Walker vs. Jumper

iris2717

My LO is still a little young still but I was just looking at the Toys R Us website and looking at all the things I cant wait to buy for him and was looking at walkers and jumpers.  My co-worker mentioned to me that walkers are now a little taboo as many babies have been hurt with them and that jumpers are the way to go. 

Thoughts?

heymommy

Walkers are bad if you have stairs or even just one step. I've seen a baby go out a kitchen door into the garage... Not pretty.

Zimger

It's harder too find walkers nowadays. In the grander scope of things they seem to be associated with more accidents. I think I would prefer a jumper.

chasensmommy

My 5 month old LOVES his baby einstein jumper! (in case u choose a jumper over a walker). He's in it right now

katea81

I actually have both. The jumper was a hand me down, but my son loves to move so I thought he would like the walker. So far, he's still too little so I haven't put the wheels on it but he likes it more than the jumper right now. He hasn't quite gotten the hang of the jumping part yet! 

Walkers are absolutely still available to buy at baby stores and as long as you are careful are perfectly fine.  It's the same for everything-- you have to watch your baby and be aware of what's going on.  

l_elizabeth

They are both awesome. Walkers are just as available as jumpers, and they're cheaper. Walkers are better for the 9+ months, and jumpers are good from 4-5+ months. We had both for my older son, he loved them all. Walkers are good once they stop being ok with just standing in one spot-- once they're more curious (and mobile), they love exploring in the walker. I agree with pp though, you have to not have stairs. We only use it in the downstairs of our house, so it's totally safe. The reason they are taboo is that people used to put their kid in one, and then pay no attention to them, and if they fall it's a big deal. Well duh. Just don't be one of those idiots.

Jen0204

A jumperoo is nice because you can put the baby in it and let them go to town while you get stuff done, it's easy for them to entertain themselves in it. IMO a walker is fine, but you have to be there by their side. Sure, they're more likely to get hurt with a walker, but that's because they're, well, walking. When they start walking they're going to get hurt too.

Zimger

l_elizabeth:

They are both awesome. Walkers are just as available as jumpers, and they're cheaper. Walkers are better for the 9+ months, and jumpers are good from 4-5+ months. We had both for my older son, he loved them all. Walkers are good once they stop being ok with just standing in one spot-- once they're more curious (and mobile), they love exploring in the walker. I agree with pp though, you have to not have stairs. We only use it in the downstairs of our house, so it's totally safe. The reason they are taboo is that people used to put their kid in one, and then pay no attention to them, and if they fall it's a big deal. Well duh. Just don't be one of those idiots.

I think the avalibilty depends on where you live. Perhaps if you order online. However, they aren't readily avalible in our area. They have become diffcult to find even in consignment stores. The only reason I have one is because it was a hand me down from family. I think the most important thing to consider when deciding between the two is that supervision is a must either way. The reason walkers are associated with more accidents than jumpers are because the children are mobile.  It would be fantastic if everyone kept an eye on their kids though...no matter what they are doing.

karleegirl

l_elizabeth:

They are both awesome. Walkers are just as available as jumpers, and they're cheaper. Walkers are better for the 9+ months, and jumpers are good from 4-5+ months. We had both for my older son, he loved them all. Walkers are good once they stop being ok with just standing in one spot-- once they're more curious (and mobile), they love exploring in the walker. I agree with pp though, you have to not have stairs. We only use it in the downstairs of our house, so it's totally safe. The reason they are taboo is that people used to put their kid in one, and then pay no attention to them, and if they fall it's a big deal. Well duh. Just don't be one of those idiots.

This exactly . I got a walker for $20 at walmart. Just watch your kid.