I ended up choosing the Chicco Keyfit 30 travel system. The choice was based on the model having the most features that could be used with one hand, and the ability to rest the carseat on the wheelchair armrest (with support). This is not a light carseat, and with a baby in it, it’s darn heavy. But I *can* use all the features (not easy, but possible).
It seemed that lengthening the straps would require two hands. That is, until I figured out I can push that front orange button with her thumb, and reach underneath with the rest of my hand to pull the straps from the bottom. Here’s a video to illustrate:
Here are some photos of me getting my son out of our van in his carseat from the base onto the wheelchair armrest:
Here is the stroller that came with the travel system. It works great, but it’s really big!
Trying out our wheels at Ft. Hood to meet Uncle Doug for the first time as he returns from deployment.
I eventually found this one which my carseat snaps right into and it’s much more compact! (Yay for spending more money!)
Notice how the handle is one piece instead of two like many strollers have. Here we are using the stroller:
(I am very serious about shopping at Target)
Here is how I push the stroller from my chair.
All in all, we are very happy with this system (Of course, it’s the only one we’ve used).
Now that little sister is here, mommy has discovered a new trick – wedging the carseat between the footrests, for which she never had a use for before!
Baby girl gets to face mom and stay close throughout our travels.
By snugly wedging the car seat between the footrests and on top of the footplates, there is no need to bring a stroller.
Overall, my best recommendation is to go to the stores and try out all the options. Ask the staff to get the models down from the shelf so you can try them out, assembled in the store. You may find you don’t need or want a stroller or travel system after all. What works for one person may not for another. As long as is works, embrace it! Happy Travels!
As a person with a disability as well as a baby gear sales person for a large baby store chain I strongly recommend trying out the items you are looking at and check with other disabled people to see what helped them.
Great advice!
We always bring the stroller – for the airport and immigration line if nothing else. You can choose which outings you want to use it for once you get where you’re going and get a feel for things. We’ve got the Halford Fliplite + a gate check bag and love it.
The greatest advantage of an Travel stroller is that they can fold up very easily for storage and they are extremely light. So whether or not you’re keeping it stored around the house, or you’re outside pushing it around, it will not be a burden to you.
BTW, thanks for the amazing article.
Sarah. You are right. We all love a flexible stroller that is easy to fold up, carry along trips, and use at the quickest time possible. But I also feel that the convenience of a stroller to the type of disability that we are talking about would also be very important. Different people who live with different types of disabilities more often than not have varying needs. It is therefore very important that you find out how helpful the stroller would be for your needs before you pick it. Otherwise I feel this is a great article that Erin has posted out there. It has been helful!
WOW, nice post. I lovebaby stroller
for carry . It’s is an awesome looking.
That’s a great site.Thanks to admin.
Every person will be inspired from that article to buy for their ability.
As a person with a disability and a baby stroller salesperson for a large baby stroller, I strongly recommend trying out the items you are looking at and checking with other disabled people to see what helped them.