To say something re: baby walker at three months?

[Piggyleroux]

Not sure what to do about this one. We gave DB and SIL a baby walker (I know, but they were going to buy one and we had one that was given to us which we never use.

Mil called me yesterday today how advanced the baby was because he was in the baby walker already. He is only three mo. I know that they are not meant to be used until baby os sitting independently.

The thing is, we gave it to them so I sort of feel obliged to say something or should I mind me own beeswax?

I seriously thought baby walkers had been banned here? But I walk into mothercare the other day and they're back on the market? I remember in the 80's they used to be scary contraptions made out of wire and metal...bleurgh.

I would definitely say something subtly.

So if I don't have a rug, uneven paving stones, stairs, steps or a catapult to launch the child at 17mph in my living room, is it safe to use one?

DS2 has one. It's useful for me to sit him in it for a few minutes while I help DS1 with things....

Modern babywalkers are made very differently. They can only go forward or backwards in a straight line. Not like the old ones that whizzed all over the place.
Some babies like to be upright and are more advanced at an early age.
I was always one for playing everything by the rules. No more than 2hrs in a car seat for a new baby etc...
Untill I had DD3 who was incredibly unsettled (severe reflux), I remember ringing my HV in tears, because she'd been asleep in it for almost 3hrs and I felt guity, but I didn't want to move her as she was actually asleep and not screaming. (I was a previously rational older & experienced mother.)
HV said whatever works for your baby, as long as she's not in there all day and she's happy it's fine.
My point is, if the baby was posturally immature and unhappy in there, he's let his parents know. Let's all chill out a bit.

I think YABU to say anything. I'm not a fan of baby walkers at any age, but then I used a playpen and lots of people don't agree with those either. I can sympathise with how you feel, but from what you've said I can't see that they would listen to you anyway, especially as MIL clearly thinks it's ok.

I always wondered what was wrong with babywalkers when I saw them mentioned on here. This thread has educated me - thanks for the service

whats wrong with babywalkers are the irresponsible parents who don't use or supervise them properly.

YABVVVVVUU DS had a baby walker for each leg at 3 weeks old, fell down the stairs every day and was weaned at 2 months. It never hurt him and I am a fanastic mother for being so laid-back and non-conformist.

ChunkyPickle - my sister was told not to use one at all because her daughter had hip dysplasia. Whether they're 'bad' for babies without any problems I don't know. She was glad of an excuse to give MIL for not buying one without passing judgment on SIL's use of a babywalker :-D

DIdn;t hinder DS's walking - he walked at 9.5 months - maybe would have been dangerous if we had oiled the wheels or fitted a motor or even left it at the top of the stairs once in a while!!

And Tummy Time - seriously - DS hated being on his tummy - all babies are not alike you know!

Tummy time or the chance to build up core muscles helps with gross motor skills later on in life. Many babies don't like it because they can't see! You can get the same exercise from carrying baby upright a lot (eg a sling) though. Or letting them lie tummy down on you.

Dont feel bad Janai

I have seen all sorts. Shame I cant regal you but I have strict rules about that sort of thing.

Anyway - people would think I was a troll!

I've seen people put baby bouncer chairs on tables

My MIL bought us one when my daughter was about four or five months. i wasn't overly keen, but she absolutely loved it- we have all wooden floors downstairs and she loved whizzing about. No accidents, no bandy legs, and she walked at ten months. I really don't see the harm if it is only for short periods of time and supervised.

I don't see the problem...I doubt a 3 month old can propel itself around at speed in one.

I'm sure put my DD in a door bouncer at about 4 months and a static baby walker type thing not soon after.

She wouldn't do tummy time (she would cry until she was sick) and wanted to be upright all the time.

I would say something, they go way faster than 17mph. looks like he/she is having fun, but it look dangerous tbh.

My HV, 6 years ago now, didn't warn me of the dangers of baby walkers as such, but she did tell me about her own grandson. He was 5 or 6 at the time, I think, and was undergoing physiotherapy on his spine for the damage caused to him by the excessive and premature use of his baby walker when he was small. Something to do with the muscles in his spine either not developing properly or the wrong way, because he was placed in the thing before he could even hold his head up properly. Then left for prolonged periods of time, so never got the hang of sitting upright by himself, or strengthening his neck and back muscles the way babies normally do when left to develop the way they should. Was enough to put me off the things altogether, although I hadn't been that keen on them before she said anything. The HV was quite matter of fact about it, her DIL never listened to her because she was a HV, and even when being told of how bad these things were, persevered with it. Each to their own I guess, but I don't like the things. I could be talking utter bollocks, and maybe she was trying a more subtle approach to put me off them.

I'd say something OP. Scare the pants of 'em if you must! Worked for me!