How do I choose an adapted medical bed for a disabled child?

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Because they have special needs, some disabled children require an adapted bed. This type of bed is safer and more secure for the child, and also makes everyday life easier for parents and carers. To help you choose the perfect bed, here are a few questions to ask yourself.

What are the advantages of an adapted bed for a disabled child?

These beds are designed to minimise the risk of accidents, thanks to various features: bars, Plexiglas, upholstery, canopy, etc. They have side walls that can be blocked or opened wide. They are generally motorised to allow the slatted base to be raised or lowered (making care easier, simplifying the child's access to and exit from the bed, and allowing you to interact with the child while standing upright rather than leaning over him or her) and to raise the torso or legs easily. Some beds can be lowered very close to the floor (17 cm) to allow children who are on their bottom or knees to get in and out of bed easily.

When is an adapted bed recommended?

- In the case of handicaps or multiple handicaps, such as Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome or Huntington's syndrome, a secure bed helps to avoid the risks of imbalance and falling out of bed.
- In the case of hypotonic or paraplegic children, care is made easier by the lateral access and height-adjustable base.
- In some cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), children need to feel protected and to spend the night in a secure, enveloping place: some beds can create this reassuring space.
- In the case of Down's syndrome or behavioural problems, an adapted bed makes it possible, particularly at night, to keep the child safe in bed by preventing them from wandering off, by closing the doors.

What level of security should you opt for?

The child's ability to sit up or not, to kneel down or to pull himself up on his legs defines the level of potential danger. This makes it possible to determine the height of the bars (for example: 67 cm, 102, 136, 170 or even made-to-measure), taking into account the thickness of the mattress and the child's growth. The bed can be open or closed above.

How many hours will the child spend in bed in 24 hours?

The longer the duration, the higher the quality of the mattress and the quality of the bed design. You'll also need to allow more space for the bed to be used as a playpen. In this case, it is possible to make a mattress over 100 cm wide, up to 140 cm.

How to adapt the bed to severe behavioural problems?

If the child is likely to develop violent seizures, is prone to epileptic fits or self-harming behaviour, it is important to ensure that the design of the bed provides effective protection, for example by means of padding, which may be removable. If the child has a tendency to hit the frame or throw himself against the sides of the bed, the general solidity must be beyond reproach and the materials used must be of the highest quality: solid wood or aluminium. The bed doors should be reinforced with a safety bar and the bed should be extremely stable. If there is a risk of the child trapping a limb between the bars, opt for Plexiglas walls.

What size bed should I choose for a disabled child?

You need to take into account your child's growth and the amount of time he or she spends in bed: a bed that is bigger than strictly necessary will be more comfortable for the child. The bed base can be 80, 90, 100 or 140 cm wide and 1.70 or 2 metres long.

Does the bed need to be movable or not?

Wheels with brakes are essential for transport for special care, to easily change the position of the bed or to make cleaning the room easier. Make sure they are of good quality.
If the bed is not intended to move, conventional legs will suffice.

What colour should I choose for a disabled child's bed?

If your child is capable of doing so, involve them in choosing the colour of their bed. Bright, warm colours (yellow, orange, pink, red, etc.) are considered more stimulating and cheerful, while blue and pastel shades have a soothing, reassuring effect.

What type of bed is best for an autistic child?

For an autistic child who above all needs reassurance, some beds are designed to give the impression of being enveloped, as in a hut or cocoon that offers both a large space and a feeling of protection. The walls are made of netting.

Are there travel cots for disabled children?

Yes, these beds serve the same purpose as a "classic" bed, but for extra use or when travelling (weekends, holidays...). Think about whether or not you want a canopy, which is often more reassuring for the child.

Do you have any other questions? Don't hesitate to contact us, we'll find the answers that will guide you in your choices. Or send an e-mail to: contact@ergosolutions.fr