depth of the special needs push chair and up to 2 inches longer.
Example: If the seat depth is 10 inches, the thigh depth can be between 10 and 12 inches and still provide enough seat surface under the thigh for pressure distribution. Having enough pressure distribution helps to prevent pressure sores.
This is extremely important for children and young adults that cannot shift their weight to relieve pressure on their legs when they sit for extended periods of time.
The special needs stroller seat back height needs to be in the correct spot to provide posterior support for the head (support behind the head).
Since heads are round, the special needs push chair seat back height needs to be just above the middle of the back of the head in most situations to provide the correct support.
Once the special needs stroller seat back height goes below the middle of the back of the head, it no longer provides support to the head in the proper way.
The footrest height for special needs pushchairs is critical for proper positioning of the feet, knees, legs and hips.
If the special needs stroller footrest height is placed in the lowest spot possible, and the thighs do not lay on the special needs stroller seat surface, the footrest adjustments no longer accommodate your child’s positioning needs.
When the footrest is too short, the thighs do not lay flat on the seat surface, placing extra pressure under the “sit bones”. As discussed above, maximizing the pressure distribution will help to prevent pressure sores.
If one or more of the measurements above are deemed to small, please contact our therapists and they can help you with a proper fit… to start please click the SIZING HELP and complete a simple form.
Please feel free to or call us toll free at (800) 371-2778 with any questions that you may have about finding the best special needs stroller choice for you and your child. We are here to help you!