A guide to children's walking aids

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 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 family guide to rollators and a full rollators buying guide for you to read.

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.

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.

You can also get in touch with our team of Occupational Therapists for expert product advice or contact us.