Lynne Faulds-Wood once likened putting a baby into a walker to giving a teenager a Ferrari.
Baby walkers have had a lot of bad press … but why?
Well, as I have an eight month old baby, who has a baby walker, I decided to do some research.
*****What Are Baby Walkers?
Baby walkers ... Read review
Advantages: An extra form of entertainment for baby. Disadvantages: Can be dangerous.
...a baby walker from another member of my family, it was fairly old and very basic. I used it briefly, but then decided to replace it because it seemed to small for my, quite, big baby. The seat appeared uncomfortable and my baby's feet were folded awkwardly.
I replaced it with a new Go-Slo Exerciser from Mothercare (perhaps a better name than 'walker'). In my opinion, this one is a much safer design. As the name suggest, the wheels are 'go ... ...Also the base is much wider making it, as far as I can tell, a lot more stable and very unlikely to tip over.
If you,like me, choose to use a baby walker, then yes your baby is more likely to have an accident of some kind. If you cross several roads each week, then you and your baby are more likely to have an accident. If we want to enjoy life and experience different things, we have got to find the right balance.
Lynne Faulds-Wood once likened putting a baby into a walker to giving a teenager a Ferrari.
Baby walkers have had a lot of bad press … but why?
Well, as I have an eight month old baby, who has a baby walker, I decided to do some research.
*****What Are Baby Walkers? Baby walkers are a frame on wheels, with a plastic tray and a padded seat insert. They come in a number of different designs and colours, and normally have a detachable toy tray. They are made to look colourful, attractive and fun. Babies ages six months and over can use them, as long as they can support their own head and back. The idea being that a baby can be placed into the seat, and with his feet on the floor, and the help of the wheels, is able to move himself and the walker around the room. They are normally adjustable, and can fold flat. They are not sold as an aid to walking and do come with safety and warning instructions. They cost around £30, although this can vary.
There is also a push a long walker, often containing wooden bricks, this is not the one being discussed in this review. This one can indeed aid walking.*****Should I Use One? Most parents who have the little 'red book' (child's health record), will probably have seen the advice in there, warning against the use of baby walkers. It tells us that most accidents involving babies are caused by the use of baby walkers. In fact more then 4,500 of these are reported to the Child Accident Prevention Trust every year. Quite worrying! However a lot of people decide against this advice … but why? Do they just think that it is scare mongering? Or do they quite simply think that they know best? Despite numerous campaigns to get these walkers banned, they are still on sale in all major nursery shops. So, still a high demand for them it would seem.*****Good Points. Anyone who has raised a growing baby will know just what hard work they can be. From around six months of age, they require constant attention and a baby walker gives another interesting perspective for a baby to view things from. If used for the suggested 20 minutes at a time, they can amuse and stimulate the baby. Most mothers who have used a walker have found them to be very useful, if not essential. They are like another toy for babies to have fun in. Plenty of accidents happen with other items of nursery equipment, pushchairs for example, but no-one is trying to ban these. Newer designs are safer. If they are still available for sale, then they must be ok.*****Bad Points. Baby walkers do not aid a baby to walk, in fact if they are placed in these too much, they can actually hamper the development process. Accidents galore! Burns, bruises and cuts are frequent occurrences while babies are in walkers. Falling down the stairs is a common cause for injury, even in homes where stair gates are fitted, because people forget to shut them. Baby walkers can be lethal on the current trend of wooden or laminate floors, especially those without the Go-slo wheels. A baby can also reach all number of dangerous substances and unsuitable household items. If babies don't spend enough time on the floor, learning to crawl, roll over and sit then their physical progress could be impaired.*****Is There A Safe Way To Use One? Some would say no there is not. Maybe there isn't, but if you do intend to use a baby walker, there are certainly guidelines which you can follow, in order to make things a whole lot safer.
Firstly, SUPERVISION, not the occasional glance in your baby's direction, but the kind of vigilance you would use when bathing your baby. You can't hold them, but you can be right there, constantly watching and being aware of your surroundings. Don't treat the walker like a babysitter. Make sure that the kitchen is always out of bounds. Never use a walker upstairs, even if stair gates are fitted. Never use in a room with an unguarded fire. Don't use for longer than the suggested 20 minutes. Inspect the walker regularly for any damage as this will make it unsafe to use.
To sum up I would say great concentration and a lot of common sense.*****Just A Thought. I wonder how many accidents are reported amongst older children using roller skates or blades. Several I would imagine. I know I fractured my wrist while skating. Did it put me off? No, I loved playing on them and happily continued to do so.
If we ban baby walkers, then surely we should ban roller skates, or don't those accidents matter, because they involve older children and not babies. And where would it stop?
*****And Finally. As already mentioned I do have a baby walker for my eight month old baby. Am I right or wrong? I don't think that there is one correct way, because we should all have freedom of choice. I do however think that anyone that is likely to use one should make sure that they are aware of the dangers and safety guidelines, so that they can at least make an informed choice.
I had originally been kindly given a baby walker from another member of my family, it was fairly old and very basic. I used it briefly, but then decided to replace it because it seemed to small for my, quite, big baby. The seat appeared uncomfortable and my baby's feet were folded awkwardly. I replaced it with a new Go-Slo Exerciser from Mothercare (perhaps a better name than 'walker'). In my opinion, this one is a much safer design. As the name suggest, the wheels are 'go slow', it will not speed along like the previous one. Also the base is much wider making it, as far as I can tell, a lot more stable and very unlikely to tip over.
If you,like me, choose to use a baby walker, then yes your baby is more likely to have an accident of some kind. If you cross several roads each week, then you and your baby are more likely to have an accident. If we want to enjoy life and experience different things, we have got to find the right balance.
I feel that after this research I am much more aware of dangers and that I am able to let my baby use this walker safely for short highly supervised periods of time. He enjoys his time in the walker and while I know that it will not enable him to walk any quicker, I regard it as a fun activity.
However, I certainly respect people who's opinions differ from mine.
Thank you for reading and hope this has been of use to some.x
Advantages: liberate your baby Disadvantages: bad press
As a nursery equipment retailer im sick of bad press about walkers,I'm also a mum to a 2 year old who recieved his walker off santa when he was 5 months old. He was soon doing 0-60 and working out which button did what on the electronic play tray i hummed the tune for weeks!!!It not only benefited him because he was totally fed up of being left on a rug or propped up against the settee but my hard working mum was also left free to peel her spuds ... ...danger but to be honest who in their right mind leaves a child unattended in a walker this is when accidents happen did u know that walkers are the highest tested nursery item you can buy they are even tested more rigorously than the pram u push your child in or the seat it sits in in your car.They are a must for any baby they are brightly coloured have trays to stimulate your childs growing mind ,wipe clean with washable seats,and are height adjustable ...
fem33mids 13.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Member Advice on Baby Walkers
Advantages: keeps them occupied for a short space of time Disadvantages: accidents
What are they? A traditional baby walker is a seat with a tray that is cradled in support frame which is on wheels. These can be used after 6 months of age when baby has good strong neck and back muscles. There are lots of designs on the market. All of them are fully adjustable frame, so nipper can reach the floor. Some have a tray on them with activities on them and some have a plain tray for eating. Other baby walkers include "Push around" toys ... ...baby walkers that are static too. This opinion is about the traditional baby walkers The Pros of a Baby walker. These are very handy if you want to have a spare 10 mins out of your hands. You can get on with housework or use it out in the garden if it nice , so they can get some fresh air. Your child is supported in a cradle seat and feet touch the floor so s/he can move himself around It gives your child some independence, freedom to move and aids ...
chrissiepops 20.02.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Member Advice on Baby Walkers
Advantages: can aid the child Disadvantages: safety
My cousin is at that stage where she can go in a baby walker and it’s an exciting time for all of us, to see her stand up, with the aid of the baby walker is really good. She can sit on it and play with the toys assembled at the top. All parents should make sure the baby walker is safe, and any toys at the top can not be taken of and put in the mouth. It’s normal practice that babies push there feet backwards and go backwards when in ... ...no objects in the way like tables, and extremely sure that the surface is flat, as this prevents it being bumped against anything and gaining speed.
Children should never left unsupervised in the baby walker, and the child should not spend all day in the walker, it should be gradually increased. My cousin was introduced to it slowly and it really helped her development. When your child does use the baby walker make sure it’s on a flat surface ...
sam123 08.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Member Advice on Baby Walkers
Advantages: Independence for the Baby Disadvantages: No Safety Reins
I purchased one of these when my little boy was 6 months old which is the recommended age as by then most babies could hold their own head up. I used to use a bouncer but he always wanted to get out so I bought one of these to let him start exploring things himself!
There are so many in the market at the moment that it can be quite hard to choose which one to go for as most have pretty designs and look quite similar. The prices can range from about ... ...something plain or something with activity trays. Most activity trays consists of things to keep the baby entertained and can be easily detached at meal times or when it needs a quick wipe down. The trays have things that have different textures and buttons which encourages the child to play and identify at an early age. The slightly more expensive walkers may also include activities with music and flashing lights operated by batteries.
Most baby ...
Cici_Ying 14.05.2003 (09.06.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Member Advice on Baby Walkers
Advantages: does get your baby moving Disadvantages: There is a possibility it may lead to other problems later
not going for the popular vote here i guess, but just felt in the interests of a balanced review page, it was important to show that baby walkers are not always the best thing.
I have a son who is a year old - he was over 9 weeks premature and hs development is closely followed by a consultant and a physio...and this is where my extra info comes in.
and no, it doesn't involve walkers flying down stairs!
I too appreciate all the above comments ... ...to upset anyone who has or will post. BUT from day one I have been advised by trained medical people that a walker can lead to more problems. My son has lingering issues over the strength in one side of his body - not an issue yet (and p[ease pray for us that it doesn't become one) but walking is obviously a huge indicator in this. It is suggested that a baby walker encourages a child to push off the floor on their toes and lean forward to gain the ...
deeleybopper 02.05.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Member Advice on Baby Walkers
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Years ago they were called BabyWalkers. Now they are commonly known as Exercisers or Activity Stations. Ok, so the name has changed, but they look the same, and I've just bought one. My particular model is called the Slo Go Exerciser and its from Mothercare. With regular safety campaigning to ban these walkers, this purchase is somewhat controversial. I have done some research of my own and detailed the results in a separate earlier review listed in the 'MemberAdvice' category.
The Slo Go Exerciser is perhaps a more fitting way to describe this product. It was commonly thought that the title 'BabyWalker', gave people the idea that this equipment would teach your baby to walk, when in fact it does not.
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