Baby walkers

A baby walker is a saddle seat surrounded by a frame on wheels which allows a baby the freedom to move himself around the room before he can walk. Walkers can be used from when a baby can sit up (around six months) to when he starts to walk. Babies should only use them for short periods at a time.

Babies generally enjoy using walkers, but some safety experts believe they should be banned. To be used safely, they need an uncluttered area and constant supervision. Without this, babies are at risk of sustaining serious injury from, for example, toppling down steps or stairs, tripping over the hearth and into the fire or colliding with sharp furniture.

In response to these criticisms some manufacturers have produced a static version of the walker which allows the baby to simply rotate in the seat within the frame. This still gives him the sensation of moving his legs, without actually going anywhere!

Do I need it?

A walker will entertain your baby and allow him some mobility, but you need to balance this against the possible risks and the need for unstinting vigilance on your part. If you have a roomy house with, for example, a long, uncluttered ground floor passageway, you may find one a worthwhile investment.

What to look for

• Can it be immobilised? One walker now has an automatic stopping system, and can also be immobilised when movement wouldn’t be safe, for example in the kitchen
• How stable is it? The more stable the better
• What activities does it offer? Many walkers have playtrays with an activity panel built in
• Is the seat height adjustable? A useful feature as your baby grows
• Does it fold? If you don’t have much space this will be essential, as it is a bulky piece of equipment

Safety points

• Never leave your baby unattended in a walker
• Never use it near unguarded stairs or steps
• Never use it in a room with a heater, fire, hot oven etc
• Always ensure that there is a clear pathway for your baby to move around, away from sharp corners and uneven surfaces
• Stop using a walker when your baby takes his first independent steps
  

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