For children living with mobility issues and who find it difficult to walk without additional support, mobility aids can make a huge difference. The right children’s walking aid could help them move more freely and regain independence.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best walking aids for disabled children available to help you make a more informed choice for a suitable product to support your child.
What are children's walking aids?
Children's walking aids, often referred to as paediatric walking aids, include equipment like crutches, wheeled frames, gait trainers, sometimes known as Kaye walkers, and more. They can:
- Support children in moving with more independence.
- Support rehabilitation and exercise after surgery or injury.
- Accommodate different disabilities and levels of strength, dexterity, and coordination.
In order to choose the right walking aid for your child, you need to consider what they’ll need it for and how often they’ll use it. There are many factors to keep in mind, such as long-term support versus temporary use, body strength and intended environment.
It’s important to understand the difference between a walking frame, rollator and gait trainer to make an informed decision.
Why might a child need a walking aid?
Walking aids for children are used for various reasons. They can be a great help in supporting children living with disabilities that affect their mobility or those who may need temporary support after surgery or an injury.
A young person’s walking aid can restore personal independence, helping to increase mobility and muscle strength. They allow children to lead a more active life, and take part in activities that might otherwise be out of reach and inaccessible.
Types of walking aids for children
There are many types of children’s walking aids that offer support in various ways. From children’s wheelchairs to crutches, walking sticks and frames, rollators, gait trainers, and more, knowing what purpose each one serves can facilitate making a decision.
Children’s walking frames
Walking frames provide stability by surrounding the child and offering all-around support. The frame takes some of their weight but encourages them to stand on both feet and to move around without help from anyone.
There are two common types:
- Non-wheeled frames: Require lifting with upper body strength.
- Wheeled frames: Allow smoother motion with castor wheels.
Look for designs that are easily manoeuvrable and height-adjustable to suit the child's size and accommodate future growth. Consider indoor/outdoor usability–if your child is likely to use it when out and about, you may want a rollator or gait trainer designed for outdoor use. You should also check that the maximum weight limit of the walking aid is right for your child. If they’re at the upper end of the range, consider the next size up to help it last a little longer as they grow.
Children’s rollators
Rollators differ from walkers by featuring four wheels for an easy gliding motion, making them an easier option for your child to manage. As we only stock adult rollators, they may be more suitable for older children, or you can browse our petite range. They’re ideal for those requiring extra support when walking but still retaining good balance and can stand independently. Their key features include:
- Being lightweight and foldable for portability.
- Extras like brakes, storage bags, and kerb lifters to navigate small steps and obstacles.
Essential considerations include weight, ease of folding, the presence of sturdy, height-adjustable handles with comfortable grips and whether the product can be used both indoors and out. At Complete Care Shop, we have an information-packed guide to rollators and a full rollators buying guide for you to read.
Children’s gait trainers
Gait trainers are particularly useful after surgery or for rehabilitation. They are designed to help young people develop their walking actions and balance while supporting most of their weight. Children’s gait trainers differ from walking frames by supporting the torso and upper body. They often include:
- Trunk and hip supports.
- Guides for thighs and ankles.
This makes it easier for children with limited mobility to stand upright when they would otherwise be unable to do so without support. Children’s gait trainers can also help to improve posture. You may also like to look for models with optional safety features such as extra padding, brakes, pelvic support, seat and harness. Other helpful safety measures include anti-tipping and anti-roll-back devices.
Children’s crutches
Children’s crutches are a versatile option for those with temporary or long-term mobility challenges. They’re typically used for children recovering from injury or surgery who still have a higher level of mobility and lower body strength. Many models come with features such as:
- Adjustable height settings to accommodate growth.
- Ergonomic handles for comfort and grip.
- Lightweight materials to reduce strain.
Children’s walking sticks
Children’s walking sticks are suitable for children who require minimal assistance. These walking aids provide stability while walking and are ideal for children with fewer mobility challenges as they require more upper body strength and leg stability. Key features to consider include:
- Lightweight designs for easy handling.
- Adjustable heights for growing children.
- Non-slip ferrules for safety.
Our range of walking sticks for children includes sticks with tripod legs to provide a wider, more stable frame of support.
How to choose the right walking aids for disabled children
Now that you know the different kinds of children’s walking aids we offer, you’ll need to figure out which one to choose. Here are some things to consider:
-
Specific needs:
Does your child need temporary support or ongoing assistance? -
Environment:
Will the device be used indoors, outdoors, or both? -
Safety features:
Look for anti-tipping mechanisms, comfortable grips, and proper weight limits. -
Adjustability:
Ensure the aid accommodates your child’s growth.
By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be able to make the right choice and provide your child with a walking aid to enhance their mobility, comfort, safety and independence. It’s important to note that every child's needs are different. You should base your purchasing decisions on your child’s particular needs and preferences and, where appropriate, upon advice from a healthcare professional.
Walking aids for children at Complete Care Shop
At Complete Care Shop, we aim to enable independence without compromising comfort and safety. We offer a wide range of walking aids for children tailored to their unique requirements, and more helpful equipment like children’s toileting aids and play & development toys.