Comments on: No to baby walkers

By: Veronica

Veronica — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:33:30 +0000

I completely agree that it is safe to use a walker. I think folks just have to use common sense. I agree with the response that a crawling baby is just likely to get hurt or, in fact, even more so than a baby mobilizing in a walker. I think using anything in moderation (no more than 30 minutes), is a good way to go. My son is 9 months. He started using the walker at 6 months and he is developing just fine. He has crawling (his own way), has been sitting up, and is now standing up as of two days ago. So, I’d say it’s going well for him.

By: Bex

Bex — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:19:52 +0000

I am a mother and a child care practitioner. My son used his walker every evening for around 10 minites a session. He adored it; it gave him the freedom to move around the living room which was always closed off from other rooms and all other safety precautions were of cause followed. He was a lazy child in relation to walking yet within two weeks of using his walker he was begining to take his first unaided steps. I think it unfair to place a general opinion on the use of walkers as EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT. It should be a choice left to the child’s parents and main care providers. My son is now 19 months old and can walk, run, jump and walk up and down the stairs.

By: Becky B

Becky B — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:02:22 +0000

My baby loved his walker, it gave him the independance to move at his own will he was craving. He started to crawl at 7 months and walkat 12 months, therefore i do not beleive his development was hindered in any way. Whilst in his walker my baby could follow me around, and/or chose for himself where he wanted to go. As for safety, i see no reason why using a walker would create more risks than those associated with a crawling baby.

By: nadine lightfoot

nadine lightfoot — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:19:28 +0000

I used a walker sinse my baby was 4 months old. He started to walk on 9 months and on 12 months he was running! I do agree with the safety aspects but you can control it. I used the walker just for a short period every day and my baby enjoyed it very much.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:41:30 +0000

I Agree I have never had a problem of my children are perfect phyiscally and intellectually so laura you made a good point do you have my space

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:38:06 +0000

I Think Baby Walkers Are Perfectly safe i have looked after children for a long time n have 2 of my own And They Are All Fine SoHa

By: j.a.

j.a. — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:55:28 +0000

i am not quite as weary about using a walker due to safety concerns beacuse i know i will always keep my baby safe, at any cost and time, however, it is the developmental delay aspect that made me feel negatively about using a walker. there are some reads available about how the developmental delays occur.

By: Mintoo Dave

Mintoo Dave — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:47:14 +0000

Walker may add convince to parents..Not to the baby. Most of the baby’s who uses walker, miss the crawling and this may hinder motor development. I personally think that before learning walking it is very important for baby to learn crawling. crawling—on hands or knees, on stomach, moving backwards and sideways for optimal motor development. My son has got injury while using walker even at the age of 15 months when he can have more control over his balance. So do not be doubtful..Avoid walker.

By: nicola

nicola — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 05:53:54 +0000

I don’t see any harm done, with using a walker. Provided the area is contained and away from cables, plugs, stoves, heaters etc any harmful products, and that you use it only at 15 minutes at a time just to give the child a relief of freedom and independance. I used it for both my kids and the times they have spent in it have given them so much joy. It also keeps them out of trouble or danger if you are bathing another child or cooking a simple meal.

I do not agree to leave a baby in it for long periods of time or if the height is not adjusted accordingly. They should just be able to touch the floor and not have it at a bandy legs height.

By: Linda Wise, RN, MS, PHN

Linda Wise, RN, MS, PHN — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:08:41 +0000

At no time is it “right” to buy a walker for a child due to the safety issues mentioned above and documented in many articles available on line. That is only one reason the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a ban on walkers since 1995.

The other reason for that recommendation is that they delay development. The references cited above support the article here. The least harmful time to introduce walkers is after your baby can pull to stand independently, using his leg and back muscles. Even then, they should be used for only 10-15 min at a time. Good luck with your advocating for your daughter!! Floor time is the best way to help her develop.

I am a public health nurse in California, and I see delayed development from babies being put in devices such as walkers, saucers, and infant carriers all the time.