Looking back at the long lists of equipment and toys a baby needs, an infant walker is one of them. But is it the best one for your little bundle of joy? Let’s look closely at this blog on the pros and cons of using an infant walker and decide based on what is best for your baby.
What is an Infant Walker?
An Infant Walker is a device that helps a pre-walking baby move from one place to another. These walkers usually have a frame with a seat with leg holes. The baby can sit in it and scoot nearby. Wheeled walkers are quite common; they provide mobility, and thus, the babies can feel a sense of freedom and independence.
Pros of Using an Infant Walker
1. Promotes Mobility
One of the best advantages of a baby walker is that it allows babies to move independently. Your baby will harness the ability to move about and explore the world around them with a baby walker on wheels, which can be very exciting and enjoyable.
2. Keeps Babies Engaged
Many baby walkers made nowadays are designed as activity centers. Most infant activity walkers have attached toys, buttons, and music to amuse your baby. This will keep your baby occupied and entertained while you do other things.
3. Builds Leg Strength
When a baby uses a push walker for infants, they strengthen their leg muscles. When they push themselves around by the baby walker, they use their leg muscles, which can prepare them for walking independently.
4. Convenient for Parents
The best infant walker can be a lifesaver for parents. It keeps the baby engaged and provides hands-free time to parents. Whether you are cooking cleaning, or perhaps just catching a quick break, an infant walker can deliver a much-needed reprieve.
Cons of Using an Infant Walker
1. Safety Concerns
One of the most important things that worries parents is safety. True, walkers let the babies move around really fast, and this increases the rate of accidents. Hazardous articles that the baby can reach easily and fall down the stairs are all possible scenarios in this case. Even with a wheeled baby walker, a parent must be attentive and watch the movements of his baby at all times.
2. Delay in Walking
Some experts believe that the use of an infant walker may delay walking. Since the walker supports the baby’s weight, they might not develop the necessary balance and coordination to walk by themselves. This could slow down the natural process of walking.
3. Limited Use for Indoor
While infant walkers are great for indoor use, they are not so great for outdoor walking. Any outdoor infant walker will require strong, stable wheels to cruise through different surfaces—most of which an infant walker does not have. This therefore creates limits to where you can use the walker, hence your bay will mostly be indoors.
4. Can Affect Posture
An infant walker seat might not be all that supportive to your baby’s developing spine. The poor posture adopted while walking on these devices may be very harmful in the long term. It is, therefore, very key to check that the walker you have has a seat that is supportive and comfortable.
Alternatives to Infant Walkers
Below are alternatives that can be used if the cons of using an infant walker outweigh the pros.
1. Infant Jumper Walker
An infant jumper walker combines the elements of a walker and a jumper. It will enable your baby to jump up and down while also moving around. This would prove to be a great means of leg strengthening without the associated risks of a traditional walker.
2. Toys for Learning to Walk
Walk-behind toys are considered push toys and help a baby to balance and coordinate. They don’t support the weight of the baby like a walker does, but in return, they have a much different way that they can attempt to walk.
3. Stationary Activity Centers
Activity centers that don’t get your baby wandering off into your sock drawer. There are all sorts of toys and activities, but the whole center doesn’t move. It’s not a walker, so it’s safe to have your baby station in one place if you are going to do work.
Conclusion:
Does Your Baby Need an Infant Walker?
The use of an infant walker very much depends on your baby’s needs and also depends on your comfort level for potential associated hazards. While the benefits of mobility and entertainment are numerous, infant walkers and push walkers with wheels come with their fair share of safety hazards. Should you decide to use one, always try to ensure infant walker safety by closely supervising the baby and choosing one that meets safety standards.
If you’re not sure, maybe some of the alternatives include the use of infant jumper walkers, infant walking toys, or stationary activity centers, which offer similar benefits without some of the risks associated with infant walkers. Ultimately, the best infant walker or alternative fits your baby’s needs and helps them grow safely and happily.
