Finding the right car seat and using it correctly seems difficult enough for most people, but your child may need a specially made child restraint system if he has certain medical conditions.
These medical conditions might include having a tracheostomy (breathing tube inserted into the neck); decreased muscle tone; recent surgical repair of myelomeningocele (a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close); being in a spica hip cast or body cast; or even behavior problems that lead a child to repeatedly unbuckle a car seat's harness straps.
Although you won't find these special car seats in popular department stores, they are readily available if you need them.
Car seats for children with special needs, such as cerebral palsy, autism, or spinal cord problems, include:
- Angel Guard Infant Car Bed, which can be used for infants who weigh up to 9 pounds. It is mostly used for low birth weight premature babies who can't tolerate a standard, rear-facing infant car seat, or who can't lay on their backs.
Manufacturer's Site - Snug Seat Traveller Plus from Britax USA -- a forward facing car seat with many accessories that allow it to be reclined for kids with poor head control
Compare Prices - Snug Seat Hippo by Britax USA -- a convertible car seat that can be used in either the rear-facing or forward-facing position and is designed for children in spica hip casts
Compare Prices - TheraPedic Positioning Vehicle Restraint System - Child 2000, by Columbia Medical. It is a forward-facing car seat that is designed for children who cannot sit up without assistance.
Manufacturer's Site - TheraPedic Positioning Vehicle Restraint System - Adolescent 2500, by Columbia Medical. It is a forward-facing car seat that is designed for adolescents who cannot sit up without assistance.
Manufacturer's Site - Buckle Guard -- A simple device that can keep your child from unbuckling his car seat's harness straps
Compare Prices - E-Z On Adjustable Vest, which is used with an E-Z-On Adjustable Vest Floor Mount or Tether Strap Mount, is good for special needs kids who try to get out of their car seats and unbuckle harness straps.
Vendor's Site - E-Z On Modified Vest allows you to secure your child into the car, even if he needs to lie down when riding in the car due to a body cast, long leg cast, spinal injury, etc.
Vendor's Site - Special Tomato Car Seat is available in different sizes for children of all ages and includes modular seating cushions to help support your child in her car seat (helpful if she has decreased muscle tone) and make sure she is comfortable.
Vendor's Site - Carrie Car Seats are good for children with decreased muscle tone.
Vendor's Site - Recaro Start Plus Car Seat is a forward-facing car seat for children with special needs, including children with mild to moderate physical disabilities who need extra postural support.
Vendor's Site
If you need help finding a car seat for your special needs child, a special needs car seat technician may also be helpful.
Sources:
AAP Policy Statement. Transporting Children With Special Health Care Needs. PEDIATRICS Vol. 104 No. 4 October 1999, pp. 988-992. Reaffirmed May 1, 2006.
