Each new developmental mile-stone as a baby develops can be an exciting as well as confusing time for parents. Many parents and relatives eagerly await a baby’s “first steps.” Many parents wish to speed up this developmental process of baby learning to put one foot in front of the other and turn to the commercial item of baby walkers to do so, often times, with many questions about the product. Here is some more information about baby walkers.
What are baby walkers? Baby walkers are commonly rounded devices with a seating area in the middle and wheels on the bottom, designed to allow children to be mobile. Many baby walkers include a tray that circles the seating area and may contain built-in toys for the child’s entertainment.
Are baby walkers safe? When used as directed, most baby walkers are generally safe. However, a child’s increased mobility often does present other safety concerns. It is important to take these other safety concerns into consideration and to take suitable measures to minimize safety hazards. Responsible parental supervision is important to maintaining a child’s safety.
Will baby walkers help my child to learn to walk faster? Generally, no, a baby walker will not help a child to learn to walk faster, and may in fact teach a child to walk in an unnatural fashion. Reason being, a child in a baby walker must use a different motion to move about in a walker than he or she would if walking unaided by the device. Children who are placed in baby walkers more frequently may develop a walking pattern which appears more imbalanced and may include walking on the toes or balls of the feet.
Are baby walkers needed for a child to learn to walk? No, children often do not require any special devices to learn to walk. Learning to walk is a natural mile-stone in most children’s developmental processes. After learning to crawl, a child will often naturally begin pulling himself or herself up, learning to balance, and then walk naturally.
Are baby walkers worth purchasing? Although a baby walker is not necessary for a child to learn how to walk, many parents feel that it is still a good investment for their child. A baby walker can provide entertainment and other benefits for children. Learning how to move the walker forward and figuring out how to play with many of the toy options which commonly accompany baby walkers may help children to develop problem-solving skills, while allowing mommies and daddies to have a moment of free arms.
Understanding the facts about baby walkers, can help parents to make informed purchasing decisions for their children. If choosing to use baby walkers, it is important to read and follow all safety guidelines which accompany the baby walker. Ensure that children meet the age, weight, and developmental markers which indicate a child is mature enough to use the baby walker.
A baby’s first steps are often exciting times, but once baby learns to walk, he or she will want to keep doing it, which means busy baby and more challenges ahead. Enjoy each developmental stage as it comes.