Give your baby the gift of independent exploration with the best baby walkers. Watch as they build confidence, develop motor skills, and embark on exciting journeys, all while enjoying hours of interactive play and discovery.
One of the greatest joys of a mum is the moment when their baby takes its first steps. This delight usually comes with the worry about the safety and the progress of each toddler, and we have to admit it, we could use some help, especially as first-time parents! We all have seen a friend or a sibling using a walker for their baby, and also have some doubts about buying our own.
A baby walker is a device – toy, usually colourful to inspire our toddler’s senses, which assists it to stand up and make its very first steps. Providing support, it includes wheels for easier movement and interactive panels for the entertainment or education of your baby. Usually, the age you will see on the products will be 6 months or older, but it always depends on each child and when it’s ready to stand up. The most probable age for most of them is around 9 months+, and that’s when it’s actually safer for the baby to begin its walking course!
There are two main types of walkers. The first one, which is more suggested, is the Push – Along walker. It doesn’t consist a seat, and the baby has to grab it and try to stand up on its own. After that, it can be pushed along to help your baby take these first steps. In addition, most of them include an interactive panel and several toys which can be played by your little one while it is seated on the floor or a carpet, or even when standing. This way, even if your child is not ready yet to stand up, it will be involved with playable activities while seated! The second type of baby walker is the Sit-In one. This provides a seated section for your baby, usually pretty comfortable, in a way that it can touch its cute feet on the floor to move it around. These also come with a panel with toys to attract their attention. This article’s purpose is to present to you the 11 best baby walkers you can find.
Before buying a baby walker from either type, a parent should be informed about the pros and cons of their usage. There exist researches of experts about the safety of the types of walkers mentioned above, and it is important to know when to use them, what they offer to a baby, for how long they are recommended per day and, at the bottom line if acquiring them is necessary or not.
Our Top Picks
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VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker (Frustration Free Packaging) , Orange |
$39.99 |
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Le Toy Van – Petilou Wooden Walker Toy for Toddlers and Babies | Educational Rainbow Cloud Walker |… |
$98.29 |
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Fisher-Price Baby to Toddler Learning Toy, Learn with Me Zebra Walker with Music Lights and… |
$26.99 |
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Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker, Pink |
$31.99 |
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Fisher-Price Baby & Toddler Toy Musical Lion Walker Push Along with Lights Sounds & Developmental… |
$32.94 |
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Brio Infant & Toddler 31350 – Toddler Wobbler – The Perfect Toy for Newly Mobile Toddlers for Kids… | $100.74 | Buy on Amazon |
Best Baby Walkers
A list of the best walkers should include the VTech sit to stand Walker. This multi-colored sturdy push toy has many exciting features for babies to discover! It provides a base so that the toddler will gain balance, while it offers many fun functions like light-up buttons, gears to move, animal shapes to intervene, and music with phrases! It is highly educational and motivates the baby to exercise motor skills with the motion sensor that triggers lights. The detachable activity center is a beautiful experience while seated.
On the other hand, a drawback is the lack of settings to alter the wheels’ speed; these wheels are also not removable. The music is also a little too loud, and the device does not have brakes. However, it is safe when used on a carpet with reduced speed.
Features and Pros
- Six months – 3 years
- Includes detachable activity center
- It can be flat-packed to travel or store
Cons
- Requires 3 A.A. Batteries
This high-quality, eco-friendly sturdy wagon is one of the best gifts for your toddler. It is made of rubberwood, which makes it sturdy enough and its cart is filled with a rainbow color block which aids in developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This is an Award-winning design and triggers the imagination of any child.
The question is if your baby will be interested in a game that includes a complicated puzzle with blocks. Another con is the difficulty of moving on stone surfaces. Also, you cannot control the speed, there are no brakes and let’s admit it, it is a little bit expensive.
Features and Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Educational block puzzle
Cons
- 12 months +
The Zebra Walker provides you with three main things. Playing with the toys to keep hands busy, educating with the book pages in the front, including ABCs and 123s, and starting the walking course. Your baby will encounter a colourful, bright world to simultaneously discover and learn singing phrases. It is very sturdy, and it moves well on carpets.
The lousy factor is that you cannot fold it to store it; the wheels do not lock. The handle is not adjustable, and it goes fast on hard floors.
Features and Pros
- Six months – 1 year
- Non-detachable Activity center
- 1.86 kg
Cons
- Requires 2 AA Batteries
This is a pretty unique toy design, and it deserves a place in the list of the best baby walkers. It has three functions it can be folded, locked in a standing position for the baby to play, and released in a moving part for walking. It inspires your toddler to walk as when it moves, colorful lights hit the floor in the front. The activity panel will make your little boy or girl giggle with the peek – a boo lion, koala, parrot, and many more jungle-themed play modes.
Although it has two resistance settings, it slides on wooden floors but is better to use on carpet to ensure your baby is safe. The assembly is also difficult; if you do it incorrectly, fixing it takes a lot of time. Another negative point is that it isn’t sturdy and has no brakes.
Features and Pros
- 9 – 18 months
- It can be folded
- 3 in 1 Activity Walker
Cons
- Requires 3 AA batteries
The Musical Lion Walker is another first-steps baby walker that provides two ways of playing for your six-month-old toddler. It has lights, music, rolling ears, piano keys, and a friendly lion face to make your child smile. Here you can add a handle that is easy to grasp and exercises motor skills when walking.
The usual issues apply to this one too. No brakes, not heavy enough, and not very sturdy.
Features and Pros
- 6 Months +
- Includes non-detachable activity center
Cons
- Requires 2 AA batteries
This walker is simple and traditional; this wooden trolley has an adjustable handle and brake safety. It is also similar to the Le Toy Van toy but with blocks. It is easy to assemble, and its purpose is just one, for your baby to learn how to walk in a non-dangerous way.
This walker lacks activities and interesting toys for younger babies to interact with; this walker has one function to aid your baby in learning to walk. Wooden baby walkers have no brakes, but the adjustable handle offers the slow-down needed.
Features and Pros
- Material Wood
- Break safety
- Adjustable Handle
Cons
- Not very sturdy
What are the different types of baby walkers?
Different baby walkers with designs and features are available in the market. Here are some common types and their advantages or disadvantages:
1. Traditional seated baby walker:
These are the traditional sit-in walkers with seats in the center, surrounded by a frame with wheels. The baby sits in the middle and uses their feet to move around.
Advantages:
– Provide a seat for the baby to rest and play.
– Often come with interactive toys and activities.
Disadvantages:
– Safety concerns regarding tipping or falling down stairs.
– They may hinder natural walking development, allowing only a supported seated position.
2. Sit-to-stand walker:
These walkers can be used in two stages. Initially, they function as a seated walker, and as the baby grows and gains more strength, it can convert into a push walker for assisted standing and walking.
Advantages:
– Allow for a gradual transition from sitting to standing and walking.
– Provide support for early walking attempts.
– Usually equipped with interactive features.
Disadvantages:
– Still carry the risk of accidents if not used under proper supervision.
– May still discourage crawling or other important motor skills development.
3. Push walkers:
These walkers don’t have a seat but have a handle for the baby to hold onto while pushing the walker along the floor. They provide support for babies who are learning to stand and take steps.
Advantages:
– Encourage independent walking and balance.
– Can be used in open spaces and promote physical activity.
– Safer than seated walkers as they don’t carry the risk of tipping.
Disadvantages:
– Require the baby to have sufficient strength and stability to hold the handle and push the walker.
– Still need supervision to ensure the baby doesn’t fall or encounter hazards.
It’s important to note that supervision is crucial to ensure the baby’s safety regardless of the type of walker. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with a pediatrician to determine if a specific type of walker is suitable for your baby’s developmental stage and individual needs.
Are baby walkers safe?
The safety of baby walkers has been a concern among experts, and there are arguments for and against their use. Let’s explore the pros and cons to provide a balanced view:
Pros of baby walkers:
1. Entertainment and engagement: Baby walkers often come with toys, lights, and interactive features to entertain and engage babies. They may provide a source of amusement and stimulation, which can benefit their cognitive and sensory development.
2. Mobility and exercise: Walkers allow babies to move around with support and independence before they can walk independently. This mobility can allow them to explore and exercise their leg muscles.
Cons of baby walkers:
1. Safety hazards: One of the primary concerns with baby walkers is the risk of accidents and injuries. Walkers can enable babies to move faster, increasing the likelihood of falls, collisions, or reaching hazardous objects. They can also pose a risk of tipping, especially on uneven surfaces or near stairs.
2. Developmental concerns: Evidence shows that using baby walkers excessively or for prolonged periods can delay certain developmental milestones. Babies may rely on the walker for support instead of engaging in other essential motor skills development activities like crawling or learning to stand and walk independently.
3. Parental supervision: Even with a walker, babies require constant supervision to ensure their safety. It can be challenging for parents or caregivers to monitor the baby’s movements while in a walker closely.
Benefits of Push-Along Baby Walkers
There are many opinions about whether baby walkers are an effective tool in aiding your child to walk. This review will analyze why you should buy your toddler a Push – Along walker and what it can offer you and them. It is vital to know that your baby should be occupied with it for 20 minutes at a time, according to the NHS health advice, and always under supervision.
First, a baby walker is a creative way to encourage your baby to walk. The time to start walking for each toddler is different. A device like this may stimulate and push your baby to stand up and make its first steps. Also, it is a support for them to pull themselves up and helps them to develop balance. Of course, standing up can be aided with the support of a couch or a chair, but they don’t include the entertainment a baby walker offers, and like that, we arrive at the second point.
Apart from walking, a walker usually includes a toy section which can be quite fun. Even if your baby is six months old and is ready to take the first steps, a baby walker can inspire it to crawl and sit to play with the activity panel. Most of these walking devices include educational toys, which improve your child’s cognitive function and are very stimulating for its senses. Lights, sounds, colors, rolling toys, and mirrors introduce a whole world of activities and provoke enthusiasm in your little one!
Baby walkers contribute to developing a baby’s mental and motor skills. When they start walking, with the needed support, they can see their body and legs standing up and gradually learn to use them correctly. Moreover, a walker is a device your baby can use for a long time because it serves as a game, like a moving cart. It keeps children mobile and eventually helps with motor skills not just by walking but also by playing!
Disadvantages of Push-Along Baby Walkers
Using a baby walker has a second side of a coin for a mum to consider. According to the NHS experts, using a baby walker might harm a child, and we should encourage them to start standing up on their own, with help just from us or other furniture, until they are ready to take their first steps. There is a grey line about Push – Along walkers, but they also have some drawbacks.
The number one reason why a walker for a baby might not be recommended is the safety issue. There lies a danger of an accident when they produce speed above average. An infant, led by its enthusiasm for being able to walk, might start moving quickly with the support of a baby walker. This is why they must always be supervised while using one. A mother knows that an accident can happen in a second when they are not watching over their child.
In addition to that, a toddler might grow dependent on a walker device. This might slow down the process of learning to walk on their own. A solution is to take the advice of the NHS and use walkers for babies for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Also, it is important to encourage it to start walking without any support gradually.
Lastly, when your baby begins to stand up and walk, being on a higher level allows them access to objects they didn’t have before. These objects may be their toys, but they can also be harmful. For example, they may reach your kitchen equipment, tools, or even breakable things. I suppose you can imagine the dangers of this possibility, and here is another reason for constant supervision.
In my opinion, a mum’s view of a baby walker shouldn’t be a way to entertain their baby and provide some free time for her. While it is used for moving around, it should be considered an educational toy that will help your child take its first steps, but always with you around and watching over it.
Sit-Down Baby Walkers
Sit-Down walkers are a chapter on their own because if you are considering buying one, you should know how to use it properly. Though they might be an entertaining activity for your baby, many experts are wary of these walkers’ dangers!
In April 2007, Canada banned Baby walkers due to several accidents and the lack of supervision babies had when using these devices. They had some good reasons to do so. Starting with the NHS, note that using walkers hurts babies since they touch just the tiptoes of their feet on the ground while sitting on them. This way, your child’s development of walking is delayed.
The NHS from Shetland published a leaflet including the dangers of using Sit-Down walkers and offered advice to parents not to buy one. It is stated that there were 4000 accidents in infants because of baby walkers in one year. Also, it notes the drawbacks of using them, such as the access of babies to harmful items, the lack of learning balancing skills while seated, the interference in brain and muscle development, and the actual delay of the walking activity. Finally, it points out the use of walkers which roll around has an impact on the walking mechanism of the child and the hip muscles.
If you decide to buy one, you can use some advice from the reports on the website of AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Apart from the dangers and the percentage of accidents, they propose which actions must be taken to prevent these issues. These plans include creating a place with barriers where the baby can move, a walker design to prevent falling, and your supervision over the toddler! MD Claire McCarthy, a Boston Children’s Hospital pediatrician and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, recommends not using these walkers. Stating all the dangers, she is proposing to let the baby evolve its activity gradually on its own and with a parent’s help.
Nevertheless, there is a way to use Sit-Down walkers, following the advice of the experts and providing the attention and care needed for your little ones. Just following the right steps is quite simple: Just a little time on the walker, an area with barriers, and your constant supervision. Whether to use one or not is your choice, so this article includes 2 of the best Sit-Down walkers for you to buy.
How to find the perfect walker for your baby?
If you acquire a first steps Baby walker, consider some important features. There is a huge variety from which you can choose, but the result of your search must fulfill some specific qualifications so that you will be satisfied with the best outcome.
Safety
The most important thought when buying the best baby walking device is safety, which has many sides. The walker must have brakes and slow-down options for its wheels to control the speed of your toddler’s steps and ensure it is protected. Also, the parts and the toys must have the right texture and not include anything your baby might swallow or something pointy that might hurt your child. Remember that the walker’s speed can be minimized on carpets, and the movement is smooth.
Weight
The weight of the walker must be analogical to your baby’s weight. If it is a lot heavier than the child, the child will find it challenging to move around. On the other hand, if it is very light, the result is the reduction of sturdiness and, accordingly, the balance and support of the toddler.
Material
You should know that wood is better quality and steady than plastic. However, if you make the right choice, plastic can be good quality and not easily breakable. Wooden walkers usually provide smoother walking on all types of floors but also are more expensive and with fewer activities than plastic ones. A solution would be to buy a plastic but sturdy walker and use it on a carpet. There are also choices of non-toxic and recyclable materials.
Activities
Let’s face it. The section which will keep your baby entertained will be the activity center. Find a baby walker with many toys, activities to inspire your toddler’s senses, and educational options. Remember that you want your loving baby to have fun and always want to see it giggle.
Price
Don’t get me wrong; I know that every parent doesn’t have the means to buy their child the most lavish baby walker. The reason for this is to be able to compare the price to what every product offers. Stay away from overpriced objects that will be used for a short time, and try to find a 2 in 1 walker that will serve more than one purpose.
Final Say
In conclusion, choosing and buying your baby’s best baby walker can be challenging. When it comes to baby products, there are many factors you need to consider, such as the space and the type of floor you have in your home. If you notice the websites which sell walkers, they state an approximate age for the child to use. The truth is that each individual is different, and some walk from when they are six months old, while others do it in a year. I advise always using the toy on the carpet to be on soft ground, even if the child falls. Also, adult supervision is an absolute much when it comes to the use of any walker!
Our Editor’s pick is the Nuheby Baby Walker from this list of the best baby walkers. It might cost nearly £55, but your baby will use it and enjoy it for many years. It can be used as a standing, educational, and fascinating toy besides the walking activity. It is heavy enough for the baby to lean on and grab without it toppling on them, and as it grows, you can always put an extra weight inside to achieve the right balance. Remember, the top priority is to keep your little ones safe and always make them giggle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baby walkers OK for babies?
Baby walkers have been a topic of debate among experts. In many countries, their sale and importation are banned due to safety concerns. Baby walkers can potentially be dangerous for babies as they may increase the risk of accidents and injuries, such as falling down stairs or reaching hazardous objects. It’s recommended to provide instead alternative options for your baby’s mobility and development, such as supervised tummy time, crawling, and walking aids like plush toys.
What is the maximum age for a baby walker?
It is usually around 6 to 8 months when they can sit upright and have some control over their body movements. But again, it’s important to note that many experts advise against using baby walkers altogether due to safety concerns.
Can I put my 3-month-old in a bouncer?
It is generally safe to put a 3-month-old baby in a bouncer if you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use it properly. However, you must always supervise your baby while they are in the bouncer. Additionally, it’s important to consider the developmental stage of your baby. Babies still develop head and neck control at three months, so the bouncer provides adequate muscle support. Always prioritize your baby’s safety and well-being, and consult with your pediatrician if you have any specific concerns or questions.
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
