Bathing children has been compared to nailing gelatin to a tree. Parents and caregivers of special needs kids living with neuromuscular issues including cerebral palsy as well as some forms of developmental disability have the extra challenge of keeping these special children in an upright position in the tub.

To make this task of everyday living a little easier on everyone, Rehabmart offers several pediatric bathing chairs. With the help of safety belts and positioning pads, bathing chairs keep the child in an upright position in the tub, freeing the parent's or caregiver' hands to the child  clean without having to worry about bathtub accidents caused by losing a grip on the child. These bath chairs can fit into most conventional tubs, preventing the need for expensive remodeling.

  
The Wenzelite Dolphin Bath Chair provides stability and comfort for bathers weighing up to 100 pounds. It has a quick-drying sea green mesh seat on a lightweight aluminum frame, safety belts for the chest and waist, and positioning pads to keep the head in place. The back can be placed at one of ten angles, including the trendelenberg tilt. The seat has five tilt positions, ensuring a comfortable, relaxing experience for all. An optional base for added height is also available.

  

In addition to providing a safe, comfortable tub seat, the Corner Seat/Positioning Aid encourages the user in developing fine motor skills used in upper limb movement and keeping the head in an upright position. The design of the seat securely positions the trunk and pelvis in place while keeping the shoulders forward to encourage arm movement and giving the child opportunities to work on strengthening the midline. A pommel keeps the legs properly and comfortably positioned. It also features an H-strap to support the trunk from the front. The wide-based chair is made of easy-to-clean polyethylene and weighs nine pounds. It can support up to 200 pounds.

  

With its one-hand operated leg and seat locks, the Starfish Bath Chair makes time in the tub more fun for both the bather and the caregiver. Padded support bars and hip and chest belts help keep the child seated in proper position while getting clean. The chair folds for easy storage, and the mesh seat is machine washable. The Starfish comes in four sizes to accommodate toddlers through teens. Options include a shower trolley and additional seat belts as well as a choice of four colors.

  



Suitable for kids of all ages is the Supreme Reclining Bath Chair. Its sizing can accommodate adults as well as children. Its PVC frame is lightweight and rustproof and its bacteria and fungus resistant mesh cover comes in a choice of rose or blue. The seat and back adjust independently, allowing the chair to be placed in fifteen different positions. Lateral and head support pads are available, as is an abductor. A rolling shower base and extension legs are other useful options.

  

Providing a secure backrest and a means to get a smaller child safely in and out of the tub is the Tubdipper Bath Lifter. It provides a safe way to get the kid in and out of the tub while sparing the parent's or caretaker's back. The child is placed on the mesh hammock and then lowered into the water in a semi-reclining position by lifting a handle. When he or she is all clean, the handle gets lowered, removing him or her from the bath. The TubDipper will support up to 100 pounds and is suitable for children up to 27 inches in length between the bottom of the buttocks and the top of the ears.

  



In addition to providing comfort, security and stability while bathing or showering, the Snug Seat Flamingo can be used as a toileting chair. It can be rolled over or mounted to a toilet as well as being suitable for use as a commode. Waterproof upholstery on the seat and back, locking castors, and a reclining back are among the standard features. Accessories include positioning pads and straps, splash guards, and an upper body support tray.

Helping someone of any age tend to personal hygiene can be stressful and risky, but a bath chair can help to put the pleasure back into it-and take the pressure off the back of the caregiver!

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO