When a small child has to rely on a manual wheelchair for mobility, this piece of medical equipment must be something they feel comfortable using, but also something they like. There are so many different options of manual wheelchairs for children that most parents rely on the help of their physician, physical therapist, and other medical professionals treating their child to help them find the best. However, it is also helpful if you know a few of the most fitting features to look for so you can be an educated consumer and help find the best model for your child. Here is a quick look at the top features to look for in a manual wheelchair for your child. 

Look for a chair that has the ability to grow with your child.

Children grow fast and it just is not feasible to invest in a new wheelchair every year because they have outgrown the model they currently have. Therefore, it is best to look for a wheelchair that has the ability to expand in size as your child grows and gets bigger. For example, some wheelchairs designed for pediatric use will have a seat that adjusts and expands or will make it possible to replace the components, such a the wheels and foot rests, with larger pieces as needs and size requirements change. 

Look for a chair that is visually appealing to your child. 

Because children who rely on a wheelchair spend so much time using it, the chair kind of becomes an extension of who they are and how they are perceived. This is why it is so important to involve your child in the wheelchair buying process. Vibrant seat colors, patterned armrest covers, and even wheel covers are all examples of areas of the wheelchair that can be customised to better suit a child's particular interests or personality. 

Look for a pediatric wheelchair that is lightweight and easily portable. 

A pediatric wheelchair is a piece of equipment that should help your child maintain an active life. The more lightweight and portable your child's wheelchair is, the less of a hassle it will be to carry it along in your vehicle every time you leave the house. So skip on the wheelchair designs that have a lot of bells and whistles that make them hard to break down for transport and too heavy to lug around when you have to. 

For more information, talk to a professional like Laguna Medical LLC.

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