Overview

Not all children are able to sit, walk, or run by themselves. Pediatric rehabilitation can help if your child is having challenges in these areas of development. Issues with positioning and mobility can be temporary or last for a longer time. Your healthcare provider may start talking to you about equipment for your child if they have limited mobility and are unable to support themselves independently in positions like sitting or standing.

There are 3 common reasons your child might need equipment:

• After surgery, equipment can help your child move around while they heal.
• Equipment can help support your child while they learn a new skill. Once they have learned the skill, equipment can be adjusted, changed, or it might not be needed anymore.
• If your child isn’t able to move or position themselves well or safely on their own, equipment can support their mobility and positioning to participate in daily activities.

How equipment can help your child

Your child’s position and ability to move independently affects their ability to participate in daily activities. You and your healthcare provider will determine what your child’s needs are. As your child gets older, it’s important to include them in this conversation. The best equipment to support your child is equipment that you will use.

When working with your healthcare team to decide what equipment is best for your child, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Support

No matter what your child is using equipment for, it should help support them in a safe and functional position. The equipment should allow them to do more than they could without it. This could mean:

• they have more energy because their body is supported
• they’re able to keep up with family and friends
• their body works better (breathing, digestion, growth)

Fit

Equipment that fits properly will keep your child comfortable and support their growing body. As your child grows, it’s important to regularly check how their equipment fits them. Some equipment adjusts with your child as they grow.

Space

It’s important to try the equipment. See how the equipment will work in your home and in other spaces where your child uses it. If equipment is going to be used in different places, you may need to talk to your healthcare provider to figure out transportation needs.

Types of equipment

Your child’s therapist will help you choose which equipment best fits your child's needs and your family’s lifestyle. There are many different types of equipment that can help your child at home and in the community. Below are some examples of pediatric equipment available in Alberta.

Kitchen

• activity chair
• adapted highchair
• feeder seat
• standing frame
• wheelchair

Living room

• activity chair
• corner seat
• cube chair
• floor sitter
• standing frame
• supported seating for relaxing
• wheelchair

Bathroom

• armrests, grab bars, and foot supports
• bath chair
• bath lift
• bath seat
• shower chair
• toilet seats

Mobility

• adapted stroller
• crutches
• foot supports
• gait trainer
• mobile standing frame
• walker
• wheelchair
• powerchair

Learn more

Build equipment into your daily routine and manage common equipment issues.

Learn more about:

Your child’s equipment

• 24-hour position management
• How to use belts and straps
• Standing frame tips

Using equipment in the bathroom

• How to adjust a full support bath seat

Foot supports

• How to wear an ankle foot orthosis
• Buying shoes to fit an ankle foot orthosis