Did you use a walker for your baby?

Question

I’ve read that baby walkers slow your baby’s development and can actually make your baby walk a month later had they not used one. I’m not sure if it’s true, but we got a walker from my mom and I’m excited to use it. My baby is 4 months and will be turning 5 months next week is it okay to use it if it’s safe?

Answer

I used one with my daughters and both flipped over the side of them with nothing but their feet stuck in the holes where their legs go keeping them from falling onto their heads. I thought it was a fluke thing when it happened to my first daughter and then it happened again with my second daughter so I tossed that thing out. My first loved it though, but they’re dangerous and wouldn’t recommend using one. Both started walking a few days after their first birthdays. I don’t think it hindered their development at all since they weren’t in them for long periods of time. However, I have twin cousins that were in walkers as babies constantly and it actually affected their walking so much so that when they walked they would walk on their tippy toes and needed to be corrected with physical therapy.

Answer

I've heard it, but I personally think if it's not excessive it's fine. It can be great to set your kid in while you get something done. I used one, though pretty rarely and my kid was walking at 10 months.

Answer

I didn't use one.
A walker doesn't teach them how to walk.
To learn to walk they need to stand up on their own and figure out how to balance for that first step

Answer

The kind of walker that too set a baby down in (as opposed to the kind they push) have actually been outlawed in Canada because they are considered dangerous. Punishable by up to a $100,000 fine(!). They are also trying to outlaw them in the US for the same reasons. Kids can get hurt too easily. Even with the most attentive parent (per the AAP).  
So that coupled with the fact that it could delay development made it a hard no for me.

Answer

Our pediatrician advised against them so we’re not using one. They’re also banned in some countries and the AAP is trying to get them banned in the US.

Answer

They're illegal in my country. They're not necessary and potentially dangerous.

Answer

It’s fine to use them, but don’t put baby in them constantly. My first was a late walker due to sheer stubbornness. Her physical therapist actually told me to put her in the walker some each day to help encourage her to walk.

Answer

That’s an Extersaucer in that gif by the way, my developmental consultant said those are fine in moderation just  never to use a walker

Answer

I used an exersaucer, pretty much the same thing. As long as it’s not the kind where they actually walk with them I think they’re fine

Answer

I won't personally, since the aap is trying to get them banned.

Did you use a walker for your baby?

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