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Original poster

How evil are baby walkers?

23 replies

HensMum · 27/06/2008 15:24

We've been given a baby walker, the kind that baby sits in and trundles about.
My brother and SIL gave it to us...they got it from a car boot fair. They used it with their daughter who is now 14 months old and nearly walking so too old for it.

I know they are not great, but just how bad are they? And why?

My son (8.5months) has been in a grump all day. Won't sit down, won't lie down or wriggle on his tummy (not crawling yet). Only wants to be held but lunges out of my arms when he is being held. Constant whinging if I leave the room. Generally being a delightful child .
So, I've just stuck him in the walker and it's the first time I've seen him happy all day. He's trundling about, bashing a book on the tray and grinning at me.

Would I be a terrible mum if I left him in it for half an hour, carefully supervised of course?

OP posts:
littleboyblue · 27/06/2008 15:28

You wouldn't be a bad mum to let ds use it. I read that it affects the time it takes for dc to walk as those things position the legs funny.
Most people just forget about the height difference, like table corners and things being more accessable for little one, so just do a safety check, move all cups and glasses, remove things from low shelves and tables and cover corners. Don't use it near the stairs or anything and keep an eye on them. If he goes too fast he might tip it over.

gingerninja · 27/06/2008 15:29

You're happy, he's happy that's what matters. My DD had one it gave her a new angle to look at the world from. Can't imagine why if used safely it'd be a problem

littleboyblue · 27/06/2008 15:29

Hey, if it's keeping him happy, it's keeping him happy!

gingerninja · 27/06/2008 15:30

I don't think it makes any odds to the walking thing to be honest. It's all hear say. Babies learn to walk at different times. I walked at 9 months apparently and had one, my brother at 14 months and didn't. Go figure

Original poster
HensMum · 27/06/2008 15:33

Well so much for the half an hour, he's grizzling again...arrgh! Will crack open the Dentinox in the hope it's teeth and maybe the vodka if that doesn't work .
Oh well, DP is home in an hour. I'll hand him over and no doubt he'll be sweetness and light for Daddy.
Thanks for the responses though

OP posts:
gingerninja · 27/06/2008 15:35

yes, i remember those days all too clearly. Have you got a sling? I used to put DD on my back and potter about. sometimes it worked...

littleboyblue · 27/06/2008 15:36

My ds is a nightmare some days, have found the dentinox helps whether it's teeth or not!
What I also found that works, is get his recliner chair and sit him in the bathroom. I know it sounds stupid, but it's a room he doesn't spend much time in and I think he enjoys hearing the evcho of his voice

stillovefoxes · 27/06/2008 15:43

Hensmum - I could have written your OP! I am in exactly the same position with dd. Seems like she is never happy, doesn't wanna be held ,doesn't want tummy time, doesn't want to sit up even if I am on the floor with her, doesn't want toys or anything .. aaarrhhhh!!!

A sling isn't an option as she weighs 20lb's and I'm sure it would break my back

So I use the walker because it gives her a little independence and keeps me sane!

And I also count the hours till dp comes home, this also helps my sanity!

Swedes · 27/06/2008 15:44

I have a babywalker. I bought it from Emmaus Charity shop for £2. It's brilliant. DS3 (11 months) is my fourth child and I can't believe I never had one before. DS3 loves it, he picks up the broom from the utility room and he and my older sons play jousting.

I have to make a confession though. I hide it from one acquaintance friend who is an organic, extended breastfeeder and a bit over-zealous about the theory of bringing up babies. Although I bumped into her in town a few weeks ago and noticed her baby had a dummy. I didn't mention it. Well not to her anyway.

WheresTheAuPair · 27/06/2008 15:44

my DS's baby walker was a life saver to me. I did an extreme risk assessment around the house and removed anything that could be a hazard as well as blocked his access to the kitchen. As a result he was much happier and was walking by about 10 months so I very much doubt it had an impact on his development...just my sanity!

gingerninja · 27/06/2008 16:03

Foxes, I still carry my almost 2 year old around in an ergo carrier and I'm only little myself. A good supportive sling makes a world of difference. I could still have her on the front if I needed too but back is far easier when they're older. See if you can borrow one.

Original poster
HensMum · 27/06/2008 16:04

DS weighs 24lbs so carrying him around is not a lot of fun. Have just ordered a Baba Sling. Wasn't intending on using it in the house but will definitely try when it comes if he is still going through this wonderful phase in his development.
Am considering trying CBeebies now as nothing else is working...

OP posts:
gingerninja · 27/06/2008 16:10

Ah yes, I'm from the I'm desperate I'll try anything school of parenting too. All those ideals you have prior to actually being a parent ha ha. FWIW, my DD used to watch loads of TV too at that age but once she started walking she was a different child and it became so much easier. She entertains herself and potters about with us without watching the telly much these days. Do whatever makes you happy, in the long run it won't make a blind bit of difference, they'll all turn into teenagers .

fishnet · 27/06/2008 16:15

We had one for DS1 and Ds2. Ds 2 was walking at 10 months so quite how it stopped him walking I don't know

Hangingbellyofbabylon · 27/06/2008 16:16

This is the first time I've seen a thread about walkers without all the usual snobbery and scare-mongering. There are some common sense rules for walker - don't let them use if upstairs (most injuries with walkers involve falling down stairs), also check if the difference in height means they can access cupboards etc that may be dangerous.

My dd loved her walker and went on to be an early walker at 11 months - so it didn't do her any harm and it meant I could actually do something extravagant like cook dinner or put the washing in the machine!

chubbymummy · 27/06/2008 16:23

Using a baby walker didn't stop my son fron learning to walk - he crossed the living room independantly for the first time at 10 and 1/2 months so he was an early walker if anything. Just use your common sense and don't leave your ds in it for long periods of time.

Swedes · 27/06/2008 16:41

I have to confess. My baby fell asleep in his once. I was too busy weeding the garden to notice.

Lizzylou · 27/06/2008 16:43

DS2 loved the baby walker, meant he could interact with DS1 more.
I don't think that there is anything wrong with them, tbh

Swedes · 27/06/2008 16:54

I have a hunch that a woman who eats her own placenta is extremely unlikely to buy a Chicco babywalker. But I probably shouldn't make sweeping generalisations.

AuntieMaggie · 27/06/2008 16:59

I'd heard that babywalkers were bad too as they teach baby to walk on their toes, but that's probably more to do with the height. But then someone always finds fault with something.

If it keeps baby happy thats the main thing and I know loads of people that had these as kids and they all seem to be fine!

pointydog · 27/06/2008 17:04

They are fine

Swedes · 27/06/2008 18:48

In fact I'd like a T-shirt that says "I love my Chicco Babywalker". I'd accessorize with a Burberry scarf, of course.

stillovefoxes · 27/06/2008 21:58

Can I have one of those as well pls Swedes!

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