Walkers; My baby just wants to walk. Should I use a baby walker?

Part two of our blogs on “Bumbos and Bouncers. Walkers and Jolly Jumpers and Capsules Oh My!”

In regards to baby walkers one of the biggest concerns with safety is the ability for infants to now be able to reach dangerous objects that they previously couldn’t, and falling down stairs or over uneven surfaces (such as the uneven connection point between two flooring types like where your carpet meets the floorboards). There are walkers that have ‘been clocked at one meter per second’ which is pretty fast. (Abbott & Bartlett p 295-306)

Another study showed that of 135 accidents associated with nursery equipment, 46 were baby walker-related (Abbott & Bartlett p 295-306). That’s 34%.

In a walker, your child may use the tips of their toes to get themselves moving along the ground. This is not the normal walking pattern and requires their calf muscles to work a lot more than normal. When they start walking on their own they are prone to walk on their tippy toes and trip over lots as this is how they’ve learnt to walk from using a walker.

When we treat kids at Osteo 4 Families, we’ve noticed that it is not unusual for children that use walkers alot to get these tight leg muscles. We use techniques to help loosen the muscles which also aims to allow good movement through the whole leg, foot and ankle. We can provide exercises and stretches for you too to help out with your little one at home.

At the end of the day it’s you as a parent’s choice. I have personally used them for two out of three of my children. One walked at nine months the other walked at sixteen months and has had gross motor development issues. If you choose to use them my advice as a health care professional is to not put your child in the apparatus for longer than 20 minutes at a time and not every day. Check their safety and for hazards around the house which they now have access to.

If you have any concerns, or your little one is struggling being on their feet, call us and we can be a part of your health team. Having kids ourselves and being in healthcare, we know there are many things to consider for each individual and look forward to helping you along your way with your family.

If you are wanting to know more, contact us at Osteo 4 Families on 0416 161 411, or book online at https://osteo4families.cliniko.com/bookings#location

Keen to read a bit more? Wondering about Jolly Jumpers? Stay tuned to part three of our blog series on “Bumbos and Bouncers. Walkers and Jolly Jumpers and Capsules Oh My!”