The lowdown on baby walkers
Baby walkers can be a really handy piece of kit, here’s what you need to know about them
Baby walkers are a common choice for little ones to move around before they can walk. We take a look at what you need to know about walkers.
Baby walkers are a great way for active babies to start exploring the world around them. Many come with toys built-in, music and lights – so they are great fun.
As handy as they are, it’s not advisable for little ones to spend more than 30 minutes at a time in them.
Myths surrounding baby walkers
Myth: It’s safe to place my baby in a walker for a few minutes.
Truth: Under your supervision at all times, your baby can enjoy time in a walker, but it does give them a greater chance to reach hazards around the home so it’s essential you monitor them all the time.
Myth: A baby walker can help my baby to learn to walk.
Truth: There is no evidence to suggest a baby walker can help your baby to walk, after all the walker is supporting them rather than them learning to support themselves on their feet.
Myth: Using a baby walker will strengthen my baby’s legs.
Truth: Baby walkers don’t necessarily encourage the right weight distribution on the hips and knees which is why only 30 minutes at a time in a walker is recommended.
If you are in doubt about using a walker for your little one, you could think about a stationary play station which lets your little one get a different view of the world around, rather than being able to move around independently.