Walkers

Many of you say you love them. Have no stairs to worry about here. SO my question is how old were they when you started using them? WHen do you think you'll stop? just wondering if it is worth the investment.

 

LOVE them here! I started using them around 6 months, they couldn't go anywhere at first, but had fun sitting in them! Then they figured out that they moved, backwards at first, now they are RUNNING full speed around the house! It's really cute. I will use them until they start walking on their own. I found both of mine at a consignment shop...just a thought!
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I couldn't use walkers with the twins (too many stairs) but I used them with my older 3 and I don't know what I would've done without them! I agree you can start putting them in just to sit and hang out until they can get moving..probably as soon as they can hold their head up pretty well. Have fun!

 

We started here around 8 months. I didnt start earlier b/c we dont have much room and I have 5 dogs so I was worried the kids would run over the dogs but I think they got frustrated just sitting around that I bought 2. They LOVE them and the dogs dont mind being run over anymore

 

I don't have stairs either and have used walker for all 4 boys.
The walker I have now has a tray with lots for them to do so (here's a pic of it with Zachary) it sorta acted as an exersaucer before they could go anywhere. I put them in around 4 months and now they go to town running everywhere. In the past I've let them play in until around when they started walking well- they got tired of the restrictions when they could get around well on their own.

 

I started putting mine in them at 4 months. They did really good in them... they could hold their heads up in them, look around, they couldn't move it yet of course, but the enjoyed being in that upright position.

I have them on video camera... and they are just smiling, it is too cute.

 

I didn't use walkers but I just wanted to point out some other concerns, besides just the stairs to keep in mind when considering walkers.

From the AAP website.....

quote:
Children in baby walkers can:
# Get burned - a child can reach higher when in a walker. A cup of hot coffee on the table, pot handles on the stove, a radiator, fireplace, or space heater are all now in baby's reach.
# Drown - a child can fall into a pool, bathtub, or toilet while in a walker.
# Be poisoned - reaching high objects is easier in a walker.
# Pinch fingers and toes - by getting them caught between the walker and furniture.


and this is the part of the article that sticks out the most to me......

Most walker injuries happen while adults are watching. Parents and other caregivers simply cannot respond quickly enough. A child in a walker can move more than 3 feet in 1 second!

Just somethings to consider and think about.

 

We started putting them in a walker at 9 months because they got their walker for Christmas (when they turned 9 months). Our house isn't really conducive to them getting around really well in the walker, but it does keep them occupied in the kitchen while I cook or one is finishing up their food and the other's done and wanted out of the high chair. And our basement is almost done with a lot of laminate flooring, so they'll have fun down there in the walker.

 

Given the chance, I might use walkers occasionally because I think they look like something a baby would enjoy, I know we all grew up using them. But, the Canadian government banned the sale of them here back in 2004. You are not even allowed to sell them second hand at garage sales, etc. There are several other countries (Australia is one) that are considering similar bans.

I just wanted to add a couple of things to what Dianne said - according to Health Canada, 30 - 40% of babies who use a walker will have at least one injury, head injuries & burns are the most common. Also, there is some evidence that they delay walking because babies use muscles in the backs of their legs for pushing a walker, not developing the front muscles which are also important for walking. I'm not saying you shouldn't use them, just some info worth knowing about.

 

We love ours too! I think we started around 6mos too. We just had 1 but quickly learned we needed 2. When we had 1 they would fight over it. My more mobile one would hang off of it if the other one was in it. We bought 2 really inexpensive ones. I wouldn't spend the money for one that has lots of toys on it.We are still using ours a couple times day. If I need to get something done they will follow me around the house. I attached a video of my boys when they only had 1. It's about 3 mos old but still funny, the best part is at the end of the video!

Both of my guys are starting to walk now which is a little early for their adjusted age so for us it didn't keep them from learning to walk.

We have 2 of these cheaper ones
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?p...rentPage=family

Video of Cooper hanging on to the walker
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=1bdf0...medium=text_url