Baby Walker

Question: Do you use a baby walker?

(Posted by: jacks mom on 2009-09-03 11:42:57)

I got one from a friend and my 8 month old loves it, but i hear they are not used a lot anymore and are unsafe...?

Posted by: Southern Belle on 2009-09-03, 11:48:31

They are used tons....my daughter really didn 't like her 's to much because she like to be free to go where ever she wants...I have read some where that they really don 't like people using them anymore because it can mess up the baby 's hip, but that is bull crap...when I was growing up (I am 30) just about every baby stayed in a walker, and look at us..we are fine and walk fine...Just up to the child and you.

Posted by: Trip's Mommy on 2009-09-03, 11:49:28

I was given one by a friend and my 7 month old loves it. They are only unsafe if the parents put the baby by a pool, put the baby by the steps or anywhere else the baby can roll off of and fall. I would be very careful to have the baby in the walker while you are cooking. I never allow the baby in the walker while I am cooking in case he rolls by the oven or stove. They don 't make them anymore either.

Posted by: ♥Mami 2 Hayzea & Cruz♥ on 2009-09-03, 11:49:41

I didnt use one not because they are unsafe but because i always thought it would make them independent on using them and make them take longer to learn to walk, plus my PED told me they were unsafe, but i didnt use them and my son was walking fine at 11 months

Posted by: She is my Sunshine on 2009-09-03, 11:50:46

We use one for Belle, she is just now cruising and I think it helps her get around. She loves using it too. If we are going to clean the floors or need a minute to do something. (Still supervised) We put her in it and she runs all over the house. I think they were considered unsafe because some babies would fall over from getting caught up on carpet or falling down the stairs. As long as you take precautions I think they are fine.

Posted by: webjnke1 on 2009-09-03, 11:51:00

They used to be unsafe. but they make them better anymore. They used to tip over and stuff.

Posted by: LatinMama on 2009-09-03, 11:53:36

My son has been in a walker since he was 6 months old-I 've never had any issues. I always keep a close eye on him while he 's in it. Unfortunately they can be dangerous-you have to make sure the seat itself locks into place etc. I 've noticed that most places don 't sell walkers much anymore. Now it 's bouncers. Anything can be unsafe if not used properly. Now at 9 months, he barely uses it. He mainly walks with support.

Posted by: JustMe on 2009-09-03, 11:55:26

As long as there are no stairs around, no objects your child can bump into and knock over or unsafe things your child can reach that she/ her would otherwise not be able to reach they are "safe ". The problem comes when your child is crawling/ walking. Using a walker causes the muscles in the lower leg to strengthen but leave the upper leg and hip muscles to fend for themselves. These are the muscles your child needs to develop in order to walk. Using a walker delays walking. They do not allow the correct muscles to develop and your child will not have the natural desire to walk because they can already get around too easily. It is best to stay away from them.

Posted by: My baby is 15 months old today!! on 2009-09-03, 11:56:33

Yes i used one with my daughter and she loved it...She is now 15 months and was alking fine on her own before she was a year old...ped said it was fine as long as i was watching her and she was NOT going to be around water, stairs or anything else where she could harm herself. Just be smart with it and use common sense... And yes they do make them...I bought one when she was 7 months old at babies r us!

Posted by: Pippin on 2009-09-03, 11:59:29

Never used one. They ARE unsafe, and completely unnecessary. They dont ' help baby learn to walk, may actually delay walking, many babies are injured from tipping over, falling downstairs and reaching harmful things that would otherwise be out of reach while sitting in their walkers. (Yes, many babies use them and survive, but why take the risk?)

Posted by: ♪♫Noah's Mommy♫♪ on 2009-09-03, 12:09:40

They are unsafe only if they are near stairs or there is anything around they can get their hands on and pull something down on top of their head or touch something hot...etc. Just use your good judgement and make sure the room is baby proofed. I haven 't personally used one b/ c I heard it can hurt their hips and delay walking... not sure if it is true but I don 't want to risk it on something like that. Plus it takes up a lot of space and will likely scratch my hardwood floors.