Updated April 13, 2014.

Pediatric mobility medical supplies help children move, sit, stand, and perform other daily functions in a variety of ways. For example, there are pediatric wheelchairs, pediatric seats that position children upright at a table or desk, or even on the floor. There are strollers that adapt to the special needs of children who need better comfort, safety, and fit that a standard stroller doesn't provide.

There are even adaptive toys and games that help children develop and improve their motor skills that can be considered "medical supplies." 

Pediatric Wheelchairs

Even within the sub-category of "pediatric wheelchairs" there are many types of wheelchairs. Like any wheelchair, it is crucial to ensure proper fit in a pediatric wheelchair. It's not only a concern of comfort, but also safety. 

(Learn more about this in, "How to Determine Proper Fit In A Wheelchair.")

Aside from sizing and security, you'll want to consider propulsion. How does the chair move? A child confined to a wheelchair still has the same developmental needs as other children and therefore will want some independence. Can they move the chair forward and backward themselves? Turn? And how difficult is it? The smallest, lightest, most nimble chair that makes practical sense is really worth deep consideration for all of these reasons.

In short, a wheelchair does not have to be a prison; instead it could be a portal for exploration and growth.

Here's one inspiring story that will brighten your day with possibility. 

Positioning Aids, Medical Supplies and Equipment

Positioning aids do things like help children sit upright, or secure their neck and head, or help them reach something, as just a few examples.

Adaptive Strollers for Children with Special Needs should work to keep the child from sliding in the stroller into an uncomfortable or unsafe position.

Often times, children with muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy require cushions for their chairs, both regular chairs and wheelchairs, that put them in proper position for moving, eating, playing, or sleeping.

Companies such as Jenx and Special Tomato specialize in positioning supplies for children with special needs. They have done the research and tested their experiences in order to create expansive and effective product lines for families that need such adaptability.

But it's not all about sitting. These companies have also created "standers", equipment that support a child in a standing position so that they don't have to sit all day. Sitting all day can lead to physical problems like pressure ulcers, but also can limit development in the child's growth. Therefore standing support products are worth considering. Some of them have even been outfitted with wheels so that the child has the ability to move while standing, even if they are unable to do so on their own.

Bath Safety

Let's face it: the bathroom is an environment surrounded by hard surfaces. Tile floors, porcelain toilets and sinks, wooden cabinets, Corian or granite countertops, these materials make it potentially dangerous for a slip and fall accident. Therefore, creating a safe plan for a child with mobility challenges should include a plan for the bathroom.

Bath and tub chairs, railings and grab bars, and positioning equipment are available for better safety in the bathroom. This list of products at 1800Wheelchair.com will give you an idea of what types of products are available to help keep a child safe in the bathroom.

The key components are durability, convenience and ease of use, storage, ease of cleaning so that you can maintain proper hygiene with the equipment, and once again, proper fit.