Baby walkers - are they bad for learning to walk?
By Amy
@artemis432 (7474)
Abernathy, Texas
August 18, 2007 8:17pm CST
Many experts say these are counter-productive tools for helping a baby learn the skill of walking. These studies find that it uses and strengthens the wrong muscles.
Yet, many a parent have used these with no problem and great success - what do you think?
2 people like this
4 responses
@kakemafarm (492)
• United States
19 Aug 07
I've used baby walkers with all three of my children with no problems. I think that what the problem may be is that some parents use the walkers too much and that can cause problems. If you use the walker for your baby, limit the use, get them to use all of thier muscles by putting them in many different positions and situations during the day.
2 people like this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
19 Aug 07
What great points. Moderation is really the key to everything isn't it? At what age were your kids walking? My son is eight and a half months and pulling himself upright - but he can't stand on his own without holding onto something but can't stand yet on his own.
@kakemafarm (492)
• United States
19 Aug 07
My kids were all walking about 10 months of age, not great walking but they were taking steps.
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
19 Aug 07
Wow, I hope my little boy is walking by next month! I think its great that it helped your daughter walk...so it sounds like your daughter is pretty independent...my son, on the other hand, thinks the umbilical cord is still attached!
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
19 Aug 07
First, I want to say that we share the same first name - unless that's the name of one of your kids. I actually didn't know they were outlawed. There are actually more reasons then what I mentioned for danger, as you probably know like tipping over and such. I do appreciate you joining in the discussion.
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
19 Aug 07
I have never had problems with them, both my bubs were in them since 4 months (not usung obviously - but when they could)...and the both started walking at 9 months with no problems at all..their legs were obviously strong enough for them to do it.
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
19 Aug 07
Thanks for another great response. Its interesting that there is so much hubbub in the medical profession. My never got into his - or hasn't yet. He'll play with the toys and go backwards but that's about it. He'd rather be mobile on the floor -- he loves pulling himself up on everything he can!
