Baby walkers don’t only get babies walking. They keep them entertained and double up as a chair and table. Baby walkers can also be handy for keeping your little one from crawling out the door by themselves.
A baby walker can be a fantastic tool in your baby’s early years. When buying a baby walker you want to make sure it is safe and durable. In this guide, we outline everything you need to consider when buying a walker for your baby.
Types of Baby Walkers
There are 2 main types of baby walkers.
Traditional Baby Walker
A traditional baby walker has a center seat built into a wheeled frame. This way your baby can sit with her feet touching the ground and push herself around. At the same time, the walker has a tray table and some toys surrounding it. This means you can use the walker for your baby to walk, eat, and play.
Push Walker
A push walker does not have a seat. It is a walking frame with wheels. The walker serves as support only for the baby to use her own strength and stability to learn to walk. Push walkers also come with a variety of entertaining activities and toys built into the frame.
Things to Consider When Buying a Baby Walker
Safety
It is no surprise that safety is first on the list. Your baby is finally getting some freedom to roam, so you need to make sure he or she is safe. A traditional baby walker should have a seat belt. It is also best to get a walker with an automatic gripping mechanism to avoid riding over steps.
Choose a walker with wheel locks. If you need to look away for a moment and don’t want your child straddling away, this is essential. Wheel locks allow the walker to be used as a stable seat. Some walkers come with an adjustable table which makes them ideal for feeding and playing.
There should be a clearly displayed safety warning sticker or label on the walker. If it does not have this, look for a walker that does. Compromising the safety of your child for a substandard baby walker is not worth it.
Choose a Broad Base Baby Walker
A walker with a broad base prevents tipping, tripping, and falling. It provides a stable base of support, especially since your baby is still learning to walk. If the walker is very wide, it can prevent your baby from being able to walk through doorways. This allows them to move around freely but still be confined within the safety of a certain area as long as they’re in the walker.
Weight and Mobility
A baby walker that is too heavy will not be very mobile nor much fun for your baby to spend time in. You also want to check for smooth mobility. Check that the wheels move smoothly. The wheel of the baby walker should be at least 50 mm in diameter. Friction can cause accidents and prevent mobility. Give the walker a push around before buying it. If it requires some force to move, choose another option.
Check for Non-toxic Materials
Paint, plastic, and other materials used in the manufacture of baby walkers come in toxic and non-toxic variations. Check the packaging or manufacturer's label for this information. There is no doubt that your inquisitive baby will be tasting objects and toys on the walker, and even the walker itself. Keep it safe and toxin-free.
Design and Size
You want to ensure that the baby walker is the right fit for your baby. Look for a walker that supports your baby’s weight and that fits snuggly. Make sure that on sitting, your baby’s feet make contact with the floor completely.
If you travel often you will want to consider a design that allows you to fold the walker, making it easy to transport. Collapse the walker before purchasing it to make sure that all the folding mechanisms work well. Also unfold it again into the correct position.
Check the Finishes
Before your baby gets into the walker, check for sharp pieces, rough edges, and loose components. Make sure there are no gaps where tiny fingers can get caught. Your skin is tougher than your baby’s. Make sure it is safe and comfortable without any potentially harmful obtrusions.
Baby Walker FAQ
Q: What age should my baby be to use a traditional baby walker?
A: Walkers are designed for babies within the age range of 4 and 10 months.
Q: Are push walkers a good option for babies?
A: Push walkers are only suitable for slightly older babies at least 9 to 12 months old. Push walkers offer support for babies who are not ready to stand or walk completely on their own. Holding onto a push walker will help build strength and balance. Make sure to keep a close eye that your baby only uses the walker around flat surfaces without any steps.
Q: Can you use a baby walker on carpet?
A: Yes, baby walkers can be used on carpets, wooden-, and tiled floors. Moving from one surface to another can slow down or speed up their mobility. Always keep a watch over your baby even while they are in the walker.
Q: Where should a baby's feet be in a traditional baby walker?
A: Both feet need to touch the ground flat on the floor. Do not allow your baby to use the walker for mobility if only their toes can touch the floor. Wait until they grow a little more.