When choosing a children’s wheelchair, some of the things you may want to consider are versatility, adaptability, and personality. Not many chairs meet all three of these requirements.
Check out this checklist that details the considerations you want to make, as well as lists some general tips on how to choose the right children’s wheelchair.
One chair that meets all requirements well is the Invacare Action 3 Junior. It has been designed to work well in different environments, to grow with the child, and to allow for personalization.
Children’s wheelchair versatility
A versatile wheelchair can be used easily in many different situations, with the exact same being said for children’s wheelchairs. Children spend time at home, at school, and at play. They need a wheelchair that can easily move from one setting to the other.
It could easily be the case that one mobility aid is accessible to a child in the home environment, and then inaccessible to them at school. For example, a child may use a stroller around their own home (which is a much smaller environment) and then struggle to be able to make it around their school using the same mobility aid. This is a reminder of how a piece of mobility equipment, such a children’s wheelchair, needs to be versatile.
It is not ideal to have to use one mobility aid at home and another at school. When choosing a wheelchair for your child, consider how well it will function for them outside of your home, and how well they will be able to use it when you are not around to help.
Adaptability
Another consideration when choosing a children’s wheelchair is its adaptability. Children grow so fast! The process of measuring, fitting, and ordering can take a while. A chair that is not adaptable will not last long after its arrival.
I’ve met children who have outgrown their new wheelchairs almost as soon as they’ve gotten them. One little boy had outgrown his chair by the time it arrived. And my own daughter outgrew one of her sports chairs in just six months. That’s why adaptability is so important.
The Invacare Action 3 Junior is able to develop along with your child with specific seating adjustment. It has a telescoping cross brace, and the seat width and depth is easily adjustable. The ability to make quick growth adjustments is the perfect solution that will keep you one step ahead, and not finding yourself having to use an ill-fitting chair while waiting on an order for the next size up.
Personality
All children are different! Ask any parent who has more than one child, and they will tell you that even within the same household children have different personalities. And as they grow, they like to choose their own style, ranging from their haircut to their clothing..
That’s why it’s nice to find a wheelchair that is customizable enough to allow your child’s personality to shine. A wheelchair is like an extension of their body. I’ve seen children who have decorated their chairs with stickers, or nail polish. Kids love to make things of their own design!
The Invacare Action 3 Junior comes in six different colors. It also has three different options for spoke guard designs. Having the ability to choose their own style is important to all children, but it is especially important for children who may feel limited in other areas.
When it’s time to choose a children’s wheelchair
So when it’s time to choose a children’s wheelchair, keep in mind the three factors of versatility, adaptability, and personality.
Being versatile is important to keep your child moving around seamlessly from one environment to the next. An adaptable chair will grow with them and keep them comfortable for longer. And a chair that allows them to express their personality is just what a child wants, as they grow and develop individual tastes.
You should also consider general durability, and wear and tear of any existing wheelchair. When a child’s wheelchair becomes old and well used, it may become unsafe. Therefore, it’s important to consider the life-span of a wheelchair when seeking to determine when to choose another.
The Invacare Action 3 Junior has all of these features, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a lightweight, paediatric wheelchair.
