Choosing the best baby walker

The first walkers were a four-wheeled chair. Although they did not look very attractive, they nevertheless performed excellently with their basic functions. Walkers have been in great demand over the years as they help parents teach children to walk... Modern options differ not only in functionality, but also in design and design features.

Baby walkers - when you can

If the opinions of parents regarding the benefits and harms of walkers are fundamentally different, then doctors are unanimous on this issue: a walker is a need for parents, not children. If the child does not know what a walker is and how to use it, he will still start walking when the musculoskeletal system gets stronger. The presence of a walker is of interest to toddlers as it is another great toy. Thanks to such a simple design, parents have more free time, since their child is engaged in independent knowledge of the world around him.

The body of a healthy baby, who was born full-term, is ready to be planted in a walker at 7-8 months. If the baby was born prematurely, it is better to postpone the studies, postponing them for 1-2 months. But doctors warn that at such a young age, the musculoskeletal system of children is not yet fully ready for bipedal locomotion, so the load should be minimal. The first sessions should last no more than 3 minutes several times a day. While in the walker, the entire load is distributed to the spine and pelvic bones, so prolonged sitting in this device is unacceptable.

Every day, the child's muscles become stronger, therefore, by 9-10 months, the baby can independently walk around the house for 15-20 minutes several times a day.

When putting a child on a walker, you must adhere to the following safety rules:

• close all cabinets and bedside tables;
• hide heavy and fragile objects that the baby can reach;
• control its movement;
• close access to thresholds and stairs.

Parents should remember that even in an apartment, a child can be injured, therefore, it is strictly forbidden to leave him unattended.

What are the walkers for children?

All walkers have approximately the same design: a frame, a seat for a child, and wheels that allow the child to move independently. At the moment, the following types of walkers are available:

• Classic. It is enough to put the child in a special soft seat, adjust the desired height so that the child can stand on the floor with all his feet and that's it, the baby is ready to explore the surrounding area.

• Transformers. They combine the functions of a walker and a rocking chair, and have adjustments for a comfortable seat and height. There are also variations with different panels on which toys, musical buttons are located.

• Gurneys. They are a toy on wheels, on which the child must lean and push in front of him. But this version of the walker is only suitable for children who already know how to stand.

• Jumpers. They are similar to kangaroo backpacks (have spring straps). These walkers must be secured in the doorway.

Accordingly, depending on the functionality, design and availability of toys, the price also varies. But, given the assortment, each parents can pick up interesting walkers that will appeal not only to them, but also to the baby.

How to choose a walker for your baby

Before buying a walker, you need to choose a model that meets all the necessary safety parameters. It is important to consider such factors:

• The characteristics specified in the instructions. If walkers are designed for children no more than 85 cm tall, weighing up to 12 kg, then for babies taller or heavier, they will simply be unsafe.
• The size and shape of the countertop. It should be smaller than the base. Round countertops are less stable, rectangular ones are safer.
• Wheels. There can be from 4 to 10. The ideal option is 6-8 pieces. It is advisable that they are removed, since the wheels must be washed periodically. The material from which they are made is also important. The quietest are silicone ones. The presence of a lock will allow you to block the wheels, if necessary.

• Sitting. It should be wide and deep, at the same time, have a solid back that meets the required standards. It is desirable that the material from which the seat is made is waterproof and the cover is removable.
• Height adjuster. Thanks to him, you can change the height of the walker as the baby grows. It is important to check the secure fit at each level before placing your baby in the seat.
• The functionality of the countertop. In this case, everything depends on the preferences of the child and the financial capabilities of his parents. Most often, countertops have a recess for a bottle, rattles, music buttons, etc. If the toys are removable, it is necessary to check in advance for the presence of openings in which the baby's finger may accidentally be.

When buying a walker, it is imperative to ask the seller for a quality certificate, ask about the possibility of folding the walker, the presence of a special design that allows you to transform the walker into a comfortable chair.