Lightweight Wheelchair for child?

[Jaylin]

My 6 y/o had femur surgery and just had her cast off on Monday. We are leaving for vacation next week. She's not walking very well at all yet and I'm thinking we're going to need a wheelchair for her. We've got her heavy hospital grade one at home, but there's no way I'm bringing that beast with us. I'm looking on amazon at the lightweight chairs, since we'll prob need it for the airport too. Does anyone have any recommendations? There's a bunch to choose from. I'd love the smallest one to make it easier to collapse on the busses but I'm worried the small wheels won't maneuver as well outside. Any thoughts?

 

[lanejudy]

How big is your 6-yr-old? Honestly, I think a stroller or special needs stroller will be easier and more comfortable for her than a wheelchair - and most wheelchair rentals are not likely to come in a small enough size for a 6-yr-old. An adult-sized wheelchair for a small child is likely to be uncomfortable riding all day (for multiple days) since the seat won't fit properly to bend her knees or provide leg support. You can look into renting or purchasing a stroller near home so you have it at the airport; or rent off-site in Orlando and use the airport wheelchairs for short-term use at the airport. You can arrange that through your airline.

Some of the ECV rental companies also rent special needs strollers, as do at least a couple of the standard stroller rental vendors.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

I am with judy I think a stroller would be your best bet and make sure you go to guest survive and ask for a stroller as a wheel chair tag that way you can take the stroller any where you want with you.

 

[xlxo]

I got myself a hospital transport chair for my mom. The lightweight aluminum model is great for travel. Yes the small wheels are little challenge when crossing a few locations on a cruise ship, but I would not give up the chair. When she does not want the chair, it's great to haul my luggage too.

Other possible issue... space in taxi or car rental (had to get a minivan to fit all our luggage).

 

[Jaylin]

Oh boy, I wasn't even thinking that the transport wheelchairs wouldn't fit her little legs. I'll have to go and measure the seat dept of her hospital chair. So I'd be able to take a stroller through the line? Any recommendations on a stroller for a 6y/o (55lbs) that won't break the bank!

 

[gap2368]

yes you can take the stroller through the lines but you have to go to GS and tell them why she needs it you do not need any proof.

 

[lanejudy]

Yes, you can request a "stroller-as-wheelchair" tag from Guest Relations -- just explain why she is using the stroller. That will allow you to bring the stroller through queues. Sorry, I should have added that to my reply initially.

Special needs strollers are expensive to purchase, not too bad to rental (though I haven't checked rental rates lately). I don't know if there is an agency or anywhere local to you where you might rent or borrow; you might ask her physical therapist. Alternatively, at 55lbs, she probably fits some of the "larger" sized standard strollers which should be more reasonably priced if you wanted to buy. You might even find one at a yard sale if you no longer have your own.

Enjoy your vacation!

ETA: reference for measurements - most are sized by "width" which is across the hips, but the depth adjusts somewhat as well. My DD uses a special needs stroller with a seat width of 14 inches and I think the depth is 10 inches; we first got it when she was 7 yrs old. I don't think I've seen rental wheelchairs smaller than 16 inch, and most are 18-20 inch size.

 

[Gracie09]

Oh boy, I wasn't even thinking that the transport wheelchairs wouldn't fit her little legs. I'll have to go and measure the seat dept of her hospital chair. So I'd be able to take a stroller through the line? Any recommendations on a stroller for a 6y/o (55lbs) that won't break the bank!

I like the city elite. Slightly bigger than the city mini. If you want some of the off site rentals carry it. You just go to guest relations and ask for a stroller as a wheelchair tag. It should be no problem.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

another agreeing with the stroller and stroller as a wheelchair tag from GS. that tag allows the stroller to be the same as a wheelchair in lines and buildings where strollers are not allowed normally.