Choosing the right wheelchair for your child

A simple guide for families navigating complex needs

Doris seated in her Hilo wheelchair with the activity tray attached, looking at a book with her mum who is sitting next to her on a bench

Finding the right wheelchair can feel overwhelming, especially when your child’s needs are changing over time.

This guide is here to help you understand:

• What to look for
• What really matters clinically (in plain English)
• How to choose a chair that supports your child now and in the future

1. Start with your child’s everyday life

The best wheelchair is one that supports real life, not just posture in a clinic.

Before looking at products, think about how your child spends their day:

Are they mostly at home or in school?

Do they need help with sitting, moving, or both?

What activities matter most to them? (learning, play, family time)

2. Understand the two key types of support

Getting around

Mobility Support

Used for:

Moving indoors and outdoors

Getting out and about

Longer periods of sitting

Sitting for tasks

Activity Support

Used for:

Learning and schoolwork

Mealtimes

Therapy and play

An activity support chair is often a second chair, designed to help your child do things, not just get from A to B.
Many children need both to be fully supported throughout the day.

3. Why posture matters more than you think

Good seating isn’t just about comfort. It helps your child:

Stay comfortable for longer

Use their hands more easily

Focus and engage in activities

Reduce fatigue

Maintain healthier posture over time

The right setup can make a big difference to confidence, independence, and participation.

4. look for a chair that can adapt

Children grow and their needs change. A good wheelchair should:

Adjust as your child grows

Adapt to changing posture

Support different activities throughout the day

This avoids frequent replacements and keeps things consistent for your child.

5. Consider your routine too

The right chair should also support you as a caregiver. Look for:

Easy adjustments

Simple daily use

Reliable, durable design

Manageable size and weight

A well designed chair reduces daily effort and stress over time.

6. Think about where the chair will be used

This one of the biggest deciding factors:
Indoor use:

Classroom

Therapy

Mealtimes

Outdoor use:

Garden and playground

School trips

Family outings

Not all chairs are designed for both; choosing the right one makes everyday life much easier.

Lilac seated in her Hilo wheelchair inside a coffee shop with her mum at the table, both enjoying a drink

7. try before you decide

Every child is different, so seeing how a chair works in real life is key. A proper trial helps you:

Check comfort and positioning

See how it fits into your routine

Understand what works, and what doesn’t

This is one of the most important steps in choosing the right solution.

8. What makes a long term solution?

A good wheelchair should:

Support your child’s posture and function

Adapt as they grow

Work across different environments

Be backed by ongoing support and expertise

It’s not just about the chair, but the support around it.

How chunc supports families

We design wheelchairs that:

Grow and adapt with your child

support both posture and everyday function

fit naturally into home, school and community life

Our approach is:

Specialist Led

family centred

focused on long term outcomes

Take our 5 minute questionnaire

Book a free specialist assessment

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