What is your opinion on getting an infant walking harness. The one in particular I was looking at was at the One Step Ahead called the Walking Wings. Just open for suggestions or comments here.
Also, I am curious about this because my son wants to be on his feet but then he doesn't get the idea of walking yet but always want to let go of my hands and of course he's not ready yet to let go.
Or even, what is your opinion on walkers.
I really appreciate everyone giving me their opinions on infant walking harnesses and walkers. I already knew some of the draw back when it came to walkers but I just wanted to reassure myself that I was right. I think I might just end up getting him one of those toys where he can push it around and try to learn to walk. My brother had one growing up and he loved it plus I remembered it had an activity center for him too. A bonus if you ask me. So thanks again for your input. I really appreciate it!
i put my 5 monthe old in a walker you just have to watch them closely ..
I didn't like walkers. They don't really help with the concept of walking. Like other moms have suggested, a ride on car with handles on the back, or a push walker is what I used. Before my son could walk on his own he would push those things back and forth all day long. It got his legs strong for walking. He started with his push car at about 9 months and started walking at 11. He is now 13 months and running!! I wish he was back where he would just push his car back and forth ;)
I bought the walking wings and ended up taking them back the same day, because they didn't work and they were awkward. The thing that helped my daughter the most was having her push her car around all the time. She couldn't balance on her own so the car gave her the balance and helped her develop strength in her legs.
Walkers are extremely dangerous. Google walkers and accident or danger and you'll find a ton, I'm sure. Ask your pediatrician -- I'm sure he/she will agree. I can't believe they even sell those things still. Our son loved his Exersaucer. Our pediatrician said not to let him stay in it for more than 15 minutes at a time a few times a day because more could delay his starting to walk (can't recall why and wasn't that concerned, as I rarely wanted to leave him in it for longer and I didn't care when exactly he started to walk as long as he did so eventually). Also, the child's body isn't ready for more time than that, and there is a slight risk from putting too much pressure on his body before it's ready. For this reason, we paid close attention to how long he stayed in there. I don't recall Walking Wings -- perhaps they didn't exist five years ago. Please, please just stay away from walkers!
K.
I never did a harness. And the walker tended to be more frustrating than anything. It was hard for her to manuver and it ended up just ticking her off. And once she started walking she didn't want to be restricted to that anyway. We did get a walker that she could stand behind and really enjoyed that. I also loved our ultra-saucer...for both girls. They could stand and strengthen their leg muscles and when they started tipping over they wouldn't fall.
Good luck.
I haven't seen a harness like that one before. It looks interesting, but I would guess that you wouldn't use it very long. It will probably only be a matter of a few months before your son is very sturdy on his feet (if he's already starting now at 9 months).
We got a little ride-on push car that had a handle on the back. Before they could walk on their own, both our kids would hold the handle and push the car around the house--back and forth over and over again--they LOVED it! I think it really helped them with their balance and strength in their legs. And they continued to use it (a LOT) as a ride-on car for several years after they learned to walk. So it was long lasting and totally worth the money we spent on it. This is the one we had: http://www.littletikes.com/toys/push-ride-racer.aspx?Ne=1... and it was sturdy enough to be well used by our two kids and pass on in still-great shape. But I've also seen similar cars with an anti-tip feature which is nice.
Hope you find something that works for you!
Your son is young to be walking, so just give him time (probably a matter of weeks, by the sound of it)! I had an exersaucer that was great- especially when I was cooking or folding laundry and didn't want "help". I never used a walker. I wouldn't waste money on a walking harness
