does it affect walking?

[guhdoo]

Many friends and family have given different opinions on baby walkers and pushalong walkers.That they will or will not affect walking development, any opinions would be helpfull as a first time mum and not sure what to think! Would shops sell these items if they prevented development?

[BlooKangaWonders]

They have been found to be dangerous - babies get up to speed and can't stop without hitting things. No help at all in development.

And as for shops selling things we don't need !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As if :)

[shufflebum]

Push along walkers fine but sit in walkers I was told by paed physio encourage an unnatural gait because the baby balances on his toes and is supported by his crotch.
DS had one (and loved it!) and was a late walker with one foot that rolls outwards. Due to the walker, who knows but if there is a DC2 in the future I won't use one.

[flinginghasflung]

My DD had one, did not have one for DS. She was inquisitive and keen to move around, more than DS was. He walked at 14 months she walked at 11. Nothing to do with the walker, it was just her time. As long as you are sensible, don't leave them for hours at a time I think it's fine. My DD wasn't affected by hers but she only went in it to give her a change of scenery or me time to do something, like washing up or go for a wee! Use sensibly I see no problem. No one has the same issues with those hop and pop type things?! Just beware they are bloody quick once they get the hang of it!

[1percentawake]

My DD had difficulty learning to walk and we were advised by physio never to use a baby walker as it doesn't develop the right muscles for walking.

Push alongs are fine and ours was a godsend for us as it took DD a year of trying before she could finally walk unaided and it saved my back!

[SheWillBeLoved]

I used a walker for DD. It was a lifesaver to be honest, for when she hit that stage of wanting to follow me 24/7 but not being able to crawl/walk to me. Stick her in that whilst I was on here did the dishes, brilliant. Walk with no problems at all now and has done since 14 months.

She has a pushalong walker too, but is only keen on that now she is actually confident in walking, and she tends to just drag it about and make it play those stupid songs that I hear in my sleep!

[flinginghasflung]

I rejected the door bouncers out of hand because I was worried my dog would race through and ping DS across the room! Agree with SheWillBeLoved (can't even type it without singing it). Everthing in moderation! There is a chance your little one will hate it. Try one at baby group or a friends first before buying one.

[pozzled]

We had a push-along for DD, but she didn't really use it until she could walk a little on her own. I think it did help to develop her confidence once she could manage a few steps.

TBH I think they can be pretty dangerous for the parents though, once DD got up speed you had to watch out for your shins!

[guhdoo]

DD is 13 months and has been on the brink of walking for many months now(or so i thought)
She just would not take those first un aided steps,she whizzes around using a push along as she was never keen on the sit in walker we got her.

Today I took away her push along to give it a quick clean. I forgot to put it back out in the playroom and had left it in the kitchen to dry off. Then I looked around and she was walking around the front room, she has walked all afternoon and evening just liked she had been walking all her life. Cant help wondering if she was dependent on it and Would it have helped her if Hadnt let her use it so much.

It has been wonderfull watching her walk though and im so proud :)