Stoller Ideas

[KerrieB]

We are planning a trip for the first week in April, and I'm looking for stroller suggestions for my son. He is 7 years old with CP along with some ADHD and anxiety. Right now I have an Aprica stroller for him, which we use occasionally for long distances or overwhelming situations. Our current stroller is getting small for him, and I need to get something bigger before the trip. I would love any suggestions. He weighs 52 pounds. We are looking for something small that folds up and stores easily in the back of the car and is not a jogging stroller. Thanks!

 

[Gracie09]

The Macclaren techno has a 65 pound weight limit and is an umbrella stroller

 

[gap2368]

you do know that he maybe able to get a stroller as a wheel chair tag at disney and would be able to take the stroller in lines with him

 

[lanejudy]

Are you just looking for something to use this trip? Or do you expect other times/trips/events when he will need to use the stroller? I hate to assume, but with CP I'm thinking this could be a more long-term type of need and will crop up again in coming years especially if looking at traditional "baby" strollers that simply have a higher weight limit. You might check into Convaid strollers; I know several families who use these. Depending on your son's needs, there are different models and they come in various sizes to be the appropriate fit. Your insurance may cover a special needs stroller.

When my DD was 6 or 7 we realized she would need something more than a standard baby stroller. However we didn't expect her to use it on a regular basis other than needing it for stamina concerns on extended vacations, so expense was a concern. We ended up getting a used Maclaren Major Elite that she still fits in today at 11 yrs old. It only gets used once or twice a year now as her stamina has improved over the years. But having something that has worked for the past 5 years made it worth the expense (and buying used brought it into a price range we could afford).

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[KerrieB]

Thanks for the information everyone. We went to Disney World a few years ago, and it was a huge help to get a tag for the stroller, and we were planning to this time too. The mechanics of his walk are pretty good. Stamina is definitely an issue and also balance if he is accidentally bumped or doesn't see a tripping hazard. I use a stroller maybe once every month or two when it's a long walk such as shopping at multiple stores in the mall. Even though he is only 52 pounds, he is tall at 50 inches, so I think that that the Techno may be too small. Any suggestions on where to find the Maclaren Major Elite stroller used? They're very expensive, but I think that going without is not an option for us.

 

[SMD]

Thanks for the information everyone. We went to Disney World a few years ago, and it was a huge help to get a tag for the stroller, and we were planning to this time too. The mechanics of his walk are pretty good. Stamina is definitely an issue and also balance if he is accidentally bumped or doesn't see a tripping hazard. I use a stroller maybe once every month or two when it's a long walk such as shopping at multiple stores in the mall. Even though he is only 52 pounds, he is tall at 50 inches, so I think that that the Techno may be too small. Any suggestions on where to find the Maclaren Major Elite stroller used? They're very expensive, but I think that going without is not an option for us.

Is there a local group for special needs families or other CP families? You have to figure some kids are outgrowing them. Maybe try contacting a group in Orlando since locals may go to theme parks more often and more might be for sale.

 

[lanejudy]

Any suggestions on where to find the Maclaren Major Elite stroller used?

Does your state have an Assistive Technology re-use program? I thought every state has an exchange program, but they might be called something different like Adaptive Technology and Equipment Exchange or Rehab Equipment. Basically it's a place (electronic or state office) where you can list special needs equipment you'd like to sell or buy; ours frequently has Convaid strollers and occasionally other brands. I actually found mine through a different online resource, though I'm drawing a blank at the moment. If you Google something like special needs equipment exchange you should find several. If your son has a physical therapist, ask if he/she knows of equipment programs locally. I've also heard of some local Lions Club organizations paying for special needs equipment for local kids, if you can't find a used one they might help with the expense for a new.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Nevada Jen]

I suspect your insurance will pay for a wheel chair stroller. The covaid ones fold up and fit in any trunk but are pretty heavy (35 pounds or so) but they push like a dream. The maclaren major is really quite awesome and is probably exactly what you need. See if your insurance will cover it. If not, I would still be willingng to pay for it over a convaid through insurance because it is really light. It also holds up really well to wear and tear. Keep an eye in ebay. I see them there sometimes

 

[redberyl]

You might be surprised what insurance will cover. My daughter has stamina issues, and can't make the trek from the parking lot to the hospital and several of her clinics, so her doctor suggested we get a convaid. We use it at the mall, amusement parks, and the hospital/clinics, that's it. I really didn't think insurance would cover it, but it did.