They say parenting is one of the biggest tests of anyone's life, but if you're a parent who uses a wheelchair, getting your little bundle of joy in and out of the car seat will be one of the first (and possibly most frustrating) tests you face. But have no fear! This blog offers some suggestions that may make it a little bit easier.
There are car seats available with exceptional features, making it possible for those with lower-limb disabilities, as well as those with upper-body limitations, to take their babies out in the car independently.
But first, before buying a car seat, visit a store and try the available car seats to see what works for you, and what doesn't. Make sure to look for seats that are as lightweight as possible, and also car seats that are easy to clip in (it's even better to get one with a base that stays permanently in the car). And if you have limited finger movement, consider dressing your baby in a onesie that has straps (or handmade) loops on it that you can grab onto, to help you get them out of the car seat and onto your lap.
Now, onto some of the best car seats for parents who use wheelchairs...
Orbit Baby Infant G2 car seat: Designed by dads at Stanford University, the Orbit G2 Infant car seat is considered one of the best car seats around, and it's also excellent for parents who use wheelchairs because of its swivel base (turning a full 360 degrees), so you can turn the seat so it's facing you when you help the baby into it (until they can crawl into it by themselves that is). It's also easy to release the seat from the base if you have weak hand strength. All you only need to do is gently squeeze one of the two levers.
Combi Zeus 360: The Zeus 360 is another car seat to consider if you use a wheelchair. As the name suggests, it swivels a full 360 degrees, letting you position the seat to any angle that best works for you, letting you get the baby in and out of the car seat without overreaching. Also, this seat works for children up to 40 pounds and is both rear and forward-facing.
Maxicosi Axiss car seat: For those not in the US, the Maxicosi Axiss car seat is a great car seat to check out. It too has a swivel-base and is intended babies over 9 months into toddler-hood. It swivels 90 degrees, to the left and right, and is forward-facing. Another nice feature about this car seat is that it has 8 different positions for your baby, as well as a harness that's easy to use for those with poor hand movement.
And the future looks bright for disabled parents. It's still a work in progess, but the Carkoon car seat could blow the roof off of car seats as we know it. It has an auto swivel and a built-in automatic cocoon that encases baby in case of a fire (with built-in sensors). If this ever comes to the market, you can bet parents with disabilities will be clamoring to get one.
Remember, it may seem daunting to take your baby out on your own the first few months if you use a wheelchair, but it can be done. Mom and dad's in wheelchairs all over the world have figured out their tricks, and with the above seat recommendations, it'll now make it just that much easier for you.
