Can Baby Walkers delay actual walking?

[Meandmyjoe]

Might sound like a silly question. Many people on mnet have reccommended a baby walker as my ds gets very frustrated at just sitting still and hates being immobile, which results in me carrying him around all day.

I never liked the idea of a walker cos I was worried they might be dangerous but as a way of saving my sanity, we decided to buy one. DS loves it and it is one of the only things that keeps him ammused for more than a few minutes.

Will this delay him walking alone in the future? Was just wondering if he won't want to walk or crawl as he doesn't feel the need to now he has a method of getting about.

Any experiences?

[Nemoandthefishes]

IME it hasnt but I am not 100% sure. I used a baby walker in moderation for all 3 of mine and ds walked at 8.5mths, dd1 at 12mths and dd2 at just before 9mths.

[nancy75]

had baby walker, used it loads and dd walked on her own at 10 months, didnt delay her at all.

[Drinkypops]

I think I need to get my dd a walker then, she is 15 months and still not walking

[Meandmyjoe]

What would you think would be an appropriate amount of time for him to be in it? At the minute, he's in it for about half an hour 3 times a day. Is this too long? I feel guilty about putting him in it as I hate feeling like I've just dumped him in it but he loves it and really hates sitting still.

[mears]

Baby walkers are not recommended due to the amount of accidents that occur with them. I used one for first child who got into places he other wise would not have had access to. Created more work for me keeping an eye on him. They are more likely to have inturned feet also because of the way they propel themselves along.

Baby walkers are not necessary to help a baby walk.

[mears]

old article but concerns remain

[snotbuster]

Have you tried a 'trolley' type push along? Think these are less dangerous but still help them stay upright.

[Meandmyjoe]

I am not suggesting it will help him walk. I was just asking if it will delay him. He has not got access to anything he wouldn't have access to if he crawled and we only use it in the dining room which has nothing dangerous for him to reach or hurt himself on. Besides, we watch him like a hawk!

[Meandmyjoe]

He's only 7.5 months old so not really ready for one of those trolleys just yet! He'll live it when he's older though.

[Meandmyjoe]

sorry, love it not live it! lol

[snotbuster]

My DS LOVED his door bouncer at about that age - often even gave me time to do the washing-up while he was in it!

[nancy75]

like i said my dd had a babywalker, and none of the thing mentioned in the article have happened to her. As long as you are sensible (dont put him next to the oven/at top of a flight of stairs)

[blueshoes]

If he likes the walker, then use it. You don't necessarily want ds to be walking so soon anyway.

[HereComeTheGirls]

My DD's physio said not to use one as they would encourage her to walk using the wrong muscles and delay her walking properly. She said door bouncers were great though!

[HereComeTheGirls]

However my DD does have hypotonia and slight motor delay. Walkers are meant to cause a slight delay in walking but i think it would not be very noticeable in a "normal" child who was going to walk at a fairly early age anyway.

[Meandmyjoe]

Mmm, i'm confused then! I'm not bothered about him walking early or anything but he is so frustrated and miserable at being a baby so makes it hard work. He would be so much happier if he did crawl or walk sooner rather than later.

On the plus side, he is adorable and the funniest little boy. He has an adult sense of humour already and laughs when people burp or trump! (typical boy!)

[HereComeTheGirls]

I must say though, the physio said "DO NOT get a baby walker, they are HORRENDOUS things" and was really against them!

[PotPourri]

Have also heard that wooden/hard flooring means babies don't crawl as early as they used to, or go straight to walking. Not directly related to this thread, but as someone mentioned going straight to walking....

[Seona1973]

both my lo's had a walker - dd walked at 11 months and ds at 10 1/2 months so it didnt hamper them. As long as they are not in them for extended periods of time (I think 20 minutes at a time is recommended) and they are supervised then they can be useful and give your lo a bit more freedom and a change of perspective from lying down all the time.

p.s. Both my lo's also crawled before walking

[PuppyMonkey]

Baby walkers are great imo. Both dds had them, dd1 walked at 12 months and dd2 looks like she's going to any minute (she's 11 months). There will always be some numpty scientific boffin or health and safety namby pamby who comes up with a reason to ban anything that we parents find useful... I just ignore them all...

[Meandmyjoe]

Thanks all for your input. DS is in his walker as I write and it's the quietist and most settled he's been all day. I can't take it off him now! I will limit him to twice a day though I think but he gets so blody whingy and grumpy on his play mat. Just sitting him in his high char annoys the heck out of him (he's a grouchy baby to say the least!) but he loves his walker so much.

Herecomethegirls, it just goes to show how confusing being a mum is. I got told that door bouncers were incredibly bad for babies hips by my doctor. So much conflicting advice, no wonder we are all clueless!