Pediatric Walker / Junior Front Wheeled Walker

Pediatric Walkers: Different than Regular Walkers

Aside from being shorter and specifically designed for little ones, with a lower weight capacity and a smaller frame, there are other factors that set these walkers apart from standard walkers used by adults. For example, not only are the frame sizes different, but the frame shape is slightly adjusted to accommodate children with mobility issues. This can provide multiple benefits. One benefit of these walkers is that they have a larger adjustability range, to accommodate growing children for a longer period of time. Most adult walkers may be able to be raised or lowered a few inches (often up to 6 inches), with tall walkers being the exception (sometimes offering up to 8 inches of height adjustment), but walkers for children have multiple height ranges, from 14” up to 28.5” to allow for continued growth and mobility.

Benefits of Using Pediatric Folding Walkers for Children

Reasons concerning one’s need for a child walker may vary. In some cases, a user may require a pediatric front-wheeled walker that provides a little more advanced mobility than a standard pediatric junior walker frame. Some further benefits include:

Extra Muscle Strength

Many children with special needs have to use a junior walker trainer simply because they simply haven’t got the stamina to walk independently; they require increased muscle mass and strength in order to achieve mobility. Typically, by the time they turn toddlers, children are walking easily. If they aren’t, it can point to a problem, or be a sign of a debilitating condition. Some children end up suffering from muscle atrophy simply because they can’t get up and walk on their own, and these children, who suffer from limited mobility, often require use of wheelchairs. Our walkers made for younger children and teenagers can help alleviate this deterioration of muscle strength and thus even delay the need for a pediatric wheelchair.

Gait and Posture Correction Capabilities

Though not widely recognized, mobility limitations of some children arise from physical impediments. A junior walker can help such individuals learn to walk well, and promote correct gait, so that their spine and body will have a proper and natural alignment. In other words, these devices serve a therapeutic purpose in addition to simple mobility assistance. With walkers, pediatric users can benefit by improving their walking gait. There are millions of children every year that are either born with or have developed a gait problem. Whether managing an outer gait or an inward gait, limited mobility will affect their bodies as they walk. This can take a toll as they age if not corrected while they are very young. A junior walker, used in conjunction with special braces, can be an effective solution in such circumstances.

Added Balance

Children with mobility problems may need additional support and balance that common forearm crutches are unable to provide. By having two handles to hold onto, and by being able to bear more weight on the walker itself, a child can move more fluidly. By using a junior front-wheeled walker, the child may be able to move smoother and more swiftly as they only have to lift the rear end of the mobility aid.

Wide Frames to Avoid Tipping

While other walking aids may be used by children, such as pediatric rollators or walking canes, pediatric walkers are designed to provide more support and stability by having a broader frame that allows them to move comfortably and at their own pace. There are fewer risks associated with using a junior pediatric walker with wheels as compared to a rollator or crutches simply because they are made to prevent falls.

Lightweight Frames Add to Ease of Use

Children who need to use walkers for younger people are often still developing their muscles, and may not have the strength needed to continuously lift heavy items. Therefore, almost all pediatric walkers are made with durable materials like aluminum which are lightweight, yet still strong enough to withstand the tests of time. While sometimes adding wheels to the walker may increase the overall walker weight, it’s important to also note that the child does not need to lift the entire walker off of the ground. This can also help the child achieve better mobility and can work to prevent fatigue as well.

Choosing a Junior Walker

Most commonly, when choosing the walker that is needed for adults, the first thing a person needs to look into is the weight capacity. The second imperative factor would be the height of the walker. When dealing with walkers for children, the order of priorities shifts. When choosing a junior pediatric walker, the height of the walker should be considered first to make sure that the base height fits your child at the time of purchase. Next, one should consider whether it has a good range of adjustability. While adults are not growing, children usually are! For this reason, height is the important first step to look into when choosing the right walker for your child.

Although other priorities do take precedence with children, this is no cause to disregard weight capacity. You want to ensure that as your child grows, that they will be able to use the same walker until they reach the maximum height needed for the walker to still be used comfortably and safely. Therefore, parents need to ensure that the junior walker with wheels (or without) is well above their child’s weight in order to accommodate their growing body.

Here at AvaCare, we don’t just care for adults and the elderly; children’s health and mobility is important to us, too! Browse our selection of affordable and lightweight bariatric walkers from Guardian Signature, Medline, and more medical manufacturers.You can also check out the walker accessory options. If you’re having trouble deciding which junior walker or accessories to choose, simply give us a call at 1-877-813-7799, or send an email anytime for assistance. It’s our pleasure to help you make your child happier!