Why Should You Use a Walker Tray
One of the primary uses of the walker tray is the convenient carrying of food and beverages.
Walker trays are mainly used to hold items while walking, which is very useful for seniors who have difficulties moving their hands or lifting heavy things. But there are more benefits of this helpful piece of equipment.
Convenience
Many people find it helpful when they have their trays with them all the time so that when they are in their kitchen, it is easy just to pull out the tray and use it. For those with arthritis, tendonitis, or limited strength in their hands, using a walker tray can make their daily routine much more effortless.
Safety
You might know that walking with a walker can be dangerous since you are not balanced, which means that if you reach too far, the risk of falling is much higher. However, there are many trays on the market today that help to promote peace of mind for your loved ones. These trays will have non-slip grips or soft rubberized edges to ensure your wellbeing.
Mealtime
Walker trays make mealtime much easier by being able to eat without having to reach over or bend down. Drinks and dishes will stay stationary, and spills are much less likely to occur because of the sturdy feature that allows drinks to be contained in one place.
With the help of an easily-removable walker, you can enjoy your meal anywhere you like: in bed, on the chair, or recliner.
Independence
Walker trays also provide greater independence, as they allow the user to walk unassisted while carrying anything from food and drinks to books and electronic devices. And for those recovering from foot surgery, it will be helpful to think about the knee scooter with a storage basket or bag to store their belongings. By the way, you can check out our review of the best knee scooters and find the one that suits your needs.
How to Choose the Best Walker Tray
When shopping for a walker tray, there are a few main factors to consider: size, compatibility, ease of installation, and some others. Let’s take a closer look at all of them so you can pick up the suitable model for your needs.
Compatibility
First of all, pay attention to compatibility with the walker you use. If you want to upgrade your model before purchasing a tray for it, check our selection of the best 4-wheel walkers.
Usually, walker trays are universal and fit with most types of walkers on the market, but if you use a bariatric one, it will be more difficult for you to get an exact match as you need to find a tray that is bigger in dimensions. In addition, for a walker with a low front crossbar or a two-button walker, you can see specifically designed models on our list.
Dimensions
Dimensions of the DMI Folding walker tray
Another essential factor to think about is the size of the tray. The most common measure of the tray is about 21 x 16 inches that can hold a large plate, a glass of water, or cutlery and works excellent as a mobile phone stand to use your device while eating. There are also models that are bigger or smaller in size for users with specific needs.
In addition, take into account your own height. You may want to purchase one of the best walkers for tall people, so you don’t have to bend over the tray while using it.
Cup Holders
Also, you may want to choose the walker tray with cup holders, especially if you like drinking water while moving. These can be made not only for bottles but also for cans and glasses. We have walker trays that offer one or two cup holders on our list.
If you want to prevent your items from slipping off the tray, consider looking for a model with raised edges. These help to keep all the things in place, even on bumpy surfaces while walking.
Installation
Before purchasing a walker tray, make sure it is easy to attach and detach from your model. The best option for you can be a tray that can quickly snap into place without any tools. If it requires some time-consuming assembly or an Allen wrench, hopefully, there will be instructions included in the package.
Cleaning
You should also pay attention to the materials used for the construction of the tray. Today, most walkers are made of tough plastic that can be easily wiped clean with a wet cloth. The best walkers with trays also feature a padded non-slip surface to provide you with extra comfort and prevent your items from slipping off. They also can be removable to make the tray easier to wash after using it.
Other Features
The Sammons Preston walker tray can be removed to the side when not used for its intended purpose.
If you want to fold your walker to free up the space, take a look at those models that can be folded and unfolded conveniently. Besides, some trays come with an option to remove them, so they can be used as a lap when reading a magazine or watching TV.
Price Tag
The price also plays an important role when choosing a walker tray. The average cost is about $20-$40 or more for a quality model made of durable materials and easy to use. So, take into account all these factors to find the best walker tray that will meet your budget.
