You’re sat cross-legged in your living room, with your back propped up against the sofa. Opposite you is your partner, huddled in a similar position. And in the middle of you both is your baby, who is on a mission to crawl from mummy to daddy.

Both of you are utterly fixated on watching your little one make this significant journey. After all, it’s the first time they’ve done it!

After about ten more seconds, they finally reach the arms of your partner, and you both clap and cheer in response. Another milestone has been reached, and you wonder how long it will be until the next one comes along.

Parents, we know that your babies grow at a fast rate. Watching them learn to crawl is a huge step, but before you know it, you’ll be watching them walk, and even run!

And when your baby does start to walk, it’s normal to wonder how you’re going to keep them safe and under control. After all, once those little legs get going, who knows what’s going to stop them!

One device that has sparked controversy within the parental community is the baby walker. Once considered very useful for when a baby starts to walk, nowadays, some parents are a lot warier of them.

So, we thought it would be a good idea to explore this topic a bit further, so you can decide whether baby walkers are for you and your tiny tot!

To begin, let’s delve into why some parents like using baby walkers.

Why do some parents like using baby walkers?

Measures have been put in place to keep baby walkers safe. Many parents will feel completely comfortable using baby walkers as the industry has made efforts over the years to make them safer. For example, they have mandated the walkers with a width that aims to keep babies from going through doors, and sensors that stop them from falling down the stairs.

With adult supervision, they are a fun experience for babies that brings them closer to being able to walk. Baby walkers have been considered an experience that puts babies on the right track towards a key goal – learning to walk. So it’s understandable that many parents are keen to use a device that will aid their child in this sense. As a bonus, they’re also a lot of fun for babies to use.

Research shows that the number of walker-related injuries is decreasing as the years go on. Statistics show that the number of injuries caused by baby walkers has decreased by almost 23%.

Now that we’ve explored why some parents like using baby walkers, let’s look at the reasons why they’re not so popular in the eyes of others.

What are the reasons other parents are against using baby walkers?

There are potential risks involved with using them. Although risks have decreased with time, baby walkers are still considered potentially dangerous for several reasons. For example, it was discovered from studies carried out from 1990 to 2014 that injuries to the head and neck could occur if a child falls down the stairs whilst in a walker.

Some claim that they cause developmental delays. Some people also believe that baby walkers hinder development. Their claim in this regard is that children need significant time to crawl and develop key motor skills and that a baby walker can slow these motor skills from developing properly.

They are easily manipulated by kids in dangerous ways.

It’s easy for parents to get distracted. It’s every parent’s instinct to keep a constant, watchful eye on their baby as they are growing. However, there are naturally going to be moments where they look away or get distracted. Some believe that baby walkers make the moments when a parent is distracted much more dangerous.

How can I use this information to make an informed decision?

Ultimately, although you must make your own decisions as a parent, we always say it’s best to follow the advice of those who know best. The American Academy of Paediatrics has previously called for a ban on baby walkers, claiming that they are dangerous for various different reasons.

Although they may be fun and convenient to use, overall, they present a number of potential risks. Your baby also doesn’t actually need one!

Remember, learning to walk is a natural process that will happen when they are ready, especially when motivated by your patience and encouragement.

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