Are Baby Walkers Safe?
Ever wonder whether or not baby walkers are safe?
Some think using a baby walker for your child is a bad idea. Is a baby walker a no-go?
Some say they’re bad because of delayed mobility issues and irregular gait patterns.
Below we look at why some think baby walkers are not good for babies.
Do doctors recommend them? See where baby walkers are banned. Which way do you lean when it comes to them?
What Age Should Babies Go Into Baby Walkers?
Parents who get a baby walker decide how much time they stay in them. To see their babies being the center of attention, rolling around with new speed and mobility is exciting.
As far as safety is concerned, infant walker related injuries are going down consistently. From the 21,000 injuries in 1990, annual cases have decreased 23% since the mandatory standards and testing requirements went into effect by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
If you’re going to use one, when should you put babies into a walker? Usually, between the ages of 4 months up to 10 months old is typical.
Babies should get used to using their legs on their own without restrictions. The average age most parents begin to put a baby in a walker is around 6-8 months. Discontinue use by 15 months old.
At 15 months babies grow out of walkers. Your baby should be walking around by this age. If they aren’t walking on their own by 15-18 months, you may want to consult your pediatrician.
RELATED: Baby Walker for Girls
Do Doctors Recommend Baby Walkers?
Doctors are not the biggest fans of baby walkers. Research shows the view of most walkers by many doctors point to possible affected posture in early childhood.
Their argument is baby walkers are not recommended for babies learning how to walk. The leg muscles need to properly develop.
If they’re getting too much assistance from a walker it can hinder the growth of the leg muscles. It may also take longer to develop independent stability, gait and balance.
A widely debated issue by some doctors is whether or not countries should ban walkers. Since some studies advise they can negatively affect baby growth.
Another argument is prolonged use can lead to irregular and abnormal gait patterns.
Baby Proof The House For Walkers
If you do use a walker, make sure babies are away from staircases and bodies of water. Remove all sharp, pointed and breakable objects from the vicinity.
It’s safe to say that when asked most doctors tend to err on the side of caution. Parents should baby proof the house and be conscious of anything lying around that may cause potential harm for toddlers.
It seems the negative, detrimental effects of walkers in the study are speaking from a prolonged use timeframe.
More time in unassisted mobility will naturally grow muscles faster than assisted mobility because the muscles are working harder.
Further research and study is needed to get better insight on long term effects.
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Are Baby Walkers Banned?
Baby walkers are not banned in the US. However baby walkers are banned in Canada.
They are the only country in the world to ban the use. In 2004 the country banned these devices and now any owners of infant walkers may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced up to 6 months in jail.
Six months in jail for having a baby walker seems ridiculous. The choice should be up to the parents.
There’s a safe way to use a baby walker for our kiddos and baby walker companies are now mandated to a higher standard of quality.
Being that the testing requirements for baby walkers are now mandated for baby walker manufacturers in the industry, many walkers are currently purchased all across the world.
The only question is which one has the best benefits for you?
Are Baby Walkers Helpful?
If they are used correctly, yes. Educate yourself first and make your own decisions.
Don’t overuse to the point of develop posture issues or weakened legs. There are some benefits of using walkers.
How baby walkers are actually helpful:
Monitored Play Area for Parent Supervision
Explore Surroundings & Increasing Curiosity
Learned Speed, Balance and Mobility
Motor Skills Development of Walking
Learned Music and Colors with Baby Walker (Extras)
Some can have built in audio that assists with learning language or colors. Some have features like different adjustable heights.
Or ones that fold for better storage. Removable and washable seats are a plus too.
If used wisely, walkers can be an exciting time to explore for your little ones.
Best Baby Walkers
If you decide that you want to try the best baby walker, go for it. Use limited time in the walker though.
Practice other baby walking activities outside the walker. To strengthen those little legs, hips and feet.
Look for baby walker with wheels on the base and a nice and sturdy frame. The legs should dangle with the feet touching the floor when properly utilized.
So to summarize, are baby walkers safe? The standards today are higher than they were back in the 90’s.
And standards keep getting better over time. Further research and education is necessary to stay ahead of the game to increase benefits and decrease dangers of using walkers.
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