Pediatric Stroller

Specialised strollers for children who need more postural support than an ordinary pushchair provides, and who are often beyond the age or size an ordinary one would fit.

Between a pushchair and a wheelchair

An ordinary stroller supports a small child who has good trunk control and will soon be walking. A child who needs lateral supports, a headrest, a harness, or a seat that tilts is not served by one, and they outgrow ordinary strollers quickly.

A wheelchair is the alternative, but it is not always the right one. For a young child who is not self-propelling, and whose family needs something light that folds into a car easily and moves through a crowd, a specialised stroller is more practical and far less conspicuous.

Many families use both: a stroller for outings and travel, a wheelchair for school and home.

What makes them different

Postural support: lateral trunk supports, headrests, harnesses and pommels, so the child is held in a good position rather than slumping.

Tilt on many models, which changes the angle of the whole seat. That relieves pressure, helps a tired child rest without sliding, and can help with head position.

Growth adjustment, since these are used for years rather than months.

Folding and weight, which matters enormously to a parent lifting it in and out of a car several times a day. Ask how it folds and how heavy it is, because a stroller that is hard to fold gets left behind.

Worth thinking about early

Where the stroller will go decides a lot: transit, a car boot, a school bus, aircraft. Tell us how it will travel and we will tell you honestly which models suit.

Funding and assessment

These are usually specified following a seating or physiotherapy assessment, particularly where postural supports are involved. Bring the recommendation and we will supply, fit and adjust it.

Funding may be available for eligible Ontario residents, and we handle the applications. Tell us the situation and we will say what is realistic.