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Original poster

Walkers - Good/Bad ?

9 replies

QueenQuootieSpookypieBee · 10/10/2006 10:16

Hiya...
I was going to buy DS a walker but they seem to be bad for them (impair development etc.) Are they bad for them?

Also, if walkers are bad, are them activity centres ok? (the ones they stand in)

Thanks! x

OP posts:
ghosty · 10/10/2006 10:19

I believe the activity centres are ok ... as long as they don't put all their weight on their feet ...
Walkers are banned in Canada I heard ....
I know 2 children who were in walkers and neither of them crawled and were late walkers. Crawling is pretty important part of development I have been told (my DD was a bum shuffler so I was worried about this but she learned to crawl when she learned to roll over which she only learned to do when she pulled herself up to stand - LOL)

Stiglet · 10/10/2006 10:19

I never bothered with either, play nests & door bouncers on the other hand... marvellous creations

Original poster
QueenQuootieSpookypieBee · 10/10/2006 10:22

hmmm... banned??? Might give the walker a miss then! DS is starting to crawl already, maybe ill let him walk on his own

OP posts:
nappyaddict · 22/10/2006 01:30

i know door bouncers and walkers are not good for them as they encourage them to move on their toes and also arch their back cos of the way they sit in them. activity centres i'm not sure about. i think i read an old thread on her saying they were ok if they can sit un aided and put their feet flat on the floor.

Chandra · 22/10/2006 01:49

If it's to help him to learn to walk you are wasting your money, if it's to have your hands free for 20 minutes while you are cooking they are a blessing...

About being banned... not sure they are but there was a important point made about being dangerous near stairs (but then, who in their right mind would allow a baby to use one upstairs?)

Now, I think there are so many things that can be "damaging" for our children and they survive anyway. So.... whether he use one or not is not going to affect him for life. I think he would be more likely to get a motor skills problem by sitting in front of TV for longer times throught his childhood than by using a baby walker for short times during a couple of months

GarfieldsGirl · 22/10/2006 06:56

I bought a walker for ds1 and ds2 used it too. For me, it was purely to get a spare 5 minutes to wash up etc, or for out in the garden. DS1 didn't crawl, but was walking at 9.5 months, ds2 crawled at 6 months and walked at 9months. IMO if they only spend a small amount of time in them, there is nothing wrong. Neither of my boys have a problem walking, or with posture etc. ds2 was able to climb out of it by about 7 montsh though, so very limited life.

ludaloo · 22/10/2006 07:13

My dd1 had a walker and didn't seem to be effected by the whole experience! I saved it but my other two hated it. My youngest must have only sat in it a couple of times and screamed her heart out!
I would say a play centre must be ok surely? unless like two of mine your ds hates being contained!!!!

spooksRus · 22/10/2006 07:16

Never bough a walker. I dont really like them, but seen children having fun in them. I have see a few tip up though!!

threebob · 22/10/2006 07:18

I hired the circle sit in type can walk around 360 but not go anywhere type from a toy library for a couple of weeks.

But really if you are only going to use as recommended for a few minutes a day it is a lot cheaper to do your jobs when they nap, or (dare I say it) stick CBeebies on (presuming you already have a TV).

I think if babies were meant to be upright at 6 months they would be able to get there themselves.

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