It is exciting to see babies starting to walk. This progress can happen when they reach eight months, depending on the baby’s development. Other babies begin to crawl and stand earlier or later than eight months. As parents, you can only guide your little ones and make sure he is safe as he takes every milestone. When he starts to show signs of having strong legs, you can provide them with a walker. This is one of the equipment you can provide to your baby, so he won’t fall whenever he attempts to stand and walk. But how long do babies use walkers?
Appropriate Age for Babies to Start Using Walker
When you are a parent, you probably excited to see your little ones walk. So, seeing them in a walker can be pleasing. It is also proper equipment that allows them to roam around the area and play. But how long do babies use walkers? It would depend on the situation. If your baby is ready to stand and walk without any support, he could stop using the walker.
Walkers are designed to support babies from 4 to 16 months of age. When the baby reaches 4 months old and can steadily hold his head, he can start using a walker. The baby’s feet should also be able to touch the ground for him to walk comfortably.
Things to Consider When Buying a Walker
Lightweight
Check the weight. Your baby isn’t strong enough to drag a heavy walker, so you need to make sure he can handle it. Most of the walkers are made of plastic. You need to ensure the plastic isn’t heavy.
The base of the walker
A walker should be safe for your kids to use. Thus, the base must be broad. This will prevent them from falling as they don’t need to balance anymore. Also, the broad base won’t fit most doors, so they won’t be able to get into the prohibited rooms.
Advantage of a Baby Walker
- It will inspire and encourage your baby to engage in play.
Most of the walkers are designed with toys attached. These toys are colorful and fitted for babies that allow them to engage in play, which helps in their development. It supports mental growth and stimulates their vision. It is also ideal if you need to finish your house chores. The toys on the walker will keep them busy. - It Promotes Mobility
As early as four months, your baby’s muscles and bones are fully developed and strong. By that age, you can already let him use a walker. Also, as he reaches eight months, he is already curious about everything he sees around him. The walker will promote mobility and also help him explore without any assistance. - It Encourages Him to Walk
Your baby might be scared of taking the first step. The walker allows him to experience the feeling of his feet touching the floor – encouraging him to take steps, especially if he wants to get something that is steps away from him. But how long do babies use walkers? When babies are ready to walk without assistance, he can say goodbye to walkers.
Safety Precaution
Many parents find the walker a piece of essential equipment for the baby’s development. However, others claim that it has a negative effect on the baby. It has been a hot topic of whether baby walkers are safe to use. You have to understand that babies do not know what they are doing. They don’t understand the concept of safety and danger. So, whenever you let your kids use the walker, you must set some safety guidelines, and you must know how long do babies use walkers.
Baby walkers let your baby do his thing without you assisting them. Without the walker, it will be tiring to go after them when they stumble. Or when they are crawling or walking around.
Here are a few suggestions if you are going to use a walker.
- Childproof your house.
Babies are naturally restless and curious about anything. So, when they see something interesting, they will do anything to get it. Make sure you don’t leave anything sharp or flammable materials lying around. Keep away small things that they can swallow to avoid choking. If you have stairs, make sure he won’t be able to come near to it. - Do not leave them unattended.
As parents, you must be mindful of the dangers that can happen anytime when you leave your baby alone, especially with a walker. So, if you have to leave because you need to do something, check him from time to time. Make sure the area is safe. Limit the space he can explore. You can place a barrier, so he won’t be able to go to the prohibited area, like the kitchen. - Do not place the toys on the floor.
Toys are highly attractive to babies. These are the things that entertain them most of the time. So, whenever they see one, they will reach for it, which can be dangerous. When they reach their toys on the floor while being in the walker, they might fall off and be injured. Do not let any toys on the floor unless you are there to hand the toys over. Instead, choose a walker with a unique toy design that allows them to play.
Conclusion
Most parents find baby walker helpful for their babies’ development, while others claimed it could hamper the normal milestone development. While the use of a walker has disadvantages, you must also consider its benefits. But how long do babies use walkers? Since development differs from every baby, you must know when it’s about time to give up the walker. Do not let them use it all the time. Allocate time when you can let them crawl and move on their own. Let them explore without the walker. In that way, you will be able to recognize when it’s about time to set aside the walker and let your baby walk without assistance. Find out more about baby walkers.