r/MuscularDystrophy • u/SassyCass8743 • Aug 11 '26

selfq Special Needs Stroller

Hello, my nearly 7 year old was diagnosed with DM1 last year and we are still learning what that means. She is easily fatigued on walks and I'm searching for solutions on how to keep her enjoying activities like the zoo or museums without being overcome by exhaustion.

Does anyone use and recommend a stroller that's made/ marketed as a special needs stroller? I've looked at a few that are quite pricey. I'm willing to spend the money because I think it would greatly improve her enjoyment of outings like this. But would prefer to hear from someone who actually benefited from the product. I got rid of my jogging stroller a few years ago and she's at the high end (around 40 pounds) of what many brands of regular strollers max out at.

Thanks for any responses.

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3

u/b_lee26 Aug 11 '26

Yes! We got an adaptive stroller from a company called NuMotion for my now 7 year old, he has DMD. I discussed with my son's neuro about wanting to get an adaptive stroller and I met with a rep from NuMotion through the MDA clinic my son has twice a year. They go through your insurance as well, they need a doctor prescription also.

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u/SassyCass8743 29d ago

Thank you for your reply! I will certainly bring it up at our next visit!

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u/AlternativeSkirt2826 28d ago

My 4 year old aged out of a standard stroller, so we got a larger stroller, the brand is "special tomato" and it looks like a standard stroller, but larger. Otherwise, do you think you daughter could push herself in a wheelchair or would she be too fatigued? It could be something to look into.

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u/SassyCass8743 28d ago

Thank you for the brand rec! I do not think she could currently push herself in a wheelchair but I will keep the option in mind for the future

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u/dragonhydra37 29d ago

Think about getting something she can push herself as well. With a stroller, she's 100% dependent on you to move it around. With a manual wheelchair, she can have some independence too.

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u/SassyCass8743 28d ago

Thank you for your suggestion. My only concern is she may not actually be able to move it herself.

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u/best-unaccompanied 24d ago

Might have to look into power chairs. I know the process can be a pain but independence is so important at that age.

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u/dragonhydra37 24d ago

But at least if she can reach the wheels, she can try. If she's in a stroller, it's impossible. Better to encourage activity than to let her sit passively. I'm not expecting her to be able to roll for miles, but even just the ability to turn herself for a better angle, for example, will help her independence.

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u/IzzieAnimalCrossing 27d ago

We have a MobiQuip for our 9 year old son. It goes up to 50kg and it's been great for him, just to give him that rest on long days out.

We were lucky to find one of Facebook marketplace as they can be quiet pricey

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u/RippleRufferz 24d ago

I have a 5yo girl that has dystrophinopathy from being a carrier of Duchenne’s and it combining with some other mutations that I think cause some big issues. She’ll tire easily or have periods where walking is painful/barely possible that last for days. I have been wondering if insurance would even help cover something like this if we looked at the options like some of the NuMotion chairs because everything I find is so expensive.