Many parents believe that walkers motivate children to walk. They consider it to be helpful for their children. On the contrary, walkers are not recommended and have been recalled in many cases. Walkers have been proven to delay walking in children, compared with the kids who haven’t used walkers. A study also proved that children who used walkers crawled and sat late too. Seated walkers are also known for causing injuries.
Take a look at the pros and cons of using baby walkers, and the safety measures while using them.
Pros of using baby walkers:
- It keeps the baby engaged, and improves visual stimulation. Parents can carry on with their chores, as the kid would be engaged in the toys and music of the walker
- Children love to move around when they are 8 to 12 months old. Walkers let them explore a lot.
- The baby gets to know the pose required for walking, and the walker encourages the baby to walk.
Cons of using walkers for babies:
- Reaching milestones of crawling, sitting, and standing is delayed in babies who use a walker.
- The baby needs to spend time on the floor. He needs to crawl and sit before standing. This is a much-needed exercise for the muscles to help them stand and walk. When using a walker, this is ruled out.
- Babies can reach objects easily when on a walker, which is not possible for a child who crawls.
- Injury to toes and fingers is on the cards due to the design of walkers
- When the walker picks up speed, it can cause accidents. Especially when the child is around the stairs, serious injuries can occur due to accidents.
Safety measures while using baby walkers:
With an increased workload and chores at home with a baby, parents tend to find baby gears a life savior. Walkers have enabled parents to focus on chores while keeping the baby busy.
However, it is essential to ensure the baby is safe when on a walker, hence, follow these steps –
- Do not let your child go near stairs or pools when on a walker. Alternatively, never use a walker around these places. This can cut down the risk of an accident.
- Choose a plain, even, and flat surface for your child when on a walker. Ideally, an indoor living room and bedroom are the places where using a walker is a good idea. The flooring where the child moves around on the walker should be smooth. Also, it should not be slippery. This can speed up the walker and lead to accidents.
- Never let your child alone on a walker. Adult supervision is mandatory when the child uses a walker.
- Objects that can come in the way of maneuvering, heavy and sharp objects should be removed. Look for pinch points and checks the corners.
- Check for labels and instructions when buying walkers.
- Do not go for collapsible designs. Look for the chances of getting hurt due to the designs and patterns in the walker.
- Do not choose walkers that are too flimsy or thin.
- Check the access. Find where your child can reach when put on a walker.
- Do not let your child spend longer hours in the walkers. Limit the usage, and use only when necessary.
- It is a wise move to keep off from using walkers outdoors. You cannot be assured of the control you have on the gear or the child.
Remember: Use walkers when you are engaged in chores, or when you need a short break. But it is essential to have an eye on the kid. Also, if your child has delayed walking, and uses a walker only, contact your physician.
