strollers for older children

[HMeyers]

My DS(4) has an amputation and uses forearm crutches to walk.He just outgrew his stroller that we usually take to WDW.Obviously he will need a stroller a lot longer than other children-especially when we go to WDW.I'm looking for something he can fit in for a few more years and with some storage.Any help would be great-we leave in 4 wks!!!

 

[disneyandme]

Try Babyjogger.com We use a baby jogger for both our DD1 and DD6 -- the 6 yr old has asthma and can't walk all day. It's weight limits are pretty high.

 

[tjmw2727]

Some of the high end stroller mfgrs make strollers for older children as well as those used for wheelchairs. McLaren and Pliko do - perhaps a google on that to start.

also,

If you have time check the disABILITIES board here on the dis - IIRC 4 of 5 titles down from here. They will have great information on strolle s and or wheelchair's in addition to getting permission to use the stroller in the queues and some of the pavilions where strollers are not allowed. That may be helpful to your son.

Ok - try this
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20
it should take you to the disAbilities board so you can ask your question, I know many will be able to give you more specific answers.

Enjoy
TJ

 

[Brina]

McClaren (or is it MacClaren - never remember) makes a stroller for larger chldren with special needs - the weight limit is 80 or 100 lbs if I am not mistaken. it looks like one of their regular strollers but on steroids - bigger, bulkier, but still, essentially an umbrella stroller. A friend has one for her dh who has severe heart problems and CP. They are not cheap ($400+), but from what she told me you might be able to get insurance to cover some of the cost.

 

[my3princes]

We just bought a Maclaren Quest for my nearly 8 year old. He suffers from flat feet and even with the best arch support available he still suffers from leg pains when he is on his feet too much. (He was in tears during the night last night and he hadn't walked without his othodics at all yesterday). He is only 45 lbs and he easily fits into the Quest and it pushes very easily with him in it.

Deb

 

[ptslp]

We just got our Maclaren Quest 2004 from Albeebaby.com. The weight limit is 55lbs. I believe that is the limit for the Triumph too, but the Quest has a higher back rest for an older child. It has a hood, rain cover and extendable seat (to make it deeper). My ds is 3, but on the large side and he seems to fit well. I researched some of the 2005 maclarens and on some websites, the weight limit was listed as less. I don't know if it was a mistake or they have changed their limits, but the 2004's are on sale now at Albeebaby.com and I got it within a couple of days.

 

[showar]

Does anyone know how long it takes for them to ship? I just pushed my 4 yo dd in our stroller around the house and she was very uncomfortable. It is supposed to go up to 45lb (her current weight) but the seat is too small and her legs are uncomfortable. After reading the recommendations here I placed an order this morning for the Macleren Quest. I tried calling to expedite the order but the number was busy for over an hour. Are they pretty quick with shipping? I will need it delivered by next Friday so it makes me a little anxious.

 

[SueM in MN]

For the OP, your insurance should pay for a special needs stroller (what those big ones are called) for you. You might not be able to get all the red tape taken care of to get one in 4 weeks though. Here is a web site with a great selection:
www.adaptivemall.com
I can't get on the site where I am, but you want to do a search for "Special Needs Strollers". Maclaren and Baby Jogger make nice ones, especially if he doesn't need a lot of positioning.
You might want to try a jogging stroller to see how well he can get out of it; the recline and position of the wheels right in front of him might make getting in and out very difficult for him.
Check with an OT or PT about whether there are any lending closets for equipment in your area (if he doesn't have Ot/PT outside of school, contact the school. Even if he doesn't work with one at school, they should have one they can use for consultation).
I think there is a link in the disABILITIES FAQs thread on the disABILITIES Board re: a company that does rent special needs strollers.

For other people, the strollers at WDW are large and can carry up to a small 12 yr old (at least that's what some CMs have posted). For the OP, those strollers would probably not work well, they are sort of low to the ground and he may not be able to get a good position fro his arm crutches to get up from them.

A last piece of advice, you might want to look into a lightweight pediatric wheelchair. Even after he can walk well, there may be times when there is too much walking for him. A 4 year old in a stroller or special needs stroller has to be pushed and is dependent on you to move him. A 4 year old who can walk with arm crutches is strong enough to propel a wheelchair - not all day, but enough to give him some independence and a feeling of freedom.

 

[ptslp]

I ordered from Albeebaby on Sat 9/10 and got my stroller yesterday 9/14 (Wednesday). They were very quick! I know that there are no guarantees though. Good luck!