A baby walker was once considered a "must have" baby necessity. Today, though still utilized, there is much controversy about their safety. In the past it was thought that a baby walker--also known as a toddler walker--was a great way to exercise a baby and help their leg muscles to develop enough to get them to start walking. However, the truth is, a walker will not get your baby and toddler walking any faster.
Baby walkers of the past were table-like contraptions that had a built-in seat for the baby and legs that extended to a base foundation that incorporated wheels to help assist the baby with mobility. There were very little regulations and standards placed on the walkers of the past, and because of this, many children were placed in potentially dangerous situations that could and did result in injuries and even deaths. Today, baby walkers are regulated by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA), yet the American Academy of Pediatrics still places a heightened precaution against the use of traditional walkers.
What to Look for
First and foremost, you will want to stay away from hand-me-down walkers from your own baby days. These older models are not constructed to meet the guidelines and standards of newer and modern models. Make sure the toddler walker you choose has been certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA), and that it has not been placed on any recall lists.
Newer model baby walkers are constructed with a wider base so that it cannot fit through the standard doorway in most homes. However, before making a purchase you may want to go shopping with a note of the specific width of the doorways in your home. Also, look for a toddler walker that has a protective gripping mechanism that will work as a buffer to stop the walker at the edge of a step. Make sure the walker is sturdy enough for the specific weight of your baby or toddler, and made to balance and not easily topple over. Remember, most walkers are designed to be used by a baby or toddler between the ages of 4 months to 16 months.
Common Pitfalls
Even though the newer model walkers have standards and guidelines, they cannot totally eliminate the common injury accidents that can come from using them, and because of this it may be safer to use the more popular stationary activity centers as opposed to the mobile baby or toddler walker. When using a toddler walker, it is important to childproof the home with safety gates and other such safety features, because toddlers are curious and in a walker they will be mobile curious.
