Vive Health14 x 13 Inch Ice Wrap
Vive Health28 x 16 Inch Bath Mat
Vive Health3 Loop Hammer Toe Splint
Vive Health3 Wheel Mobility Scooter Battery Pack (Pair)
Vive Health4 Wheel Mobility Scooter
Vive Health5 Level Therapy Bar Kit
Vive Health22 x 22 Inch Shower Mat
Vive Health3 in 1 Padded Commode
Vive Health3 Wheel Mobility Scooter
Vive Health4 Wheel Air Frame Walker
Vive Health4 Wheel Mobility Scooter with Front Basket
Vive Health843 OA Knee Brace Replacement Pads Set, Left
Vive Health26 Inch Oval Bath Mat
Vive Health3 Layer Toe Separators
Vive Health3 Wheel Mobility Scooter Basket
Vive Health4 Wheel Air Frame Walker with Bag
Vive Health5 Inch Alternating Pressure Pad
Vive Health843 OA Knee Brace Replacement Pads Set, RightStanding frames: what they do and how they're sized
For a child who cannot stand without help, a standing frame offers a supported way to be upright: at eye level with friends, at a table for play or schoolwork, or simply in a different position from sitting. Standers are usually recommended and set up with a therapist, who knows how much support the child needs and how long they should stand. This guide explains the main types and how to read a stander's size chart, so you can take a full part in that conversation.
What a standing frame does
A standing frame holds the body in a standing position with pads and supports at key points, typically the chest, the hips and the knees, with the feet secured on a footboard. Instead of the child holding themselves up, the frame shares the work. Many standers add a tray, so the child can play, eat or work while standing.
Smirthwaite describes its Buddy Size 2 as an entry-level vertical stander for young children who need low to moderate levels of support while weight bearing.
Vertical and prone: the two common positions
- Vertical standers hold the child upright. The Buddy range is an example.
- Prone standers support the child leaning forward at an angle, with support along the front of the body.
Some standers do both. Smirthwaite describes the Sta as a vertical and prone stander, with pelvic and knee supports that adjust in height, width and angle. Smirthwaite says the frame can be angled with the child in place, and that the tray angles alongside the frame, so the child can keep playing, eating or working as the position changes.
Which position suits a child, and how far a prone stander should tilt, is a therapist's call.
How standers are sized
Standers are sized by body measurements, not just age. Ages on a product page are a rough guide; Smirthwaite gives an approximate age range of 4 to 12 years for the Buddy Size 2 and asks families to use the technical data for sizing.
Smirthwaite's spec tables list the distance from the footboard to each support. For the Buddy Size 1:
- Thoracic (chest) support to footboard: 18.9 to 24.4 in
- Pelvic support to footboard: 13.8 to 18.1 in
- Knee supports to footboard: 7.1 to 13.4 in
- Maximum width between thoracic supports: 17.7 in
- User weight limit: 88.2 lb
For the Buddy Size 2:
- Thoracic support to footboard: 27.6 to 37.0 in
- Pelvic support to footboard: 19.9 to 29.3 in
- Knee supports to footboard: 6.3 to 22.0 in
- User weight limit: 132.3 lb
Taking the measurements
To compare with a chart like this, measure the child with shoes or splints they would wear in the stander, lying down or supported in standing as your therapist advises:
- From the soles of the feet up to where the chest support would sit.
- From the soles of the feet up to where the pelvic support would sit.
- From the soles of the feet up to where the knee supports would sit.
- Chest width.
- Weight.
Your therapist can show you exactly where each support should meet the body.
Look for a size where the child's measurements sit comfortably inside each range, not at the very top. That leaves room to adjust as they grow. Smirthwaite notes that the Buddy Size 2 has an additional height setting for more growth.
Practical things to consider
- Where it will be used. Smirthwaite says the Buddy Size 2 is slimline enough for school use. Check the base frame size against your room: Smirthwaite lists the Buddy Size 1 base frame at 25.6 by 19.6 by 30.9 in.
- Getting the child in. Ask your therapist to show you the safest way to position the child, and practice it.
- Tray height. A tray at the right height makes standing time useful and enjoyable.
- Assembly. Smirthwaite says the Buddy Size 1 is supplied fully assembled.
- Weight of the frame. Smirthwaite lists the Buddy Size 1 at 30.9 lb and Size 2 at 46.3 lb. That matters if it needs to move between home and school.
Finally, remember that standing time should be a good part of the day. A tray with favorite toys, a spot by a window, or a place at the family table can make it something a child looks forward to.
Questions to bring to your therapist
- Is a vertical or prone stander better for my child, and why?
- How much support does my child need at the chest, hips and knees?
- How long should each standing session be, and how often?
- How should we get my child into and out of the frame safely?
- Which measurements should we take, and can you help us take them?
- Which size will fit now, with room to grow?
- Will the stander be used at home, at school, or both?
Bring the maker's size chart to the appointment. It makes the conversation concrete and helps avoid ordering a size that is outgrown too soon.
Warranty and delivery
Smirthwaite's terms cover materials and workmanship for two years from delivery, excluding accident, neglect, misuse, not following the instructions, and normal wear and tear. Some Smirthwaite items carry a $175 lift-gate delivery charge; contact us if you are not sure whether an item does.
Browse standing frames
See the standing frames collection: the Buddy Size 1, the Buddy Size 2 and the Star Size-2. For seating to pair with standing time, see seating and positioning, and for tables, tables and therapy.
Stay in touch. We offer special discounts through email only. Sign up at the bottom of any page.
Not sure what fits? Try the free fit assessment.