Walkers

Hi A.,
My son who is now 15 months had a walker (although he never really walked in it). He crawled right on schedule (even a ltiile early) and he walked 3 weeks before his first birthday. Hope this helps!
T.

Hi A.,
I'm certainly not a doctor, but can share my experience at least. I personally like using walkers. My 2 sisters and I were raised with walkers and we all walked between 10 and 12 months old. My son LOVED his walker and walked on his own at exactly 12 months. Maybe this new recommendation has come around because people put their babies in the walkers too much?? I've heard that, too. My son wasn't in it all day, but I don't know what I would have done without it! It freed me up to do chores and I would use it again. Everything in moderation is how I feel - but I guess a doctor's advice would be best. Good luck. M.

I used one 2 yrs ago for my 6 month old. She loved it, we used to bring it on trips. She started walking just before her 1st birthday. Maybe it did delay walking independently, but she had soo much fun in the thing, and it kept her happy for a few months. My favorite memory is bringing it to the hotel my husband was at for a business trip and letting her race down the hallway laughing and screaming. My 7 month old is using it now. Deb

is everything bad for us!!! are they serious. come on, everyday you hear about something that we all grew up with that they say is NOW bad for us or our children. really,well i know everyone in my family used a walker and we all get around just fine now. i don't mean to sound hostile, but it seems that "they" (recent studies show) over analize things. what ever happen to the simple life????

Hi A.,
Both of my kids used walkers. My son walked by himself at 8 months and he is now almost 3. My daughter was in a walker at 3.5 months and walking in it by 4 months. She is now going on 8 months old and is crawling everywhere and standing on her own. I would go with how you feel. Why take something away from her that she enjoys. I still do plenty of floor time and encouraging her to do more.
I'm a 25 yr old mom of two that works 3 days a week. Good luck with everything.

Walkers are mainly dangerous because if the child gets near an open staircase, they can have a fatal fall. Otherwise, I don't think they are any different than the 'exersaucer' we have?? I find they are useful if you are trying to make dinner, etc. But make sure the baby still gets LOTS of floor time to encourage crawling. I can't imagine any baby that won't be excited to move around by themselves vs. being in a large walker. I think as long as you limit the time your child spends in them, I don't think they are that bad.

All three of my sons used walkers and they all crawled, walked and now run all over the place. I think that there are warnings so that people do not over use them. If one where to leave a child in a walker for an over-extended amount of time (it does not sound like you would do that) then it probably would interfere with a child's development. My kids used to rotate from floor time, walkers, excersaucers, johnny jump-ups, and whatever else I had to keep them busy! (I had twins and my older son was 20 months when they were born).

Walkers were very popular a couple of decades ago. I used one, my brother used one and we both walked on time. We didn't have anything similar for my kids and they both walked late, so go figure. . .

I agree get rid of it! It will just make her lazy because she can sit and yet walk. My son is 16 months old and not walking yet. Seems like he can but does not have the confidence too. He stands well for long periods of time and cruises furniture and finally started to take some steps all by himself!!!
My mother in law got him one of those walkers which I was not happy about because again they say they need to learn to walk by themselves without help & walkers just help them. He only used it a few times, he really just wanted to play with the shapes instead of walk with it (thank God).
So I am a true believer nothing to help them walk except at first you holding their hands until they get used to the idea then they need to do it alone. Good luck!

A.,

I think sometimes we put too much pressure on ourseleves. I am a mother of four. All who I have worried if I am doing the right thing. I have mostly gone with my own instincts. My children all used stationary walkers and are fine. I wouldn't worry about anything as long as she's happy. Think of all the things are mother's did and we are fine today.

My advice let her enjoy her walker. I wouldn't think you would keep her in it all day, you sound like a wonderful mother.

K.

it's true!! get rid of the walker and get an exersaucer. this will give her the upright support and fun activities attached to it, but does not encourage her to move herself forward and back. Give her plenty of time on the floor and she will bring herself upright and become mobile all on her own. L. C.

my daughter started using a walker right before christmas and she was 7 months old. like yours, she absolutely loves it and it has not hindered her ability to crawl. she "run" crawls, she climbs on the furniture, she walks around the table etc. she is ready to take those first steps but has quite been able to fully let go. i would continue using it and not worry.

K.

I use a walker with my baby but I lock it so she can't move in it. She gets to see me when I'm cooking, etc. and also plays with the toys and listens to the music. I also limit her time, which is key. They say you shouldn't keep them in there more than a half hour a day, whether it's a walker, jumper, or excersaucer.
Good luck.

Hi A.,

I, too, used a walker with my children. I knew about the safety issues--therefore I eliminated those obstacles. But I had also heard about the possible delays in crawling and walking. With my first daughter there was no issue whatsoever. She only used the walker when at the babysitter room at the gym and then after she was able to walk--she just loved the change in movement and the activities on the walker itself. WIth our second one, she has had more access than #1. However, I have also not seen any developmental delays. Our pedi said that the average age to crawl is 12 months--1/2 of babies crawl before and 1/2 crawl after that age. She was crawling well before this. She is now 14 months and cruises around like there is no tomorrow and is happy to let go as well, but she does still like to occasionally be in her walker--that being said, she does prefer not to be in it most of the time at this point.

So my advice is this: I think of it like many foods--don't overdo it. As long as you don't leave her in it all of the time, your fine! Variety is the spice of life. If her only option to move is when she is in the walker, then you may cause some delay, but if she has plenty of opportunity to crawl/pull up/etc., then she'll be fine.

Dear A.,

I was just given a walker for my 7 month old daughter and she loves her walker as well. I am aware of the safety concerns, but I know that with proper supervision, they are safe. As for the development of your baby's walking, I wouldn't worry. Walkers are meant to encourage the baby to walk and give them a chane to explore their world in an upright position. I believe they can actually help strngthen their legs. I give my daughter playtime in a variety of settings: walker, playpen, free crawling in a safe place. And all of these areas provide her with safe, encouraging developmental learning. I think the walker is fine.

A Little about me: I have 4 children ranging in ages 17 down to 7 months. I am a teacher as well but would LOVE to be a stay home mommy.

I'm in agreement with Chandra and Crystal....we are way to alarmist these days! Follow your instincts. I've never heard of a walker delaying walking. The fact that it allows a child to move I think is more beneficial than standing still in an exercauser, but that's just me. I do remember a friend who let her son jump in one of those doorway jumpers (jumping johnny or something like that) and he didn't walk for quite a while and when he started to he just bounced and couldn't control his legs. I think that is probably less beneficial to a kid than the walker, since the walker encourages forward and backward movement in a semi-controlled way. Good luck and don't believe everything you hear!

~Liza
30 year old single, full-time working mom to 4.5 year old girl.

As with anything, as long as she isnt in it for too long of a period during the day, and there are no stairs around, she will be fine!!! Just give her variety.

Hi - I have a walker that my son LOVED, he started using it at 5mths...started crawling a month later...is now 10 mths and is doing the furniture stroll. I read the same info about delays but have seen no evidence of that so far. I say let her have it!

My son used a walker and barely crawled, maybe for about 2 months and went right into walking at 9m. My DD barely used hers she didn't think it was that great. She actually preferred the 2nd hand exercauser and she crawled a bit longer and walked around a year of age. They've done study's that show children who barely crawl have more learning "issues" but I'm not sure how true that is. I knew someone who had to take their 8yo and crawl with her for so many minutes each day. I think a lot of things are over diagnosed and over thought these days. DR are trying to have answers for poeple and have to research so much to try to "find" a reason. So I think it's really a personal choice. A lot of people use walkers and the kids are fine. A lot don't and their kids are fine too. It's a personal choice especially because the safety issues isn't there for you.

My doctor mentioned to me that they were bad, too. I used the walker anyway for my son, and he was walking on his own by 11 months old. I know others that have used it and have had "early walkers" as well. My cousin's son started walking at 9 1/2 months, and he used the walker a lot too.

A.
I used a walker for my kids untill they were about 10 months old. BUT... you also have to give them equal tummy time on the floor so they can learn to crawl and pull themself up too.
hope this helps

A.,
It's more about the amount of time she spends in the thing - 10 minutes a day probably won't hurt, but if she is in there a lot, it definitely could delay her motor development - the way babies stand in walkers is not a developmentally appropriate position for their age. Same with exersaucers - they're fine for short periods but not all day long! =)

I think your fine as long as she has time on the floor to develop her muscles to crawl & walk. 6 1/2 months is not too early to crawl though. My son was on the move then. Keep in mind every child develops at a different pace. Even if you didn't have a walker it doesn't mean she would defintely crawl & walk any sooner. Some kids do get satisfied by using the walker and have less interest to do it themselves. Honestly I have never seen a preschooler still in a walker. Everyone has a their opinion, do what you feel is right for your baby. As you said she is safe & happy while she's in it.

Both my boys used them and they developed just fine! One is now 13, started walking on his own at 1 and is now extremely athletic and excels in 4 sports. My 7 year old also started walking at age 1 and is fast, lithe and athletic.

I sometimes think these studies are ridiculous especially when they waffle over the years. You pretty much have to lock up your baby for them to not develop!

If she loves it, for heaven's sake don't take it away! Just wait for 2 years from now when you hear that they encourage athletic and lithe kids like mine have grown to be ;-)

Hi A.,
Let me tell you about walkers. I had 3 boys, all in walkers when they were old enough. They all crawled, stood, and walked by 14 months. I have 7 grandchildren, all in walkers when they were old enough. They all crawled, stood, and walked by 13 months. I don't think there are too many issues as far as I am concerned about walkers, and developmental delays. A child will crawl, or stand or walk when they feel confident enough to do it. Just relax and enjoy your precious baby. My neice didn't put her baby in a walker because she was concerned, like you, that it might be bad for her. Well, her daughter didn't even stand up till 13 months. She crawled just fine, but didn't want to try standing or walking. Each baby is different, and as long as your doctor feels that there are no developmental delays, I would suggest letting your baby scoot in the walker and chase those cats! She will get the hang of crawling and walking soon enough and you'll wish she stayed happy in her walker! LOL
Blessings to you and your family!

A.,
I wouldn't worry too much about the walker. I think there are other baby gadgets, like swings, that are overused for convenience reasons that may somewhat affect natural development. But as far as walkers go: For safety reasons, be vigilant, of course (even in an apt, babies can find a way to get into a little trouble) but as far as it delaying development, in my opinion, it won't be an issue as long as you build in plenty of variety outside the walker, just letting baby move around on her own, crawl, pull up to furniture, hold your hands and walk, roll around on blanket, inside/outside on grass, etc...whatever.
I am an experienced mom of 3 (now grown) children and was a family day care provider. My 3 daughters loved the walker, too. I just made sure I didn't overdo it and gave them plenty of other opportunities for developing, and, by the way, they took their first unassisted steps at 7 1/2 months, 8 1/2 months, and 7 months respectively. A few weeks after that, they were walking all day long. I think the walker actually enables them to gain strength in their legs because there's that extra support, when needed, that you can't always provide otherwise because it is time consuming.
By the way, as far as long term results go, my 3 girls were each outstanding athletes... all-state in track, all-state soccer players, etc.
Again, if you're worried it's a little too much time in the walker, just limit the time some. I wouldn't eliminate it altogether, though.

I am a pediatric occupational therapist and yes, walkers are bad. Crawling is so important for babies for several reasons, including shoulder stability, strength, hand development, etc... Babies need to crawl. Even though she loves it, I would strongly encourage you to get rid of it. Her pediatrician will be able to give you more information. Good luck!

my daughter, too, loved the walker. she started in there at about 4 months. it did not hinder her learning to walk. she was up and out by 11 months. she learned how to crawl in between but just wasn't fond of being on the floor.
recently, my grandaughter who also loved the walker, gave it up and began crawling more because she discovered she could get closer to things on her own without the framework of the walker getting in the way.

Hello A.
I wouldn't worry about walker I raise my 3 kids in it adn they were smart kids, now I have step-daughter she raise her first one by the book about stroller and to me I taught her daughter was slow compare to others I've seen, if you don't have no stair that your child can fall down stairs and you have t put a gate don't worry about it.
GOOD LUCK

someone always has something to say, do this, dont do this! Who REALLY knows anything is what I wonder. Both my kids used them (theyre 6 and 2) I used them, my sister all of my cousins, and Im pretty sure even my mom and aunts....and were ALL FINE! Your baby likes it, it keeps her occupied while your trying to get things done...SHES FINE!!! If we listened to everything the "experts" told us... well, wed probably all be in serious trouble! Sometimes we just need to go with our gut and whatever else works! Good luck!

Our first born was a HUGE fan of her walker as she, too, was an early mover. She walked at 9 1/2 months regardless of us using a walker. It made her happy too. When it stopped making her happy, that's when we ditched it. If you have something that makes your kid happy and you happy, for heaven's sake don't let some study ruin your day. I know it's hard to ignore the "advice," but all this purported knowledge has eroded our ability as moms to identify what is best for our kids...so walk on, sistah!

Your child will learn to walk & crawl either way. They say that this development will be delayed if you use one but I don't believe it. I didn't use a walker, even though I wanted to because of this reason, and guess what? All three of my kids did not walk until they were 14 months or older! I should have just used a walker when I wanted too! Good luck and have fun letting your baby cruise in the walker!

HI A., You know your daughter better than anyone. I wouldn't worry about the article. Both of my children used the walker even after they started crawling. Both were walking by 11-12 mos. The only side effect they had was enjoyment of being able to move around without being held. Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with her.

Hi,

Our son never crawled. Little did I know at the time what an important development milestone this was. Crawling involves motor planning. Walking is centrally programed into the brain. Our son has motor planning problems, even in his 30's!!! Once he has mastered a motor task, he is fine, but until he does, he is 'all thumbs'. He had problems in school and had OT. This lead to poor self esteem. Thus, based on our experience, throw the walker out!!!

About me, grandmother caring for our son's daughter.

We used a Walker with my daughter and she crawled at 5 months and walked at 9, so I think the delay thing is wrong.

Hi A.,
I like you received a walker from a friend. I was hesitant to use it after reading all the horrible things it can do to my child.. aside from delays of walking, crawling. I had also read that it was not good for their legs, hips etc. I did not use one for my first son. My second was incredibly active as well and he quickly got bored with the "other" toys including me playing with him. He wanted to be like his brother. So i did use one. It did not delay anything. He walked at 10 1/2 months. Ran at a year. Climbed stairs by 16 months old. However, he was bow-legged. So i wondered and worried that the walker caused this. (he outgrew the bow-leggedness) The pediatrican assured me that it is common and would outgrow this. So long as she isnt in it for long periods of time. Just like the jumperoo, exersaucer these are to be used for short periods of time. I dont see why it wouldnt hurt for you to use it.

I would say start taking her out of it more often and encourage crawling/walking. I know it's convenient for moms who are trying to cook/clean and not worry about the baby getting into things and keeping her content, but I would definitly start hiding the walker so that she doesn't see it. You don't have to stop using it all together by any means. If you want for her to stay put (if you're trying to get some things done), I would suggest safety gates & break up the walker usage a little bit.

as long as she's not in it for too long of a time, I think they are ok.. I had one too, but only put my daughter in it for about 20 mins a day.