Last Updated On November 20th, 2018
There is nothing more joyous than seeing your baby’s first steps to walking. It is one of the most memorable moments in your life as a parent. Now that your child is new to walking, buying a baby walker is often recommended as a good idea. You can decide to purchase one in store or online, it depends on your preference and schedule.
When it comes to baby walkers, there are quite a few concerns in regards to safety. Besides, a lot of parents think that walkers help their child learn how to walk faster. However some studies have shown that in fact the walkers may cause a delay rather than enhance the walking process.
According to recent research, most babies get up and start walking when they hit their seventh month. A well-designed baby walker can help your child explore this stage in his development and give him the confidence to take his first steps by himself, without assistance. With so many options to choose from, how do you select the right baby walker online or in the shopping malls?
Things to Consider When Looking for a Baby Walker
If you are thinking about getting a baby walker, here are some safety tips and factors you should follow and take into consideration;
- Robust Design: be sure to choose a walker that is durable. After all, your child will be using it daily until he can indeed walk on his own two feet. Check what materials the walker is made of.
- Good Seats: You also want a walker with cushioned seats so that your baby can sit comfortably whenever he feels tired.
- Safety Features: be sure that the walker has a handlebar that lets you control where your baby goes. Good walkers also come with 360-degree wheels that rotate in any direction, plus a robust braking system for safety. In fact, some of the best walkers available have two stopper brakes to prevent your active little one from moving too fast and getting hurt. The best baby walkers are also safety certified, so you can be sure that they pass stringent tests.
- Toys: babies need constant stimulation and engagement, so it’s a good idea to buy a walker with a removable toy tray. Having toys to play with will make the process of learning how to walk more enjoyable for your child.
- Portability: if you intend to let your baby walk outside, perhaps out in the garden or even in a public park, then you need walkers that are fold-able for easy portability.
- Flexibility: choose a walker with height adjustability features so that it can be custom-fit to your baby’s height.
- Cost comparison: make cost comparison from a variety of marketing platforms and shops. This will help you buy the right baby walker according to your financial budgeting. If doing online shopping, consider discounts and free deliveries.
Myths and Misconceptions about Baby Walkers When it comes to Parenting Tips
A major concern when it comes to baby walkers is whether they cause bow legs. The most common myth is that they are capable of causing bow legs to your child. Therefore, most parents feel unease to shop for walkers for their babies. To clear this cloud of fear from most parents, baby walkers do not cause bow legs. The myth is perpetuated by the traditional notion that anything that seems bouncing will lead to a bow legged child. According to American Academy of Pediatrics, bow legs are caused by the in-utero position, and they straighten and strengthen when the baby starts to stand and walk. Therefore, baby walkers help your baby to learn how to walk.
Conclusion
Babies need some little time to get used to using their walkers. Be sure to put your child in slowly and ensure his comfort. The walker should be at the right height, that is, it needs to be low enough so that your child can push against the floor properly. Both his feet should come into full contact with the floor, not just his toes.