Parents are so excited about having a baby. But, in many cases, parents want to make some things and they cannot because their babies are dependent on them. Most parents go in the store and buy things that can help their babies to be safe, but at the same time, they will have time to perform daily tasks. Baby walkers are some of the best things which parents can buy in these situations. One of the benefits of a baby walker is that it occupies kids which are allowing parents and caregivers to work on different things.
But, before you go to the store and decide to buy a baby walker, you need to understand the pros and cons of this item. You are surely concerned about your child, so it is better to understand what you should expect from baby walkers. Many pediatricians discourage the usage of baby walkers, but they are still commonly used. They seem to offer some health benefits. But, they can be dangerous, especially when a child is left in one unsupervised. They can cause serious developmental side effects.
Parents should be considered about the future consequences of the objects a baby uses to ensure that he or she develops properly. It has been shown that baby walkers send roughly 2000 babies to the emergency room every year [1]. Historically, baby walkers have been used to improve the motor skills of infants associated with walking. Nowadays, they are still found in many daycares and homes. Some studies say that claims for benefits of baby walkers are not true. [2]
In some studies done in the 1990s was proven that baby walkers are actually a detriment to normal development because they obstruct the infant’s ability to see their legs move and make the connection between limb movement and spatial movement [3]. But, this is not all. They can be deadly too. Baby walkers are cause at least 30 deaths since 1970. They are inherently dangerous and they do not provide development benefits, according to pediatricians. Some pediatricians even recommend banning the production of baby walkers.
Baby walkers are used all around the world as fun equipment and many people have proven that they do not cause any harm to their babies. Usually, baby walkers are more favorable for children that are between the ages of four to 16 months and they can be extended according to the growth rate.
Pros of Baby Walkers:
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It seems that baby walkers are not so dangerous. They were invented to solve several problems. Also, some of the advantages you will get are based on the problems they solve. Some of the pros of baby walkers include:
- Children will experience a form of independence when they use baby walkers. You do not have to hover behind your child as they make every step trying to break their fall.
- Baby walkers will encourage your child to attempt walking. It is easier for you to get your child moving in a walker because they are supported by the walker.
- Baby walkers will stimulate the cognitive process of your child. This is possible because the inbuilt toys come in different shapes and colors. Your baby will spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the diverse elements are. [4]
- A baby walker will keep your baby engaged. Most baby walkers have inbuilt toys which are engaging to the toddler.
- Your baby will learn to enjoy in his own company. These joyful moments and fearless play will bring happiness in your children’s moods, which will learn him or her to be calm and composed people.
- Baby walkers will facilitate mothers to save their energy, so they can live their other leisure of life.
It has been shown that the baby walker aids in some growth aspects of your child. Also, it is a helpful and exciting tool for the development of your child.
Cons of Baby Walkers:
Baby walkers are having cons just like any other human invention. Some of the cons of baby walker include:
- A baby walker will give your baby the ability to move around easily and fast. This means that your baby will be able to reach dangerous objects which are within their reach or to go into unsafe areas.
- It is difficult for your child to identify his or her legs as part of his or her body which aids them in walking. This is happening due to the design of the baby walker. [5]
- When your baby will actually walks, he or she will experience difficulty in balance. You will notice that his or her walking is slightly defined by their stay in the walker. [5]
- There is one popular belief about the baby walker and that is to aid the child in his or her development process. In some studies are shown that babies who are using baby walkers will experience delayed walking compared to their counterparts. But, this delay is mostly a month-long, so it is not so much scary.
- Your baby can get frustrated because he or she will sit in the walker all the time.
- In many cases, baby walkers have a high price, so parents are not able to buy them for their children even if they want to do. You should always choose what you can afford.
Safety of Baby Walkers:
If you decide to use a baby walker as a parent, then several safety precautions should be taken. You should not use the baby walker when your baby can sit up or walk on his own. Your baby should use the baby walker for only short periods of time. Baby walkers allow babies to be more mobile. Babies must be supervised and kept away from such hazards as hot beverages, stairs, cleaning products, and electrical cords.
Effects:
There are some studies in which it said that babies need to spend time on the ground to learn how to walk, sit, roll and crawl. These are physical needs and due to this, baby walkers may cause delays in the child’s ability to balance, crawl and walk. Also, some doctors say that baby walkers may cause spinal developmental complications, such as an imbalance of the mucus or asymmetry of the spine.
Benefits:
In some studies are said that children between the ages of six and twelve months may desire self – transportation. A baby walker can help your baby to stay upright and it will enable her to maneuver around the room unassisted. Your child in a walker can be entertained for so many hours, which will allow you as a parent to have time to make things in your home or to take a quick shower. Also, baby walkers can help to strengthen the lower legs of your baby.
Types:
Many studies have shown that baby walkers can come in different shapes and styles [6]. The classic baby walker has a frame constructed of plastic or metal and it has a seat that suspends from the center. Wheels, which are located at the base, will provide a quick way for the baby to travel. Other styles of baby walkers, which are known as mobile activity centers, are commonly rectangular in shape and include snack trays and toy bars. But, they can also come in the shapes of familiar objects, such as cars.
Alternatives:
Some doctors are recommending the usage of an exersaucer instead of a baby walker. This device will allow your child to be in an upright position while bouncing and spinning, but it does not have wheels for mobility. It has been shown that exersaucers are safe for the child’s development. Also, push toys, such as wagons, cars, or vacuum cleaners, can help a child to strengthen the correct muscles needed to walk. Parents should choose a toy that has a bar to hold onto and that is sturdy enough to prevent tipping over. [7]
How to help your baby develop motor skills:
Doctors are recommending lots of tummy time and freedom to crawl and cruise to help your baby to work on the motor skills. You should allow your baby exploration, cruising, crawling, and tummy time in a safe environment. You should be sure that the coffee table and furniture with sharp edges are not in close proximity to cruisers (this means to hold on to the edge of furniture or walls while walking). It is very important for your children to be safe when they become mobile.
It is extremely important to prevent injuries at your home and this can be achieved with childproofing at home. Also, this is very important for the safe development of your child. Also, doctors are encouraging lots of outside time. You should plan for an outside plan on the blanket or grass. You should ask your family and friends to keep an eye on an exploring toddler for extra supervision. Doctors tell parents to remember that the age of their child at which their child will walk is mostly determined by genetics and it is not necessarily the amount of time spent in a bouncer or exerciser.
References:
[1] Belluz J. 2,000 US kids go to the emergency room every year because of baby walkers. Vox. 2018. Retrieved from www.vox.com/the-goods/2018/9/18/17861676/baby-walker-injuries-ban
[2] Badihian S, Adihian N, Yaghini O. The effect of baby walker on child development: A systematic review. Iranian Journal of Child Neurology. 2017;11(4):1–6.
[3] Brody JE. Baby walker’s may slow infants development. 1997. Retrieved from www.nytimes.com/1997/10/14/science/baby-walkers-may-slow-infants-development.html
[4] Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Foerderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung. Child development: Early walker or late walker of little consequence. Science Daily. 2013. Retrieved from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328075702.htm
[5] Barss P, Grivna M, Al-Hanaee A, et al. Baby walker injury, disability, and death in a high-income middle eastern country, as reported by siblings. Injury Epidemiology. 2016;3.
[6] Chagas PSC, Mancini MC, Tirado MGA, et al. Beliefs about the use of baby walkers. Rev Bras Fisioter. 2011;15(4):303-9.
[7] DiLillo D, Damashek A, Peterson L. Maternal use of baby walkers with young children: recent trends and possible alternatives. Injury Prevention. 2001;7:223-7.
