Post-delivery, one of the most important milestones in a baby's development, is when it takes its first steps and parents eagerly await it. The feeling that your baby is now ready to explore the world makes it both an exciting and wracking experience. This is why so many parents try to get the help of a baby walker to speed up the process. However, research shows that a baby walker can slightly delay the natural walking process if introduced ahead of time. In the same breath, understanding the benefits, potential risks and alternatives can help you make an informed decision, prioritizing your baby's well-being above all else. To help you do so, we bring you this blog that will thoroughly examine baby walkers and explain everything you need to know about them.
Understanding Baby Walkers
A baby walker is a simple device that is designed for babies who can't yet walk independently. They generally feature a frame on wheels, a seat with a pair of leg openings, and a tray that can include toys to keep the baby entertained. The basic idea behind it is that by placing the baby in a walker, they can move with their feet. This allows them to explore their environment before they can walk on their own. The main drawback is that, since learning to walk is a natural process, a walker can slightly delay the strengthening of leg muscles by a few days. This is why experts say that a walker must only be introduced once the baby is ready to walk, preferably just after the first steps. This lets the muscles get strong naturally while protecting the child from tipping over on his future runs.
Ideal Age Range for Using Baby Walkers
Baby walkers have traditionally been designed for infants between 4 and 16 months old. But the decision to use one should depend more on the readiness of your baby rather than on age alone. Here are some critical factors to consider:
1. Physical Development
If your baby can sit up unassisted, then it generally means that your baby is ready to walk. This level of physical development typically occurs between 6 and 8 months of age, and without this strength, a baby may struggle to maintain the correct posture in the walker, leading to discomfort or even injury.
2. Weight and Size
Most baby walkers have weight and size restrictions that vary by model. This is why it is important to check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure your baby fits within these parameters. Overloading a walker can compromise the stability of the walker and, along with it, the safety of your child.
3. Supervision
Finally, if you have decided to use a walker, supervision is key. Using walkers can also increase the risk of falls and accidents, especially near stairs, sharp corners, or uneven surfaces. Even under close supervision, babies can move around quickly in walkers, so extra caution is necessary.
Benefits vs. Risks of Baby Walkers
While a baby walker can bring significant joy to both the baby and the parents, it also brings certain dangers that parents must be aware of before buying one. Here is a closer look at both the benefits and risks of using a baby walker.
Benefits
- By using a walker, babies get to explore their surroundings independently before walking, which can be very stimulating for them and fill their initial years with joy.
- Along with mobility, it can be a great tool to keep them occupied and engaged because of the toys attached.
- Baby walkers can allow parents a short break indoors, as they will be assured that the baby is contained in a safe space.
Risks
- Walker-related accidents, including falls and accidents, are very common and even something as simple as your kid walking under a table can be dangerous without supervision.
- When a kid spends the majority of their time on a walker as opposed to crawling on the ground naturally, then many steps crucial for muscle development and coordination are hindered.
- Prolonged walker use can also delay and hinder crawling, standing and walking milestones as the walker supports the baby in a way that does not mimic natural walking.
Alternatives to traditional walkers
Even though walkers remain a very common baby-care accessory, pushcart walkers and push toys are being increasingly used as they mimic natural walking movements. Baby walking harnesses can also help babies stand and move around without stressing the parents too much.
However, to provide your children with the right muscle stimulation, you can also fix an hour of playpen time where they can do all kinds of movements necessary for learning muscle coordination. A daily tummy time, i.e., when you place the baby on its stomach for some time, can also help in muscular development and must be included in the daily routine post-walker time.
Conclusion
As you can see, while walkers may seem like a convenient mobility support for babies, it is essential to weigh in on the potential pros and cons before you get one for your toddler. This is why we at Laadlee have curated a range of the best baby walkers and baby products, such as infant harnesses and push carts so that your child can have a holistic development. Remember that promoting natural motor skill development should be your top priority, so always consult with your pediatrician to make the best choice for your child's needs.