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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
_Buyer's Guide: Buggies
ILC Reference NO 43:32:013
Item sourced from ILC SA database
Short Description
There are many things to consider when selecting a buggy or pusher, some of which are outlined in this information sheet. A buggy 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 limit the manual handling risks for parents and find the most comfortable ride for children.
More Details
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 - this will be important depending on where the buggy will be used (ie. Will a wide buggy fit through shopping aisles?);
Load capacity - ensure that it will 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 ground but can make the buggy more bulky for storage;
Style - pneumatic (air) tyres can make for a 'smoother ride', absorbing bumps along the ground better than solid ground. However, air tyres will run the risk of punctures, and will need pumping up from time to time;
Number of wheels - 3 wheeled buggies may be easier to move about and steer but may be less stable than their 4-wheeled counterparts. They may also be more awkward going up steps, and be more awkward getting your child in and out of them. It is important to check your 3wheeled buggy for stability if you will be using it in a hilly area, as certain types may be a bit 'tippy';
Swivel wheels located at the front of the buggy make steering easier, and
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. Be aware that recline is not always needed for a child to sleep - backrest recline can change the position of trunk supports, making them less effective and uncomfortable.
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, and
Reversible handle - enables the carer to have a child facing them at all times and to avoid the sun shining in the child's. To be effective in both directions requires rear swivel wheels and front brakes.
A reversible seat may be another option instead of a reversible push handle. This option means that extra swivel wheels are not needed, and that the child can still be positioned so that they are not looking into the sun.
Brakes
Brakes that are linked by a bar are easier to use;
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, and
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 the floor;
Foot cups - keep feet in place
Adjustability allows for growth.
Ability to customise
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.
Standards
For some types of equipment, specific Australian Standards are applicable to the materials used in, and the manufacturing processes applied to products. Compliance with relevant Standards is indicated by written certification that a product has been tested and assessed as compliant with specified Australian Standards. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of an item as to its compliance with the relevant Australian Standard(s).
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
Additional /images
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