Buyer’s Guide
When selecting a buggy to transport your child in it is useful to consider both the needs of the child and the carer. It should be safe and supportive for your child and as easy to handle as possible for you. There are a range of buggies currently available in the market-place which have been designed for children with physical disabilities. A thoughtful selection will minimise the manual handling risks for parents and provide the most comfortable ride for children. Features of the buggy that can be considered include:
* Frame Weight - lightweight buggies are easier to lift and move about
* Folded shape - look for a product that is compact, easy to store and comfortable to lift/carry
* Folding technique - ease with which buggy can be folded for transport including location of release locks and difficulty of operation, locks situated at the side are more accessible than those located beneath the seat
* Size and width - impact of dimensions in relation to environments that the buggy is intended to be used in (ie. Will a wide buggy fit through shopping aisles?)
* Load capacity - ensure that it will it cater for your child in the future as their weight increases
* Ease of steering
* Stability - avoid anything tippy, check how stability is affected when carry bags are added to the buggy
* Bumper bar - removable or opening bumper bar can make transfers easier
Wheels
* Size - large wheels are easier to handle over uneven terrain but can make the buggy more bulky for storage
* Style - pneumatic tyres absorb impacts better than solid tyres but run the risk of punctures
* Number of wheels - 3 wheeled buggies may be more manoeuvrable but less stable than their 4 wheeled counterparts
* Swivel wheels located at the front of the buggy make manoeuvring easier
* If considering a reversible handle look for swivel wheels at the rear as well as the front and brakes mounted on all wheels
Backrest
* Recline or semi-recline function - allows more choice in positioning which is particularly useful for a sleeping child whereas the upright position is more stimulating and functional for the awake child
* Ease of adjustment and number of recline positions available
Push Handle
* Height adjustable - a useful feature if more than one carer is going to be pushing the buggy
* Reversible handle - enables the carer to have a child facing them at all times and to avoid the sun shining in the child’s eyes, to be effective in both directions requires rear swivel wheels and front brakes
Brakes
* Brakes that are linked by a bar need minimal effort to engage as only a single action is required
* Foot brakes reduce bending and are generally easy to engage
Harness
* Operation – needs to be easy to manipulate for parent but not for the child
* Support - 5 point harness with two shoulder straps, a waist and crotch strap should be the minimal amount of support considered
* Adjustable strap lengths - accommodate your growing child
Footrest
* Footrest itself reduces the chance of a child’s feet being injured by being caught in a wheel or dragging along floor
* Foot cups - keep feet in place (particularly if legs or feet are flaccid or spastic)
* Adjustability allows for growth
Customisation Potential
* Advantages - enables specialised seating needs to be met as well as accommodating growth in children
* Inbuilt adjustability - seat depth, seat width, foot plate drop and angle, tilt of seat, recline of back rest, knee angle, seat orientation
* Supplier customisation – can a seating system be fitted?
* Seating supports - head supports, lateral supports, pommels, postural supports and seating inserts
* Accessories - weather protection (sun canopy, boot cover, rain cover),storage ( baskets, pockets), trays
Maintenance
* Upholstery – is it removable for cleaning
* Tyres – pneumatic tyres run the risk of puncture thus a pump should be kept handy
For further information or to make an appointment to visit the display area please contact the Independent Living Centre: www.ilc.asn.au/
