Is it okay for babies to use walkers when they are learning to walk?

There is no so-called best time to learn to walk. It depends on the baby's own development. As long as the baby can walk independently before 1 year and 6 months, there is no need to worry too much. So is it good for babies to use walkers when learning to walk?

According to research, about a quarter of babies can walk on their own at around 11 and a half months old, and about 90% of babies can walk steadily by 14 months old.

Is it okay for babies to use walkers when learning to walk?

Using a walker (crab stroller) not only does not help babies learn to walk, but babies who are learning to walk cannot fully control the walker, which may cause the walker to overturn, slide down the stairs, or hit furniture, causing accidental injury or death. Therefore, parents should not let young children use walkers.

How to protect your baby's walking safety

Pay attention to safety: Parents should use soft cushions to cover sharp table corners, especially shorter tables, to prevent babies from getting hurt. Also pay attention to the arrangement of furniture, which should not fall or collapse with a slight impact, otherwise it will endanger young children who are learning to walk.

Suitable shoes: If your baby is indoors, you can let him walk barefoot so that his feet can directly feel the surface, which helps with walking and can reduce sensitivity and reduce the need to walk on tiptoe. However, if your baby is outdoors, it is recommended that he wear shoes for protection.

The dangers of using a baby walker

Walkers will make children very dependent. Not only will they fail to promote the baby's motor development, but they will delay the baby's motor development in many aspects.

When a baby sits in a walker, the moving distance per second can reach 1 meter. The child's head is exposed outside the body frame and lacks safety protection. Once the baby falls down the stairs or falls over due to uneven ground, the baby's head can easily be injured.

Studies show that children who use walkers score lower on intellectual development tests than children who do not use walkers.

Some doctors say that using a walker too early will cause the baby to skip the natural growth and development pattern of "crawling", resulting in poor body balance and muscle coordination in the future, and prone to sensory integration disorder.