For many babies and infants, the ideal buggy is one that faces you, provides additional support and has multiple reclining positions. This allows you to keep a close eye on your infant and make sure they’re comfortable and safe.

If your infant is comfortable in a particular supportive seat, your OT or physio may be able to suggest one that can be used at home as well as being fixed to a buggy base. This will reduce the amount of equipment you have to store. It may also reduce the number of times your infant has to be moved.

If your child is bigger and heavier and often needs to lie flat, they are likely to need a specialist buggy. These come with a range of inserts attached to the seat and / or backrest. These can provide extra support for positioning your child’s head, body, pelvis and legs. Some may have extra features such as ‘tilt-in-space’. This is where the whole seat can be tilted backwards offering a change in pressure and position. It can also help if your child has a tendency for their head to drop forwards.

Once your child needs have been assessed by your OT or physio you can start to work closely with them to look at options. They can help you explore these questions:

• Where can you try one? – it’s always better to test out any buggy with your child before settling on a make and model
• How far does it recline and / or ‘tilt-in-space’? Is it supportive enough?
  • Try your child in as many positions and for as long as you can
  • If your OT or physio can’t be there, you can take photos of your child in different positions to show them later
  • If possible, take your child out for a walk in it. You can see how it goes up and down kerbs, copes with cambers and how ‘rough’ the ride is. Sometimes a different option for tyres can make a difference to the smoothness of the ride.
• If you’re planning to clamp the buggy into a vehicle with your child in it, you will need to make sure it’s a model that has been passed as ‘crash tested’.
• What are the basket or tray options?
  • What’s the size and weight limit for them?
  • Will they work for the equipment you’ll need to take out?
  • Medical equipment is likely to be too heavy for a regular shopping tray underneath.

If possible, try the actual items you’re going to be needing. If it doesn’t work, ask if there are any other basket or tray options. Some buggies can be adapted by the manufacturer to provide additional carrying capacity.

• What are the options for sunshades, rain covers etc?
•  Have a go yourself at opening, closing and re-positioning the buggy to make sure you can do so comfortably
•  Can you lift it and fit it into the boot or back of your vehicle?
•  Will it go through your front or back door?

The Living Made Easy website has suggestions which may be helpful to discuss with your OT or physio. For ‘tilt-in-space’ buggies you can tick the filter option on the left of the page.

Specialised Orthotic Services have specialist seating systems which they are now able to combine with buggy bases. This is an option that’s not always needed but might suit some children, for example, the ‘Flexi Seat’.

You’re welcome to phone or email SMA UK’s Support Team who can tell you what other models have worked well for families.  Bear in mind that this is a very individual choice that does need to be agreed with your OT or physio.

These aren’t funded by the NHS. If you need help to buy your buggy, SMA UK’s Support Team > can suggest charities that may provide a grant. Most charities won’t fund retrospectively, so it’s important not to place your order or pay any deposit until all funding has been secured or pledged.

Most charities will need:

• a letter from your OT or physio to say that the buggy you have chosen is suitable, safe and meets your child’s needs and that the NHS won’t fund it
• your quote from the supplier detailing costs, including any extra accessories and delivery. The supplier will be able to check whether you will be charged VAT. Non-specialist buggies are usually subject to VAT.

Specialist buggies are sometimes available through Wheelchair Services (WS), though not all areas provide them. Your OT or physio will tell you if your child would be eligible and if so, make a referral. If not, you can ask your physio or OT to contact the Integrated Care Board (ICB)to put forward your child’s case.

Many WS have waiting lists anyway, so it’s useful to ask:

• how long it will take to be assessed
• what make(s) and model(s) they could offer you
• what the terms of agreement would be, including maintenance
• what options would be open to you if your child’s needs change.

Following discussions with your OT or physio you may decide you would rather look for and buy your own buggy. For example you may prefer a higher specification buggy than WS can offer you. Make sure to ask if WS would provide a voucher towards this as they can be very expensive. If they won’t, your OT or physio may take this up with the ICB.

If you need financial help to buy your buggy,  SMA UK’s Support Team >  can suggest charities that may provide a grant. Most charities won’t fund anything you’ve bought already. It’s important not to place your order or pay any deposit until all your funding is ready or pledged.

Most charities will need:

• a letter from your OT or physio to say that the buggy you have chosen is suitable, safe and meets your child’s needs and that the NHS will not fund it
• your quote from the supplier detailing costs, including any extra accessories and delivery. The supplier will be able to check whether you will be charged VAT. Specialist buggies may be subject to VAT.

You can find related information in Tab 15. Funding for Equipment on the Children’s Equipment Page >