Are walkers necessary for babies and at what age should this device be used?

Types of baby walkers

Baby walkers come in two types, usually the traditional one, where there is a seat, and the modern mechanism, where the seat is included in the design. Both of these types come with a different range of functionality and performance that are equally suited to the needs of the child.

We will look at both of these types here to find the best one. But before deciding on the type of baby walker, you will first need to research its purpose.

In any case, both of these types are able to provide enough balance for your child, and children can travel in them without the risk of falling.

How to choose the best baby walkers

When it comes to purchasing products that are suitable for children, extreme caution must be exercised. As it happens, not many people are aware of the baby walker buying guide. We here will provide you with a brief information about it below.

manufacturer is an important feature when it comes to getting the best baby walker for your child. Products from the best manufacturers are delivered with high reliability.

Safety features - kids are prone to falling and injuring themselves. In an attempt to put this thing on hold, the baby walker must be intact in order to use it. Always look for the safety feature loaded into baby walkers so that you have the best choice for your baby.

Additional Features – Walkers are not limited to just helping your child walk. They should also increase the child's creativity level. Look for baby walkers with additional features.

Height – Having a compatible height option is vital as baby is always growing. To ensure that your baby gets a lot of enjoyment out of baby walkers, you should look for ones that have adjustable height options.

Warranty - Warranty is a vital part of any baby walker. Look for those that have longer warranty periods for better use.

Question answer

Do children need walkers?

The device not only promotes physical development (helps to learn to walk and run), but also occupies the child’s attention (interesting gaming panels help develop tactile skills and methods of perception). They are used for the safety of the baby during the period of getting up and walking. Therefore, within reasonable limits, walkers are real helpers.

How to properly place a child in a walker

First, you need to adjust the height of the seat according to the height of the child. Make sure your legs are slightly bent and your full feet are on the floor. Be sure to wear shoes for your baby that will promote proper foot placement.

At what age can you put a child in a walker?

Walkers are best used when the child begins to sit up on his own and crawl well. This usually occurs at 6 months. By this time, the child should be able to stand on his own legs near a support. This way you will understand that the back muscles have become stronger, and the baby can be placed in a walker.

The baby should be happy to be in the walker and show interest in it. This indicates the psychological ability for further development.

How long can you use it?

Initially, the walker is used for a short time. The residence time is increased gradually. A good option is to start with three minutes, 2 times a day. Once your child is comfortable, do not use the walker for more than 40 minutes a day to avoid injuring the spine. To avoid flat feet, your feet should be firmly on the floor.

Features for boys

How to choose a walker? The physiological characteristics of boys do not allow them to stay in walkers for a long time. Fabric panties should not rub, squeeze the genitals, or cause diaper rash.

Features for girls

It is recommended that girls be introduced to walkers later than boys. This is because girls are prone to developing hip dysplasia. Little ladies can be put into jumpers or walkers when parents are confident in their physical fitness (disease of the musculoskeletal system) and in the health of the orthopedic system.

Before using any device, you should consult with specialists.

The benefits and harms of walkers

parents have more free time;

the baby’s area of ​​study and free movement expands, independence and physical activity appear;

positive emotions appear, tactile and psychological perception develops.

the development of motor skills slows down;

the process of becoming a full foot may slow down;

By avoiding danger, the instinct of self-preservation develops more slowly.

When are walkers contraindicated?

Walkers are contraindicated in the following cases:

1. Age up to 6 months.
2. Feeling unwell or unwilling to use a walker: whims, mood swings.
3. If the child has not begun to sit independently.
4. Poor reaction to skin contact with plastic and metal.

Pros and cons of using baby walkers

Baby walkers come with their own set of pros and cons, which we will discuss below.

Pros of baby walkers

• Increases the child's sense of independence
• Provides fun and entertainment for baby
• Allows parents to have more time for themselves

Cons of baby walkers

• May not encourage walking as perceived
• May cause delay in crawling for baby
• Fall protection not always available

Instructions for use and contraindications

The main rule of operation is safety. Before placing a child in a walker, carpets that are not attached to the floor should be removed, otherwise they will ride up and create differences in height, which is extremely dangerous for moving children.

If the floor in the room is cool, experts advise purchasing the longest and widest carpet possible, which will cover the entire walking surface without joints.

All corners and edges must be secured with small nails or screws (for laminate or parquet boards), a special linoleum strip or thick paste if the floor is concrete. That is, parents should forget about the beautiful floor covering for a while.

You also need to remove all potentially dangerous low-standing objects; sockets should be equipped with plugs. Sharp furniture corners should be covered with special pads. All these measures will prevent injury to the baby if the walker accidentally turns over.

The following rules apply directly to the use of walkers:

• the baby needs to be taught gradually, on the first day the device can be used for only a few minutes, then the time is carefully increased to 40 - 60 minutes per day;
• Children's legs should touch the floor with the entire foot and stand straight. It is important to adjust the device according to the child’s height and make sure that he does not stand on his toes;
• To walk in the device, you should put shoes with hard soles on children's feet - this will allow the child to place his feet correctly and not damage his leg if he stumbles upon scattered toys.

We should not forget about contraindications. You should stop using a walker if the child is still too small and physically not ready for an upright position.

In addition, contraindications include:

• hyper- or hypotonicity of the lower extremities;
• inflammatory processes and damage to the skin in places of contact with the seat;
• symptoms of rickets;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• the baby's reluctance to sit in a walker.

Under no circumstances should a child sitting in a walker be left alone in the room. To plant and leave is to expose him to unnecessary risk.

Review of baby walkers for toddlers

Baby walkers are quite a fun item as it keeps your child's creativity and diligence levels high and is an ideal toy to play with. We took many factors into account such as functionality, design, durability and ease of use when deciding on the best ones. We also took into account reviews and price range along with several other factors to arrive at a comprehensive list.

Joovy Spoon Walker, Greenie

Joovy is one of the good brands when it comes to baby related products. Known for its super-sized products that come with the highest levels of security possible, Joovy is a good choice. The list of features that it delivers makes it our first choice from the list. Let's find out more about it here.

It comes with a large size tray that is equipped with a removable insert. The insert is dishwasher safe and can be easily cleaned. They have a wide base that helps ensure that your fingers don't get pinched during your ride.

The baby walker is designed with a maximum height of 33.5 inches and comes with a maximum weight capacity of 13 kg. The seat cushion comes quite supportive and is comfortable to use. The fabric can be washed in a washing machine.

Joovy has designed the walker for optimal use and made it easy to store with a foldable option.

pros

• Compatible design and easy storage
• Extra-size tray with removable insert
• Dishwasher and washing machine safe components
• Adjustable height
• Easy to fold

Minuses

• Higher price
• Wheels don't lock as quickly as they should.

With an impressive brand value and a fully functional part, this is one of the Joovy walker options worth buying. An impressive walker to help your baby take his first steps.

Discovery Baby Walker

Coming in second on our list, this option is one of the top safety baby walkers. They come with a tray and have an impressive set of functionality and performance. They are one of the preferred options when it comes to baby walkers.

The activity space comes with a large litter tray and play area and is ideal for children. The components of this walker are completely machine washable and come with padded seat layers.

The product has adjustable heights and can be placed in 3 different height positions. It comes with playful sounds and has lights and five dinosaurs that allow baby to have fun playing with them. It can be stored easily and can be folded down to keep out of the way when not needed.

pros

• Rated by most parents
• Compact design that can be easily folded.
• Adjustable heights at 3 different height positions.
• Good for carpets and floors

• This is a legit baby walker with a pretty fun theme that is sure to keep your child engaged and develop their creativity. Priced at a competitive range, this is one of the best options when it comes to baby walkers.

Bright Starts Roaming Safari Walk-A-Bout Walker

When it comes to design and usability, this is the ideal option. With a simple yet creative design, these walkers have a lot of functionality. They are equipped with safari themed toys and have a removable toy station that can be used anywhere whenever required.

They offer 3 different height combinations that you can use. They hold a recommended maximum weight of 12 kg. Your little baby can adapt to different heights as he grows. They come with innovative and creative designs that are sure to captivate your child.

They also have lights, music and toys adding to the charm of baby walkers. You can use 3 AA batteries to power the lights and music. The battery lasts more than 20 hours. The product is quite safe to use and is also durable, making it a worthwhile investment when it comes to the baby walker range.

pros

• Bright toys
• Features a removable toy station.
• Comes with three different height settings
• Availability of light, music and toys.

After considering the design and assembly aspect, this option seems ideal. And the added boost of light, music makes it a good creative baby walker option for your baby. The only downside is the lack of a portability option and also the materials are dishwasher safe.

Criteria for choosing the best baby walkers

If your baby sits confidently and has begun to master the basics of crawling, it’s time to buy a baby walker for him.
Many people treat them only as a toy, and in vain. A walker with a seat and wheels is an excellent exercise machine for the physical and mental development of a baby. There are few criteria for choosing a walker, but when purchasing, you need to carefully evaluate each characteristic:

• structural stability;
• comfortable, wide, soft seat, preferably removable;
• multi-level seat height adjustment (from 3 positions and more). The height of the seat in the maximum and minimum positions is also important, because the physical characteristics of all children are different, and a “low” walker may easily not be suitable for a tall child, and vice versa.
• high-quality educational panel with toys and music;
• durable wheels made of non-slip material (preferably silicone - they don’t rattle or scratch the floor), with stoppers. It is believed that the more wheels (from 6 to 10), the better. In fact, this is not entirely true, for example, expensive walkers have only 4 wheels, but the design is designed so that it is absolutely impossible to roll over in them.

Pleasant, but optional little things: a spring function (most kids like it), a rotating seat (allows you to rotate 360 ​​degrees without the use of wheels), transformation into a table or rocking chair (the base separates and turns into runners), protective bumpers that provide additional protection against rollovers and etc.

Walkers are a wonderful developmental exercise machine for babies. But it’s worth reminding us once again about caution! Particular attention should be paid to the safety of the design of walkers and the safety of their use .
Walkers keep kids mobile and they can reach things that would otherwise be out of their reach. Therefore, do not leave your baby unattended, do not allow him into the bathroom and toilet, keep him away from hot surfaces. Well, of course, walkers should not slide or fold with a little effort.

Review of inexpensive baby walkers for babies

Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Baby Walker

This is a baby walker that is impressive in design and performance. They come with smart features that are not often found in other baby walkers.

They have a wide and stable base that offers 3 different height settings for the best fit for your baby. This helps the child learn to walk steps. They have Mickey Mouse themed toys, and play 12 different songs through their music module.

It has strong wheels that work perfectly on all floor surfaces and even carpets and offer better surface control. The fabric can be easily cleaned as they come with machine washable pads and have an easy-to-wipe snack tray. They can also be quickly folded for easy storage and portability. They come with a one year warranty.

pros

• They are equipped with a music module and Minnie Mouse themed toys.
• 12 different songs built into the music module.
• Sturdy base and additional handle for better control and dexterity.
• Easy to fold and clean.

Minuses

• All these features make it an expensive product compared to other baby walkers.

Considering the functionality, build quality and all the smart features, we can say that this product is worth purchasing and could be a good addition for your baby.

Baby Walker Discovery Walker

Walkers have many interesting features.

They come with a uniquely designed elliptical frame that is stronger and has bright toys. It has a station with a gaming panel that can be removed when needed for gaming and placed on the floor. They also come with an easy to install and easy to clean feature with washable fabrics.

They have 3 different height positions and have a high seat back for better levels of support. The recommended weight for this option is 13 kg.

pros

• Comes with an impressive elliptical frame design.
• Features an intriguing caterpillar and animation theme.
• Quite easy to use and easy to clean.

The design is quite simple and comes with effective use. This is the ideal walker to use for your baby. However, some movements, especially in the lateral part, are often difficult.

Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker

They have a play tray that can be removed and used as a free-standing toy.

They have 3 different height settings. They come with removable padded seats that can be removed and washed according to need. They can also be folded for better compact storage and have brake pads to help stop them.

pros

• A tray that acts as a stand-alone toy in itself.
• Has three different height settings
• Easy to fold and store.

This could be a good option if you are looking for something basic and high quality.

Children's jumping walkers

As you can guess from the name, these walkers allow your baby to jump with ease. Let's take a look at the best models.

No. 3. CARRELLO-9602 Libero

Walkers made in Ukraine with a wide base, adjustable back and soft seat. A bright and interesting gaming panel, attached to the table with two rotary screws. There is also a fabric stretch trampoline mat (for children who have not yet learned to walk). Folding skids allow you to switch the product to swing mode.

On a note! The walker can also be turned into a gurney so that the baby can push it in front of him. To do this, you need to remove the rear bumper and use the built-in handle.

pros

• the game panel is removable;
• high quality materials;
• The trampoline mat is also removable;
• the model is available in several delicate colors;
• swing mode is provided;
• There is a handle at the back.

Minuses

• sound is not adjustable;
• the product weighs 5 kg.

No. 2. Jetem Scooter 2 in 1

A very stable and safe walker with a low, wide base (eliminates the risk of tipping over), but at the same time with impressive size and weight. The height is adjustable in 3 positions, a “jumping” mode is provided. The wheels are retracted (folded inward), and the game panel is removed. The seat is removable and has a fairly high back.

On a note! Separately, it is worth noting the rich gaming panel: various buttons, knobs, a motorcycle steering wheel, various melodies (including motorcycle sounds), etc.

The wheels, unfortunately, are small, so they go well on hard surfaces, but they get stuck on the carpet. Please consider this point before purchasing.

pros

• "jumping" mode;
• stylish appearance;
• removable upholstery;
• sustainability, safety;
• volume is adjustable;
• rich gaming panel.

Minuses

• heavy weight – 5.7 kg;
• poor maneuverability on soft surfaces;
• tight springs.

No. 1. Pituso DC201

Model from Pituso, recognized as the best in its category. The seat of the walker can rotate 360 ​​degrees. The child has access to numerous educational toys, as well as a musical keyboard. Thanks to the elastic straps, your baby can jump easily without much effort.

pros

• sustainability;
• maximum permissible load – 10 kg;
• Possibility of use from a very young age.

Minuses

• no significant deficiencies were identified.

Review of baby walkers

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

This is an interactive walker that comes with a removable play panel.

They have a nice panel with 5 piano keys placed on the learning center that allow you to play music. It also improves intuitive skills for the child. It comes with a good set of wheels that work on all surfaces such as carpeting and hard floors.

It has 2 colorful rotating rollers and 3 different shape sorters along with 3 light buttons to help develop motor skills. They also have a phone to enhance the role play activity. They also come with 70 songs and have sound effects and funny phrases that are ideal for children aged 9 months to 3 years.

pros

• One of the most convenient options
• Equipped with 5 piano keys and 70 songs to enhance baby's playing
• They have a telephone that improves the role-playing function.
• Sturdy wheels and 3 different shifter shapes.

Minuses

• The handles could be more durable.

The product is a good item to use and is definitely one of the good options.

Combi Baby Activity Walker

An ideal entertainment option, this baby walker is a good item to buy. They come with a tray. Walker comes with plenty of gaming features and has its own entertainment system with lights, sounds, mirrors and toys.

They are easy to assemble and come with three different height settings to help baby grow quickly. They also have optimal levels of comfort thanks to the soft inserts. The parts are machine washable.

pros

• Equipped snack tray
• Comes packaged with lights, sounds, toys and mirrors.
• Machine washable pads for better shelf life.

Minuses

• Mixed reviews of the product when it comes to comparison with other baby walkers.

Lil' Drive Baby Walker

This is a good walker for children. They come with a toy tray that can be easily removed. It can be used for snacks and feeding times. They come with three different height adjustment settings to balance your baby's height.

They come with an electronic tray that has several different interactive lights and sounds to keep baby entertained. It can be easily folded into a compact size for storage. The product weighs 4.5 kg and comes with ASTM, CPSC and JPMA certifications.

pros

• Sleek, quirky and one of the most beautiful designs on the entire list.
• Comes with a removable tray that can be taken out for snacks and feeding.
• Easy to fold

Minuses

• The price is a little high

A decent choice when it comes to build quality and durability. This is a pretty good baby walker to buy.

Hape Wonder Walker

They come with movable handles and have gears and colorful balls that offer five different functions. It comes with adequate design to develop coordination and fine motor skills.

This walker is designed with rubber counterbalanced wheels that help it glide on the floor and ensure perfect platform stability. They have sturdy construction quality with wooden design. They also have non-toxic materials in their composition.

pros

• Solid build quality.

Comes with a wood finish that features exquisite craftsmanship.

• Features a panel for five different activities to improve motor skills.

Minuses

• Not all age groups of children can actively use them

The best walkers and gurneys

Giraffes Summer meadow

The development center combines several functions and can easily be transformed from a gurney to a table. The removable gaming panel uses light and sound effects and contains educational elements: gears, inserts, functional buttons, a small piano and a telephone. The game panel operates in three modes: listening to the piano, playing a melody, listening to funny melodies. The volume level can be adjusted. There is a wide and comfortable handle. The gurney comes with a container for weighting the structure with water.

Pros:

• transforms from a gurney into a table;
• attractive gaming panel;
• volume level is adjustable;
• comfortable handle;
• can be made heavier.

Minuses:

• unreliable fastening of the rear wheels;
• not suitable for tall babies.

Reviews:

Everflo First Steps HS0293238

Practical, durable, compact design with built-in gaming panel. Plays sounds, songs, poems. The built-in panel contains: a telephone, a mirror, a book, rattles, a piano with a light effect, and a magnetic board. The wheelchair walker is equipped with a handle at the height of the child. Can be used from 9 months. The wheels can be adjusted depending on the floor covering.

Pros:

• robust design;
• diverse gaming panel;
• adjustable wheels.

Minuses:

• not identified.

Reviews:

Smoby Cotoons 110428

The brightly colored wheelchair with a comfortable handle, a compartment for small items and rotating wheels (which can be locked), is equipped with light, sound and light effects. The game panel contains: winking eyes, glowing lights, a safety mirror, a door with a key, a mirror door, a rotating flower, a ladybug, a wheel and a buzzer, and multi-colored molds are located in the center. It has rounded edges and is intended for children from 12 months.

Pros:

• educational game panel;
• rounded edges of the structure;
• bright colors;
• comfortable handle.

Minuses:

• high price.

Reviews:

Viga Activity Baby Walker

Baby walkers are a wooden, educational toy with a play center, designed for babies from 18 months. Made from environmentally friendly materials and wood. On a special panel there are gears, inverted cubes, a maze game (wire and with animals), a snake game, a windmill, a circle with the sun, an inverted moon - for the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination. Recommended by the manufacturer for use not only at home, but also in kindergartens and early development centers. A colorful, bright, safe toy is made of wood and painted with non-toxic paints, the edges of the product are well sanded. The wheels have anti-slip silicone pads. Weight – 3.7 kg.

Pros:

• environmentally friendly wood material;
• educational game panel;
• well polished edges;
• anti-slip silicone pads on wheels.

Minuses:

• not identified.

Reviews:

Molto Playroom with construction set 58133 / 58140

The play wheelchair with the Polesie construction set is used as a walker and logic toy with game elements. In the center there is a play panel with a construction set; two gears are located closer to the base, developing fine motor skills. The supports that support the constructor field inside are empty. Balls are rolled into a special hole through a slider. They are a mini-labyrinth. Plastic elements do not contain harmful substances, toxic dyes, sharp corners and are large in size (which prevents swallowing). Sound elements are not provided. The design is quite simple, but it is reliable, durable and durable. It can be used not only as a walker, but also as a logic toy. Designed for children from 12 months. Production: Belarus.

Pros:

• there is a constructor;
• supports in the form of a labyrinth;
• large size of game material.

Minuses:

• too light;
• no sound elements.

Reviews:

Chicco Game Center 65261

An entertaining gaming center with many sound effects, melodies, words and phrases in Russian and English. It has 4 thematic sectors with removable accessories: music (an interactive book with musical instruments, pronounced in two languages), drawing (electronic board with a magic pen), kitchen (salt, pepper shaker, bottle, stove imitates the corresponding sounds), vegetable garden (details - carrots , tomato is pronounced in two languages).

Pros:

• varied gaming panel;
• comfortable handle.

Minuses:

• very light.

Reviews:

Giraffes Game Center 939541

A stable walker with a game panel and a removable music tablet. The buttons on the tablet play animal sounds and fun tunes. The panel contains: gears and built-in rattles for the development of fine motor skills, and a mobile phone. Has a comfortable handle for the baby. Certified plastic does not contain toxins or harmful substances. Resistant to mechanical damage (cracks, chips, abrasions) Used from 9 months.

Pros:

• removable music tablet;
• comfortable handle;
• high quality plastic.

Minuses:

• too light.

Reviews:

What is the purpose of baby walkers?

People have been using walkers for a long time to teach their child to walk quickly. In earlier times, there were wooden walkers, but nowadays, they are available in various designs in the market.

Some studies show, and even some people believe, that walkers are not suitable for a child's health. More specifically, they believe that walkers slow down a child's overall development. To support this, some scientists have done some research and have obtained a result that shows that the walker is completely suitable for the child.

At what age can a child use a walker?

There are many beliefs among parents that if they put their child in a walker too early, they will learn to walk incorrectly. But that's not true; If you place your baby in a walker too early, it can cause some developmental and physical problems for your baby.

The right time is when your child is mentally and physically preparing for them. And when he/she can balance his/her body properly, then you can put him/her in a walker. This usually occurs at 6 months of age.

When are walkers contraindicated?

Neurologists and pediatricians categorically prohibit the use of walkers for children under 6 months, babies with poorly developed sitting skills and the following pathologies:

• rickets;
• dysplasia;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• strabismus;
• Cerebral palsy. Children with such lesions need special restraints: rear-supporting for pathologies of mild severity, forward-supporting to combat tiptoeing, simulators for holding the torso in an upright position.
• heart disease;
• mental and physical development delays;
• increased or decreased muscle tone;
• There are diaper rashes, inflammations on the lower body, butt.

Important! There is no need to insist on rolling around the apartment in a walker if the baby is tired, afraid of toys, or sick.

Which option are you leaning towards?

• Spend very little time in a walker 51%, 50 votes
  50 votes 51%

  50 votes - 51% of all votes

• Avoid walkers completely 32%, 32 votes

  32 votes 32%

  32 votes - 32% of all votes

• I don’t see anything wrong with walkers 17%, 17 votes

  17 votes 17%

  17 votes - 17% of all votes

Total votes: 99

12.12.2018

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What can be used instead of walkers?

Walkers can cause injuries to your child because walkers have mobility. When you place your baby in a walker, you free your baby to move freely. But remember that he is not balancing his body correctly. Therefore, when the walker hits the wall, there is a possibility that the walker may fall.

But doctors and some people suggest that you can use a bouncer or baby center instead of a walker because they don't have wheels. This is why they cannot harm your baby.

We suggest that choosing the best baby walker is vital for a child's growth. Walkers are something that helps a child achieve higher levels of growth and development, but they need to be controlled properly.

Types of walkers for children

All such structures are constructed approximately the same. This is a frame on wheels with a seat inside.

There are three main types of walkers for children:

Classic.

Functionally, they are the simplest. A metal frame with a gaming table serves as their basis. There is a seat inside.

Prices for them start from 1600 rubles.

Classic walkers can be equipped with a handle on the back so that adults can direct their movement. Walkers with this option cost 500 rubles. expensive.

Transformers.

The name suggests that their design has replaceable or adjustable elements. Most often, such walkers are transformed into something like a rocking chair: the wheels are removed, and instead of them, runners for rocking are installed on the frame. They also have a table for toys. Cost from 2500 rub.

Gurneys.

Their main difference from the two previous types is that the baby does not fit inside the structure of the walker. The frame with the table on wheels can be pushed in front of you, leaning on the structure. These walkers are suitable for an older child who is more confident on his feet.

They cost more. For example, a wheelchair from Fisher-Price costs at least 5 thousand rubles. Devices of the same type from Weina cost 4,800 rubles.

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