Baby walkers: benefits and harm for the child. Do a child need a walker: at what age can children be put on a simulator, the benefits and harms of the purchase When does a child need a walker Komarovsky

Nowadays, a variety of educational devices are provided for children. Questions arise about the necessity and beneficial properties of products designed to facilitate parental work. For example, the benefits and harms of walkers cause a lot of controversy among mothers, fathers and children's specialists.

Why does a child need a walker?

A walker is a device that is designed to help you move independently when your baby is just crawling. The design is a chair with clamps made of belts and a small tabletop mounted on wheels. At a younger age, it is boring to just sit in a playpen or crib, but the device has useful properties: it entertains and helps to explore the surrounding space.

The debate about the benefits and harms of such a “helper” does not subside.

Important! When standing on its feet, the baby has to endure loads equal to lifting a bag of cement, which can cause harm.

The useful properties of the device are obvious - it makes it easier for the baby to move. Mothers often forget that the little one needs to do new things on his own, make efforts and learn. Help with spatial exploration can be harmful, especially if it completely overshadows the benefits of learning the required skills.

A toddler in an assistive device does not need to lean on the walls and develop the ability to maintain balance. He will be able to push off the floor with his feet while sitting and quickly move in the right direction. As a result, there is no need to work and walk on your own. Therefore, the useful properties of the device cannot be exaggerated.

What types of walkers are there?

Walkers for children come in various designs, colors, and are also supplemented with various entertaining details and, as a result, have various beneficial properties and cause one or another harm.

There is a whole list of devices on the market, allowing you to choose the most suitable one:

The classic model of walker allows the baby to move around the apartment without support, usefully explore the surrounding space and strengthen its legs.
A rocking walker, or transformer, combines a rocking chair and a walker, has a height adjuster, a panel with entertaining toys, and a comfortable seat.
Jumping walkers. The external design of such an accessory for children is similar to a kangaroo backpack equipped with special straps. As a rule, it is hung in the doorway and is allowed to be used for six months, but you must obtain permission from an orthopedist. Then the application will be without harm and beneficial properties will be obtained.
Walkers are very popular among children. They resemble a toy on wheels that the little one pushes in front of him. Baby walkers are designed for children who can stand and walk independently.
Walking walkers (for children with cerebral palsy) are either elbow supports or rollator walkers, where the support is located on the back side.

At what months can a child be placed in a walker?

The benefits and harms of walkers for babies can be equal if you do not pay attention to the recommendations and advice of specialists and use the device solely so that parents can go about their business while the baby grows and explores the world.

The baby is allowed to be placed in the device when he has already taken his first steps, only then will it be possible to reduce the possible harm and obtain beneficial properties.

In this case, it is necessary to make sure that the listed contraindications do not exist:

weak muscle tone in the legs;
irritated skin in the groin;
presence of diagnosed rickets;
disorders in the musculoskeletal system.

Even if all the baby’s indicators are normal, it is necessary to take into account the following factors:

The baby is older than 8 months.
The presence of strengthened back muscles in the toddler. It should not fall to one side, the back should be kept straight. As a rule, this happens in six months to nine months.
It is important to take into account the psychological factor. When the baby crawls confidently and has a desire to move independently, you can offer him a similar remedy.

Important! Only then will walkers be able to show their beneficial properties and bring benefit, not harm.

girl

You need to be more concerned about the joints of female children.

Comment! Girls in infancy are susceptible to a disease such as curvature of the joints.

If a similar disease has previously been diagnosed and treated, you should not use a walker. Otherwise, a relapse of the disease will be provoked, which in older age cannot be completely cured. The useful properties of walkers in such a situation are questionable.

It is necessary to be extremely careful with girls’ joints so as not to cause harm. The back and pelvis of the little beauty must be completely strengthened; no earlier than 9 months they are allowed to be tested.

Important! You need to carefully monitor the baby's behavior. Deviations in the development of the musculoskeletal system are easy to notice. It is enough to put your legs together: if one of them is longer, then you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Only taking into account the given recommendations and contraindications, after consulting a doctor, can you use the beneficial properties of the device. Otherwise, instead of benefiting the parents and the beneficial properties of the walker, serious harm will be caused to the newborn.

boy

Pediatricians recommend focusing on general recommendations. The boy should not be left in the walker for more than 40 minutes. A boy should not be placed in a walker earlier than 8 months, otherwise deviations in the development of the genital organs may occur.

Are walkers good for a child?

Walkers also have useful properties:

Walkers for children are beneficial in developing the baby's independence: he will be able to move without assistance and explore the world around him.
Mom can watch the little one and do housework at the same time.
The baby is safer while learning to walk because the walker has a wide bumper area.

When can walkers cause harm to a child?

When purchasing a low-quality accessory, there is a risk of harming the baby, therefore, if you want to receive benefits, you should pay attention to quality.
You won’t be able to use a walker in a small apartment; it will simply be impossible to turn around in them.
Being in a walker does not mean complete safety. There is a risk of getting caught and overturning, dropping something on you and causing injury.
It is unacceptable to leave children in walkers for long periods of time. You can benefit from spending 30 minutes in them 2 times a day.

Contraindications to the use of walkers

If the “passenger” is too small, he does not know how to sit and keep his back straight.
The presence of inflammation or damage to the skin in areas of contact with the device.
Presence of signs of rickets.
Hyper- or hypotonicity of the baby's legs.
The presence of disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
When the baby does not want to be in the device: he is afraid, shows discomfort, is not inclined to such entertainment.

Important! You should get acquainted with the walker from six months, for 3 minutes, no more than 2 times a day. The period of use of the device can be slowly extended, but not more than 40 minutes.

Otherwise, there is a risk of getting back pain, which will have serious consequences as you grow older.

How to use a walker correctly

It is not recommended to use a walker until the little one begins to sit independently for a long time. And it’s even better when the baby gets up in the crib.
The first step is to change the height of the device according to the height of the toddler. It is important that the baby rests his entire foot on the floor.
When using a walker, your baby should only wear shoes with an orthopedic insole, a high heel, and proper leg support. Then the risk of incorrect foot placement will be reduced, because the right shoes will allow you to correctly distribute the load.
The time spent in a walker depends on the child’s age category, level of physical development, endurance and activity. You should start with 7-10 minutes a day. It is necessary to increase the period slowly. Do not exceed 40 minutes a day.
The toddler should always be in the sight of adults.

How to choose a walker for a child

Choosing a walker is not as easy as you might think at first. The number of models in stores is amazing.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of walkers are incomparable. Use has many advantages for the baby’s parents, as it allows them to free their hands. If you want to acquire such a device, you should definitely consult with a specialist. It is important to follow all recommendations and contraindications of doctors. After all, no free time is worth those harmful properties that will not benefit the baby at all.

It’s no secret that a walker is a very useful thing for a mother: you can finally “untie” your hands and do endless household chores, leaving the child “in a safe place.” But there is still debate about whether walkers are beneficial or harmful to babies. Proponents for and against provide compelling arguments to defend their point of view.

How to decide whether a walker is really needed or is it better to do without one?

Walkers as a way to move a baby

The opinions of parents on the use of this device, as well as the opinions of pediatricians, are ambiguous. The benefit or harm of walkers can manifest itself in any specific case, and directly depends, first of all, on the physical development of the child. The most important condition is that the baby must already sit up independently. The back muscles and spine must be sufficiently developed and strong so that the child feels confident and sits without leaning to one side. Otherwise, the baby’s fragile skeleton and spine will undergo curvature in a very short time.

In the first year of life, a child's brain develops too rapidly. Every day, and even every hour, a child learns something new, remembers and records impressions and sensations in the brain. According to pediatric specialists, it is very important that children crawl independently during this period:

Firstly, the musculoskeletal system, muscles of the back, legs and arms are strengthened;

Secondly, the process of crawling helps develop coordination and connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain;

Thirdly, by independently getting up from all fours, the child learns to look for support, and sometimes falling, improves balance, learns stability and caution.

The harm of walkers is that parents deprive the baby of the opportunity to independently acquire these very important skills.

Possible harm of walkers for a child

1. There is an opinion that walkers are harmful and can even slow down the development of children, especially during the period when they try to take their first steps on their own. After all, in a walker, the child simply pushes off with his feet, while he does not make a conscious movement forward, does not maintain balance, which is why it is much more difficult for him to take the first step.

2. Wheels give the walker mobility, and the child often feels insecure and disoriented in the space of the room: pushing off with his legs, he moves in the opposite direction from the object of interest to him.

3. The baby is forced to constantly be at the same level from the floor, does not have the opportunity to sit down or bend over, take a toy from the floor, or coordinate his movements. This can also be classified as the harm of walkers for children.

4. If the child is inactive, does not crawl on his own, and the mother uses a walker as a means of support, this is not only harmful, but also very dangerous: the increased load on the fragile musculoskeletal system will subsequently negatively affect the spine and hip joints.

5. Although the support of the children's device has a fairly wide radius, the child is still not 100% safe from tipping over - he can bend over strongly and reach for the toy.

IMPORTANT! It is prohibited to use walkers for children with weak muscle tone, as well as with symptoms of rickets and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The benefits of walkers in child development

There is practically no obvious benefit from this “cunning” device. Honestly, many people believe that there is much more real benefit for the mother than for the baby to acquire any skills.

But, if your baby has already explored all the corners of the room on all fours and crawls quite well and quickly, it means that he has fairly strong muscles and a skeleton, and a walker, at a minimum, will not harm the child. On the contrary, it will be useful for him to move vertically on his own for a long time, discover “new horizons” for himself, and move from room to room (of course, under the supervision of his parents).

The wide base of the walker will prevent baby's ever-present hand from reaching into unwanted places: electrical outlets, hot plates, etc. If there is a need to leave the child unattended for a couple of minutes, walkers will be very useful in this situation.

Various gaming devices that modern walkers are equipped with will also clearly benefit the baby - he will be able to remember the buttons and press the one he needs with his favorite song or animal sounds, etc.

At what age can you use a walker?

The age when you can safely entrust your child to a walker is very individual and depends only on the full physical development of the baby. On average, it ranges from 7 to 9 months. At this time, the bones of the skeleton are already quite strong, and it will be very interesting for the child to get acquainted with a large toy and experience new sensations.

In the first days, especially the child shows interest, activity, tries to increase the speed of movement, move in a certain direction - this is quite a useful physical activity. In any case, you should not rush with a walker, let your baby get stronger. Walkers should not be a “basket” for a child, but a real means of transportation!

The main thing is not to “go too far”

Obviously, there are many more disadvantages than the obvious advantages of using walkers, although if you approach the issue rationally, finding the “golden mean”, it is very easy and simple to avoid the negative consequences of a device on wheels.

The main guide when using walkers for a caring mother should be the child’s positive feelings, comfort and voluntary desire to be in them. Alternating between different methods of movement and physical activity will definitely benefit the child. If the baby sits confidently and sits down on his own from a lying position, then you can leave him in the walker for a while.

Regular massages, gymnastics, and active crawling will help strengthen muscles and increase their tone. But no matter how prepared the baby is, you should not leave him in all kinds of devices for a long time. This can lead to deformed baby feet, or the habit of walking on their toes.

Many devices have been invented for the physical development of modern children, some of which are attracting both admiring reviews and a lot of controversy. One of these is walkers, the benefits and harms of which are debated year after year by both children’s specialists and parents themselves.

Does a child need a walker?

The opinions of specialists, recommendations of doctors and reviews of parents regarding the benefits and harms of walkers for children are divided. No one can say whether boys and girls need this device. Some argue that a kind of stilt causes and can even become the cause. Others loudly declare that baby walkers will help an active baby learn about the world around him better and faster.

On the issue of the pros and cons of baby walkers, doctors agree on one thing - a baby gurney can be used only after a thorough examination of the child’s health and physical skills. And if there are no contraindications, you can buy a walker for your child, however, you must take into account all the pros and cons.

When baby walkers can cause harm (contraindications)

There are a number of contraindications, if at least one of which is present, it is better to avoid using a walker.

The baby does not know how to confidently hold his back and has not yet learned to sit on his own.
The child has disturbances in the development of the musculoskeletal system.
The child has signs of rickets, a diagnosis has been made, or congenital.
The tone of the baby’s legs is decreased or increased.
The presence of skin diseases, inflammation, or in areas where the baby’s body comes into contact with the seat of the walker.
Developmental delay in any form.
The child is afraid of an unfamiliar “vehicle” or is sick.

It is harmful to put a toddler in a walker and then when he is capricious, mood swings are observed, or the child refuses to move around the house on a children's gurney.

At what age can you put a child in a walker?

When to buy walkers for children, each parent decides for himself. The optimal age for purchasing this baby accessory is considered to be 6-9 months. However, most pediatricians and participants in forums for modern parents agree that what is more important in this matter is not the child’s age, but physical and psychological development.

Three signs indicate that a baby’s musculoskeletal system is strong enough to use a walker:

the child crawls quickly on all fours;
sits steadily for a long time without falling to one side;
The little one holds on to the support, leans on it and stands up on his own.

You can safely purchase this children's accessory even when the little one is actively interested in everything around him and happily accepts the appearance of new toys.

The benefits of walkers for child development

Child mobility is one of the main arguments in favor of walkers. Moving around the house in this device, the baby actively participates in the life of the family, gets to know the world around him, and receives positive emotions and impressions. In addition, while in a walker, he understands that he is able not only to lie and sit, but also to move, look around at objects that interest him and easily turn in their direction.

Being in an upright position, the child sees what was previously inaccessible. Active movements in a walker help strengthen muscles and have a beneficial effect on all body systems. The little man gets a lot of pleasure from realizing new abilities and possibilities. In addition, walkers help the baby “work up” an appetite, get tired from playing and fall asleep soundly in the evening.

The benefits of baby walkers also include freeing up mother's hands, giving her a chance to do household chores and just relax. Fatigue, stress, and loss of strength often result from the fact that a woman has to be torn between her child, other family members, and everyday worries. By placing the baby in the walker, she can observe him from a distance, while performing equally useful functions.

Why using a walker can be harmful to a child

In addition to the advantages, using a walker also has a number of obvious disadvantages. Thus, a “harmful” accessory creates an additional danger for the child. The baby can move around rooms at high speed, crashing into objects that get in his way. It is not difficult to eliminate this drawback - just choose a stable model of walker with a wide frame or attach a special holder to the device. And of course, the mother should not lose sight of the baby for a minute.

When using even the best walkers, a small child places additional stress on the back, which in the future can cause spinal curvature. Here it is worth considering that the natural age for human upright walking is 1 year. By the way, the harm that walkers can cause to the legs in the form of curvature and flat feet has no scientific evidence.

An interesting point in listing the disadvantages of baby walkers is the lack of walking skills. It would seem that in a walker the child already stands on his own feet and moves in any direction. However, a child's device on wheels does not teach the baby balance, because he rather hangs rather than stands in it. Naturally, by the age of one, it will be difficult for a child to learn to walk.

After weighing the pros and cons of walkers, watching a video using this children's accessory and studying the recommendations of children's doctors, parents should also take into account the rules for using the device:

the time the baby stays in a wheelchair is less than 40 minutes, and it is better to start with 3 minutes (as recommended by pediatrician Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky);
the accessory, regardless of the material of manufacture (wooden or plastic), must be stable, reliable and safe;
From time to time you should check whether the child is comfortable in the device.

The last word always remains with the parents. Only a loving mother and a caring father decide whether to protect the baby from the “real evil” that opponents of this children’s device see in walkers, or whether to buy the child such a bright, exciting and interesting toy.

Comment on the article "Walkers for children: benefits and harm"

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Walkers are one of the many devices designed to make the life of a modern mother easier. The grown-up baby explores all corners of the apartment, crawls, and it is very difficult to keep track of the little one.

The benefits and harms of walkers cause a lot of controversy, but many mothers buy this device. Correct use will give the mother half an hour of rest, and will allow the child to take his first steps without the help of adults.

What it is

Does a child need a walker? What is the children's accessory for? Is it true that the original device strengthens the legs and teaches the child to walk? There are many myths and misconceptions associated with walkers.

Baby walkers resemble a small table with a large hole in the middle and a seat in which the baby can comfortably fit. The unusual “table” at the bottom has wheels for moving around the room.

Transformable models easily turn into a convenient table for creative activities or a gaming center. Walkers support the baby and provide support in front. The device helps children move around the apartment.

“Walkers will teach a child to walk earlier” - this myth was dispelled by pediatricians long ago. The device provides additional support, the child coordinates body movements less and relaxes. If you keep your toddler in a walker for a long time, it will be difficult for him to wean himself from reliable support while walking around the apartment; the baby will definitely take his first steps on his own later.

At what age can you use it?

Some children's doctors do not recommend using walkers at all, others consider them quite safe, but subject to certain rules. Most pediatricians allow a child to be placed in a walker no earlier than 6–7 months. What is more important is not age, but physical and psychological development.

Pay attention to three important signs of a sufficient level of strength of the musculoskeletal system:

the child actively crawls on all fours;
the baby sits well, does not fall to one side without support for a long time;
The toddler independently holds onto support, leans, and stands up.

Never use a walker in the following situations, regardless of age:

the baby has decreased or increased muscle tone in the legs;
the skin is irritated and damaged in places where the child’s body comes into contact with the surface of the “table on wheels”;
The toddler has problems with the musculoskeletal system;
The child was diagnosed with rickets.

Many parents ask who can be put in a walker first: a boy or a girl? Pediatricians answer unequivocally: “The sex of the child is not important. Only after 6 months can an active baby be offered a new device. A prerequisite is a sufficient level of physical development described above.”

Kinds

Before purchasing a device, find out what types are available on the market for children’s products:

classic models. The product has a traditional shape: a frame on wheels, inside of which there is a seat for a toddler. When purchasing, check with the seller whether it is possible to adjust the stability of the structure and the seat for the baby;
walker children's. The product is most often large in size and has good stability. The principle of operation is that the child leans on a walker-wheelchair, pushes the structure on wheels in front of him and walks behind it. There is no load on the spine, as in the classic version. Pay attention to the correct placement of your feet;
transforming models. The device is suitable not only for physical development, but also for useful games. Original products combine the functions of a play center, walker, rocking chair, and table. Choose a device with a bright color, music, bright toys, and an educational panel.

Advice! Check how many wheels the device has. Many parents do not pay attention to this moment, but in vain. A larger number of wheels (preferably 6 to 8) provides good stability.

Benefits and harms

The opinion of pediatricians has not changed for several years. Doctors believe that parents need walkers more than children.

Some experts categorically prohibit the use of the original device, others allow it, but always point out the limitations. Find out what positive and negative features the design has.

Advantages:

The mother’s hands are freed up for a while, she can watch the baby from the other end of the room and go about her business;
the child gets new impressions and actively explores the world within the apartment. The little one becomes more mobile and receives a lot of positive emotions;
If your baby really wants to walk, but not everything works out, buy a wheelchair. A useful device will help an inquisitive toddler quench his thirst for knowledge and calmly explore such an attractive space in the apartment;
many models (transformers, gurneys) develop useful skills, show types of geometric shapes, colors, sizes of objects. At the same time, walkers help entertain the baby: many models are equipped with toys and music;
The “correct” design with a comfortable frame protects well from impacts when colliding with pieces of furniture, protrusions, and corners. A frame of sufficient width does not allow a curious little one to reach interesting but dangerous objects or get into narrow places.

Flaws:

traditional, classical models do not teach walking: the little one sits and just pushes off the floor with his legs;
long-term use slows down the physiological development of muscles and the skeletal system;
problems with the development of the legs, curvature of the spine often develops if the baby rides around the room for a long time inside an “unusual table”;
not all children are allowed a structure for support during movement for medical reasons;
when in the device, the child does not understand how to fall correctly, how to balance so as not to fall. The toddler's caution becomes dull; when walking independently, the likelihood of dangerous situations is higher;
the device often leads to injuries, especially when moving on sliding, smooth surfaces (linoleum, laminate, tile). The child develops high speed, runs into an obstacle, often a corner or sharp edge of furniture, and is injured.

How to use it correctly

Moving the baby using the original design will not harm the baby if the following conditions are met:

buy high quality products, with durable elements, a sufficiently wide frame;
Always check if the little one is comfortable and if their legs push off the floor well. Adjust the seat as necessary;
check that the dense material does not rub the genital area. The requirement applies to boys and girls;
Buy the device no earlier than 7 months, when the musculoskeletal system is sufficiently strong. Always comply with this requirement. Do not rush to put a weak child with poor physical development into a walker: scoliosis, problems with muscles and feet will probably appear;
Strictly limit the time you use the walker; do not allow your child to spend an hour or two or more in it. The first two or three “hikes” should last from 3 to 5 minutes. After a couple of weeks, the child should roll around the apartment for no more than 40 minutes during the day. The ideal option is 3-4 times for 10-15 minutes;
If you are in doubt whether to buy an original design or not, pay attention to the wheelchair. The device encourages the child to walk independently, but only creates support in front so that the little one is more confident. Choose models of bright colors in the shape of a train, a bicycle, etc., with a comfortable handle that the young explorer will hold on to. Be sure to check the stability of the structure.

Important! While your baby is moving around the room, monitor his movements. You cannot put your toddler in a walker and go to another room. Injuries are more likely to happen when parents are not around.

How to put a child in a walker

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your little one so that he can push off the floor well. Without comfortable shoes (orthopedic sandals), the foot will not be able to take the correct position while moving around the apartment;
adjust the design according to the height of the young researcher. An important rule: the foot must be completely on the floor. The situation when the baby lightly touches the floor with his toes is an unacceptable option;
check the position of the legs. How to do it correctly: lower limbs slightly bent at the knees. This position allows the little one to actively push off the floor and move calmly.

When purchasing, pay attention to several characteristics:

brand awareness, reviews from parents;
structural stability;
number of wheels;
frame width;
comfort for the baby;

Price

Many well-known companies that produce products for children of all ages offer parents dozens of models of walkers. Designs of different sizes and shapes are presented in supermarkets and stores selling children's things. You can buy baby walkers in the online store.

The price of walkers depends on several factors:

brands, models;
presence/absence of additional elements (toys, music console);
the material from which the structure is made.

The cost of models ranges from 2000 to 4500 rubles. For 3,500 rubles, it’s easy to choose a design with the maximum range of gaming and educational elements.

A special device called a walker was invented to help a child aged six months and older move independently and explore the world around him. This product has a seat and wheels with which the baby can easily cover the distance, pushing off the floor with his feet. Some mothers ask the question of when can they put their baby in a walker. Let's consider this issue in more detail.

Most parents rejoice at the opportunities that walkers provide; they allow mom to relieve her hands and get a little free time for household chores. In addition, the baby gains greater opportunities for movement. This mobility allows us to accelerate its development in many areas.

If you ask experts about when you can put a child in a walker, most of them believe that doing this before six months is not recommended. Although for many children the desire to get up and sit down often arises at an earlier age.

However, the nervous system and musculoskeletal system are not yet prepared for this. And parents should not force things so that the child does not develop a curvature of the spine, which will lead to major health problems in the future.

Contraindications

Despite the enormous advantage of this device, in some cases experts do not recommend their use. Contraindications to placing a child in a walker are:

increased or decreased muscle tone in the legs;
violation of the integrity of the skin and the appearance of diaper rash, rashes in the area of contact with the seat of the walker;
signs of rickets in a baby;
deviations in the structure and functions of the musculoskeletal system.

For parents who want to use a walker, here are some recommendations:

This device should not be used on a child under 6 months of age;
The baby’s legs in the walker should be straight;
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes;
Before using the device, you should adjust it depending on the baby’s height;
While in the walker, the baby should not be left unattended.

At what age should I use it?

When asked about how many months a child can use a walker, modern scientists and pediatricians find it difficult to give very precise dates for the start of their use. The fact is that each child is an individual and develops at his own pace. Therefore, in order to understand the readiness of the baby’s body to be placed in a walker, a number of factors should be taken into account:

In any case, this cannot be done before 6 months; the most optimal age is called 7-8 months, it is at this time that the muscles are already physically ready to support the baby in the correct vertical position. Point in a walker, the baby can walk only if he confidently rises to his feet with the help of support or holding hands with adults
The proof that the back muscles are ready for use; the device for moving is the child’s ability to sit down independently and remain in this position for some time without falling to one side; all this can happen between the ages of 6 and 8 months approximately
In addition, the child must be psychologically ready to use a walker. The baby must show physical activity, the desire to crawl quickly, walk with the help and support of adults and in every possible way and signal that he wants to expand his horizons of knowledge with the help of a new method of movement. However, if the baby does not even show the desire to crawl, then when using a walker he can completely skip this stage of development, which is completely undesirable and has a negative effect on muscle development

Features of using walkers for boys

Since it is necessary to take into account the baby’s gender when using walkers, some parents are of the opinion that this is undesirable for boys. Many mothers and fathers say that walkers can negatively affect the development of the genitourinary system of a future man, since when walking in them, friction occurs in the perineal area, and even in this device, the genitals are subjected to pressure.

If you ask experts, they believe that it is not necessary to completely exclude the use of walkers in boys, but the recommendations for their use should be followed. They say that, regardless of gender, a baby should stay in a walker for approximately forty minutes a day, and no more

What about the girls?

If we talk about such a device as walkers, from how many months can they be used in girls, then this question is also quite acute. The fact is that it is in infancy that they are susceptible to dysplasia of the pelvic bones and joints. This deviation can be greatly aggravated by early sitting, standing and using a walker. It is especially dangerous if a deviation in the musculoskeletal system of the pelvic bones was not noticed and diagnosed in time.

Therefore, before you finally decide at what age girls can use walkers, you need to take your baby to the doctor and undergo a thorough examination, as well as pay attention to her physical fitness. The health of the pelvic bones is especially important for girls, as they are expectant mothers. When can you put your baby in girls' walkers? Only after the attending physician allows it.

How to choose the right products

In order to select a device, you should definitely study the instructions and design of this device. Since there are so many manufacturers now, you should carefully choose and remember the following:

Walkers must be equipped with a rigid and high back. This will ensure that the baby is positioned correctly, and we should not forget that even at the age of 7-8 months, the child’s musculoskeletal system is not yet fully developed.
They must have a triangular base that is stable.
The fabric from which the seats are made should be waterproof and not too soft or hard.
The product must have a sufficient number of wheels; it is believed that the more, the better.
The height must be adjustable.
It's best if they have a table top to put toys on.

Walkers: pros and cons

Using a walker has many positive aspects:

the child can gain new emotions and sensations, and this is very useful for his psycho-emotional development;
the baby feels greater freedom, independently exploring the environment, and has the opportunity to take the right toy;
staying in an upright position allows the baby to perceive the world around him differently;
an increase in motor activity intensively forms new neural connections in the central nervous system and develops muscles;
the baby has the opportunity to play in the walker, since various balls, rings and rattles are usually attached there, and their use develops fine motor skills;
The design features of the walker provide a certain safety for the child, and allow parents to get some respite.

However, many experts oppose walkers, citing the following factors:

they inhibit the development of motor skills, since children who use walkers begin to walk later than their peers;
they allow the child to hold himself upright with less effort, in addition, the baby walks on tiptoe in them, which leads to improper development of the ankle;
The child cannot squat, pull up or squat with a walker.
prolonged stay in a walker leads to curvature of the spine, as the spinal muscles are overstrained;
the more the baby uses a walker, the less he crawls, and this negatively affects development (crawling strengthens the muscles and prepares the child for independent vertical walking);
walkers do not allow the child to fully develop the correct sense of space and the ability to maintain confident balance;
the device reduces the baby’s sense of danger, and he does not learn to fall correctly, which can subsequently lead to serious injuries when walking without a walker;
sensations of cold, hot and other tactile senses do not develop with the help of walkers, since the baby cannot touch most objects in this state;
Although trauma in walkers is reduced to a minimum, nevertheless, when moving quickly, a child can hit directly against this device, and in some cases, walkers turn over or run into some obstacles.

conclusions

To summarize, it should be noted that although walkers, on the one hand, help improve the psycho-emotional and physical development of the baby, at the same time they also have many negative aspects when using them:

In infants, normal physical development is inextricably linked with psycho-emotional development. Child psychologists and doctors say that the period during which a child actively crawls is very important for the formation of his psyche for the rest of his life. The use of the device leads to the fact that the child practically does not crawl or crawls less than would be possible without them. For this reason, many experts are inclined to believe that comprehensive development is thus slowed down.
The relative freedom of movement that is provided to a child wearing a walker, as well as the opportunity to actively explore the environment, objects and the whole world, is a positive thing. But the psycho-emotional development of the child, as has already been proven, suffers. Children often wearing walkers begin to walk much later; their self-preservation instinct and sense of danger are poorly developed. And when they try to walk independently, they experience great uncertainty, and more often than other kids they look for opportunities to lean on the wall or the hands of their parents.

Regarding whether a child needs a walker, Komarovsky claims that such a device is more needed by parents to sometimes relax, and not by the baby. He believes that the baby should be planted no earlier than 7-8 months.

Video by Dr. Komarovsky about walkers and sitting up children

When asked about the age at which baby walkers can be used, many pediatricians believe that it is more appropriate to use a playpen for normal development. It somewhat expands the possibilities of movement, protects the baby from traumatic situations, but does not hinder movement and allows for physical development. The child in the playpen sits down, stands up, and steps on his own, using the sides as support. And most importantly, he can actively crawl in it.