Do baby walkers help with early walking?

msnehz

I know that studies suggests otherwise and even mentioned about possibly impeding development.  But call it coincidence, babies I know that started to fully walk at 9 months all had walkers since about 5 or 6 months.  So go figure...hmmmm?

wedsept

Our pedi told us that they are dangerous and not to get them.  Plus, they do impede development.  They use different muscles than the ones a LO needs for walking.  Also, once a child is dependent on the walker to walk around, then they may get lazy and not walk as soon as they normally would have.

I think it is coincidence.  Plus, knowing a few babies that you know started walking at 9 months and all had walkers isn't a scientific study.   

Ruby_Soho

Just because a baby walks early does not mean that their muscles have developed and strengthened properly and in the correct order. There is a theory that there are so many back issues in adults today because of parents propping babies into a sitting position and from use of walkers, exersaucers etc.

Basically, you should not put your baby into a position that they cannot get into themselves. That includes tummy time! Babies need to develop their core muscles before they develop their back muscles so they have a good strong support. 

jf198400

I don't know that they help, but I think people are way too quick to judge and say that they "impede development" that is a bunch of BS in my opinion.  My DD had a walker and exersaucer starting around 5 months, and loved it.  I think it really helps babies explore their independence.  She started walking at 10months.

kcisthebombdotcom

50/50 here.

Never used a walker. My son walked a few days before turning 9 months old. My DD didnt walk until closer to her 1st birthday.

I've heard its genetics (if you walked early, there's a better chance of your baby walking early) and girls walk later than boys since they generally talk earlier. I buy into that more than the walker theory personally.

hecallsmecat

In one of my child development courses for my master's degree, we learned that babies should be able to see their feet when they are learning to walk. It has to do with the way their brains develop and they cannot see their feet in a walker. I do not think that you will be hurting your child by having a walker, but I certainly don't think it helps at all. Like a pp said, if you have it to use occasionally I'm sure it will be fine. I just wouldn't use it as a tool for teaching your baby to walk and I wouldn't leave them in it all day.