When We Can Place Our Children in a Baby Walker?

Childrens between 6 and 12 months old usually have a powerful urge to move across the floor. I can still remember the expression of sheer ecstasy on my first son's face as he moved across the floor in his baby walker.

We want our children to be happy. Sometimes we think if we can use a tool that can help to safe our children, like baby walkers. Sometimes short-term delight can lead to unfortunate long-term consequences. Children can't think of the future. With each new choice, consider what this teaches your son, how this will affect your son, what are the implications for your son -- over the long haul.

Since the days when my first son was an infant, we have learned that baby walkers are detrimental to normal development. Many parents think that baby walkers will help children learn to walk. As it turns out, baby walkers interfere with learning to walk. In addition to decreasing the desire to walk by providing an easier alternative, baby walkers strengthen the wrong muscles. The lower legs are strengthened, but the upper legs and hips become relatively weak. The upper legs and hips are most important for walking.

Moreover, children in baby walkers have more accidents than their counterparts. Walkers often tip over when a child bumps into a small toy or the edge of a rug. Along with The American Academy of Pediatrics, I strongly urge parents not to use baby walkers.

For children who want to be upright, an exersaucer can be a nice alternative. These look like baby walkers, but without the wheels. Your son might like a sturdy push-car or wagon. These might look like lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, cars, fire engines, trucks or wagons. With practice, you can learn to choose toys that delight your son while helping him learn what he needs -- instead of short circuiting the process by providing easy, numbing entertainment. That baby walkers is give us advantages and disadvantages.