Amidst so many theories which talk about baby walkers being helpful and not worth it, one thing is sure baby walkers are necessary for your little one to pick up with their first steps. They will help tone your baby’s leg muscles and help them learn to walk. They will also help your baby stay active, move around, and keep them engaged while you try to attend to your other household chores. For this reason, some parents prefer buying a walker. So, how to choose the right baby walker for your baby?
It is always a dilemma when the question is about choosing the right kind of walker for your little one pops up. And we are here to help you how to choose the right infant walker for your infant. Read to know in detail about factors to consider when choosing a walker for your infant, the benefits your baby will enjoy and the precautions you must take.
In This Article
- What is a Baby Walker?
- Can You Use a Baby Walker For Your Baby?
- When Can You Start Using a Baby Walker For Your Infant?
- How to Choose a Baby Walker For Your Baby?
- Precautions to Take When Choosing the Infant Baby Walker
- Benefits of a Baby Walker
What is a Baby Walker?
A baby walker is a device designed in such a way for an infant to learn how to walk. It is typically made safer with a broad base that has wheels for moving around. Some baby walkers come with a detachable toy section that keeps the baby engaged for some time.
There are two types of baby walkers
1. Classic Baby Walkers
These baby walkers come with a broad base and detachable seat. Classic baby walkers also have an armrest and a toy section attached. Classic-made baby walkers are not height adjustable.
2. Sit to Stand Baby Walkers
These are adjustable baby walkers, which are affordable. They are manufactured to adjust speed settings and are height adjustable.
Can You Use a Baby Walker For Your Baby?
Baby walkers help build the leg muscles of your little one while helping them learn how to walk. You can start using a baby walker for your little one once they are up and over seven months.
However, selecting the right walker and keeping an eye on your little one can help you avoid the hazards like tripping and the infant reaching out for unwanted things.
When Can You Start Using a Baby Walker For Your Infant?
You can start using a baby walker for your baby once they are ready to learn to walk. Baby walkers are designed for babies from 4 to 11 months old. However, do not use them too early, as using them in such early stages can deprive your baby of thriving to walk. Introduce your baby-to-baby walkers once they are seven months and up.
[Read : Baby Milestones – Walking]
How to Choose a Baby Walker For Your Baby?
Some factors that you may want to consider before choosing a baby walker. Here are a few common and important ones.
1. How Mobile is Your Baby?
Choosing a walker depends on the mobility of your infant. There are several types of walkers available in the market that are solely for just sitting. If your infant is too young and just enjoys pulling up to stand, then go for a walker that does not have wheels. They also have a decent play space which lets your baby stay engaged.
If your infant is already learning to walk, it is better to go for an independent walker which is sturdy, safe, and has wheels.
2. What Type of Flooring Do You Have?
Different walkers are available in the market to suit versatile floor types. You can select the walker that goes with your flooring. The weight and the material of the walker you choose should work well for your type of flooring.
3. Are You on the Go a Lot?
Right, do you move a lot? Then go for a walker that is portable and foldable. It should fit in a small space. But ensure to check on the material that takes in its manufacturing before you buy a portable, detachable and foldable baby walker.
Precautions to Take When Choosing the Right Infant Walker
Here are a few precautions you must take when choosing a infant walker for your infant.
- A baby walker has a specific weight limit, and baby walkers manufactured following the weight limit criteria are safer and will not let the baby trip out of imbalance.
- Select a good quality walker which is sturdy and holds your baby’s weight well.
- Do not go for a lightweight and plastic-made infant walker. It can prove hazardous to the baby.
- Make sure to keep an eye on your little one.
- Check for the foot space to avoid unwanted skill pull that can cause injuries to babies. Foot space can also save the babies from unwanted wounds caused by accidents like hitting corners and furniture.
- The seat of the walker that you select should be well padded, thick, and comfortable for your infant to sit on. Select a walker with a high raised and padded back support as younger babies require proper support to sit.
- Avoid baby walkers and seats made with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It can prove problematic, creating many health issues later.
- Select the trusted manufacturers with a high number of positive reviews since it is the only way you know that you are avoiding plastic.
- Look for a infant walker that comes with significant safety features.
- Check if the walker has any manufacturing defects like uneven and sharp edges, rough surfaces, and poorly stitched seats. Do not buy such walkers.
- Select an age-appropriate baby walker. If you want to engage your baby and your baby is still too small to walk, go for a wheel-less walker.
- Baby walkers must be equipped with automatic brakes.
- Select a walker that has wheel stoppers, so you can stop your infant from accessing it outdoors and on uneven surfaces.
- Do not let your infant run using a walker near stairs.
- A walker should not fit into a door. It will avoid your baby running out of the door.
Top 4 Super Benefits of a Baby Walker
Baby walkers are not just a learning tool but also entertainment for your little one in several ways.
1. Engage the Baby
Most baby walkers come with loud and attractive musical toys attached. Some may also have toys or small puzzles attached to the front. These will provide both entertainment and stimulation to the baby and keep them engaged.
2. Teach Balance
Doctors believe that baby walkers help babies learn to balance before they start to walk. Choosing the right infant walker for your little one can sum up so many things for you.
[Read : Motor and Cognitive Skills Development of a Baby 0-12 Months]
3. Develop Cognitive Skills
Baby walkers and the toys attached to them also educate babies in developing their cognitive skills by allowing the baby to play around. They understand action-reaction, their fine motor skills develop, and their mental capabilities develop too.
4. Encourage Mobility Among Babies
Babies who cross the 8th month of age start to get more curious and are keen to explore their surroundings and understand what is happening around them. Baby walkers help them with being mobile so that the babies are free to explore without depending too much on anyone.
Understandably, a baby taking his first steps can be an overwhelming and the happiest phase for the parents. You want them to try and walk sooner to see them roam around the house with their little steps. Baby walkers can help your baby achieve this phase with ease. However, prompt supervision is vital once you put your infant on a walker. Ensure to buy a quality walker that has all the desired features and comfort needed for your infant.
