Parenting Special Needs Magazine • May/June 2016 • The Right Stroller

A good stroller can make all the difference in the world when it comes to mobility with a child who has special needs. Some of the best advice always comes from others who are in the same situation, so we posed the questions: What is your favorite stroller and why do you like it. We have chosen some of the responses to talk about in this report, as well as provide some data from research to keep you up to date on the options available to you.

There are many different types of strollers available for sale, and although one model may come highly recommended by other parents, if it doesn't meet the needs of your child and lifestyle, it will not be the right choice for you. We recommend speaking with your physical therapist, and also one of the companies that specialize in strollers for children with special needs.

In this section, we will provide some features of the various strollers that you might look at for your child. Pushchairs, All-Terrain, Car Seat, and Bus models are highly desired, so we are focusing more on these options, although there are many different models available that may best suit your needs.

1. Stroller style pushchairs - these strollers have numerous position features Some of the models in this category include:

• Special Tomato Small MPS and Large MPS with push chair bases, EIO Push Chair, Jogger,

2. All-Terrain strollers - these models are for the great outdoors: parks, dirt roads, trails, beaches, mountains, and more Some models in this category include:

• Convaid Cruisers (Transport, Scout included), Scout, Scout Transport, Safari Tilt (inc. Transport)

3. Car seat strollers - these units add a stroller style mobility base to the child's car seat Popular models include:

• Tumble Forms Carrier Seat Rover Complete in Preschool, Elementary, Junior, and Small Adult sizes

4. Bus Transport strollers - These models are tested to WC/19 Safety Standards for secure transport to and from school

• Convaid EZ Rider Transport, Trekker, Cruiser Transport, Transport Cruiser (multiple sizes), Cruiser Scout (multiple sizes)

The models and brands listed above are only some of the choices available to you. These strollers, along with many others, will increase your mobility options. Below are some of the comments we have received from our readers regarding the strollers they currently own or have owned in the past.

Patricia A. recommends this model that comes equipped with a canopy, numerous accessories, and saddle bags. The handle bar can be lowered or raised to accommodate people of different sizes. Since it is available in different sizes, it can grow with your child and is easy to maneuver. There is a lot to explore, and the cruiser is certified travel safe with tie down hooks if needed. Patricia prefers this over a 3 wheel model as it takes up less room and the foot rests can fold out of the way. One other nice feature is the fact that it folds smaller than a baby stroller, which allows them to put it in the travel carrier top of their accessible van since they do not always know if they will be able to maneuver their 350-pound power wheelchair.

Erica D. uses this model for her 18-year-old son. The Convaid was also recommended by Angie T. and Beulah D.

ETQ T Ticha K. has this jogger stroller and finds it to be very durable for her 6-year-old daughter.

A reader who goes by "Nonstopbaby" recommends this 3 wheel jogger stroller that is easy to maneuver, even up hills, and she loves the bigger basket.

Meghan J. recommended the lightweight and sturdy Maclaren as a good choice for her son with cerebral palsy. Her only wish was that it reclined. Carolyn C. had one for eight years and also liked this lightweight folding stroller. Once her son turned 14, they transitioned to a drive transport chair with blue stripes that folds like a beach chair. PJ N. also had the Maclaren for 8 years for a daughter with CP and then transitioned to a Drive Transport, saying that both were a big help for the time they were needed.

La Tasha R. has a 6-year-old son and uses this model that holds a child up to 75 pounds.

This model was recommended by Colleen M. and Tracie G., who also recommends the EIO pushchair.

As you can see, there are many choices to fit people with various needs. Seek the advice of knowledgeable specialists you work closely with to assess the best option for you and your child.

Renata has been using the Advanced Mobility Liberty stroller for 8 years for her 15-year-old daughter with Moebius Syndrome. This stroller was wonderful at maintaining the perfect position following spinal surgery when her daughter was in a cast. It is easy to fold, and very easy to maneuver for an active lifestyle, including going up and down mountains. There are 2 baskets; one in the back and one underneath. The stroller holds up to 100 pounds, is easy to fold, reclines, although not completely flat, and one exciting feature is that you can also keep the frame but change the seat color.

Matt D. loved the Snug Fit Stingray they got for his 2-year-old daughter with mild CP. Not only was it comfortable for her to be in, but also it reclined, as well. It also holds up well, or, as he put it "it takes a beating and keeps on going!"