Did You Know… There is more than one way to use the Special Tomato EIO Push Chair’s Lateral Pads?

The Special Tomato EIO Push Chair is a time-tested favorite in the special needs community. Combining comfortable postural support with durability and ease of use, the EIO is a rugged, dependable, all-terrain adaptive stroller with a light-weight aluminum frame that is easy to fold for transport. Learn more about the EIO here.  

This article will focus on the versatility in use of the Lateral Pads that come standard with the EIO.

Four removable Lateral Pads come standard with the Special Tomato EIO Push Chair. Lateral Pad dimensions are 10 in. long, 3 in. deep, 2.5 in. wide. 

They are often placed in the stroller as pictured with two lateral pads acting as side supports for the trunk and two lateral pads acting as side supports for the hips/thighs. They aid in supporting a midline upright posture of the trunk and neutral alignment of the hips. Upper legs are prevented from falling out to the sides which is especially common in children with low muscle tone.

The exact placement of the pads, for example their height on the back, can be customized because the hook-and-loop straps are fed through slots that are located all along the edge of the back and seat surface. 

The hook-and-loop straps are pulled through to the outside of the seat or back surface, wrapped around the frame and fastened. 

Depending on positioning needs, lateral pads can be placed with their long side or short side against the seat/back surface. It may be appropriate to place lateral pads with short side against the back to achieve height from the pads for the trunk and on the long side for the hip/thigh pads to effectively decrease the seat width. Mix and match depending on needs.

Lateral pads can also be stacked one on top of the other along the sides of the seat back. Support will then extend to the level of the child’s head. The lateral pads can be placed under the head pad and side support for the head will be created for children who struggle to keep their head upright and facing forward. This is especially helpful when combined with the recline function of the back allowing gravity to also assist with a well aligned head position. 

When a child needs assistance to maintain a well aligned position in their stroller, versatility in the use of support pads is a plus! These are the most common uses of the lateral support pads which are included as standard with the Special Tomato EIO Push Chair, but options are numerous. Creativity in use is encouraged!