When Can Baby Use A Walker?

It’s never too soon for children to begin walking. But there are some things you should know about using baby walkers.

When can baby use a walker? The best age for using a walker is around 12 months when your baby has shown an interest in standing up and walking. Before this stage, avoid using it as it could cause injury or lead to delays in walking.

While there is no official age limit on when your baby should stop using a walker, most experts agree that around 18 months is the right time to stop using one.

A walker gives your baby more mobility and independence. However, it also has risks: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), falls are the most common reason for injuries among children using walkers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 

When can a walker be used for an infant?

A baby walker is a beautiful way to encourage your child’s development and encourage them to take their first steps. 

However, the problem is that there are many types of walkers on the market, and not all of them are safe for babies. 

This guide outlines when you can use a baby walker and what you need to look out for when choosing one.

Safety tips

As with all products, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using any piece of equipment. With this in mind, here are some safety tips that should be adhered to:

Check the age limit before purchasing a walker. Walkers come in different sizes and shapes, so if you want to buy one with wheels instead of legs (or vice versa), then make sure that your baby can fit into it properly before making the purchase. 

You may also want to consider buying one with adjustable features so that it can grow along with your child as they develop into toddlers. It’s also worth noting that many walkers have height adjustments throughout childhood.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies stay in the same room with their caregivers until they’re at least six months old and don’t sleep alone until 12 months old. 

If you put your baby in a walker at four months old, it might not be safe for them to use it until closer to 6 months old. 

When should I stop using a walker for my child?

The answer depends on your child’s physical development.

For example, suppose your child has been using a walker for at least six months and has good balance and control over the baby’s arms and legs. In that case, the baby may be ready to transition to a regular four-wheeled mobility device such as a scooter or power chair. 

However, if your child has not reached these milestones yet, they may need to continue using the walker for another few weeks or months.

It’s also important to remember that some children enjoy using the walker and will continue using it even when they can walk without assistance.

A physical therapist can help you determine when it’s safe for your child to stop using the walker, but it should be noted that there’s no single “right” age at which it’s appropriate for every kid to ditch their old friend. 

However, if your child has been using a walker before age two and has been walking independently for at least six months, they’re likely ready to abandon their mobility aid and go it alone. 

Another critical factor is whether your child can use the walker safely without falling or making harmful movements. 

If your child has reached this level, then it’s time to take away their walker and give them a chance to practice walking independently on their own.

When is the right time for a baby walker?

You may be surprised to learn that babies don’t need a walker until 12 months old.

Babies who use walkers are more likely to develop flat feet and fall over as they cannot balance themselves properly.

Also, babies in walkers tend to move around less, which means they develop weaker muscles and don’t develop the same coordination as babies who crawl on all fours.

However, if you feel your baby is ready for a walker, some features make these devices safer than others:

Look for one with an adjustable seat and handlebars with an anti-slip cover. The seat should be able to recline into several different positions so your child can sit upright, lie back, or even sleep in it when they get tired. 

The handlebars should be adjustable so you can set them at different heights depending on your child’s age.

Ensure the safety brakes work correctly and do not lock if you press them too hard. Also, check that there are no sharp edges on any parts of the product that could injure your baby’s hands or feet if they fall out of it while playing with other toys nearby.

FAQs

When to Put Your Baby in a Walker? You’ll want to start thinking about putting your baby in a walker when the baby’s about six months old and when your child can sit up on her own and hold her head up. 

You may want to use one of the babies that don’t crawl yet but seem ready for more freedom than being carried around all day.

If you decide that your baby is ready for an activity center or walker, make sure it doesn’t have any sharp edges or corners where your child could get hurt if the baby tumbles over while playing.

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Ready for a Walker? If you’ve already been trying to get your little one walking by holding their hands and letting them take steps, the baby should be ready for a walker. 

If not, try helping the baby stand up with your support and let go of your hands once the baby’s standing securely on its own; if the baby falls back down right away, then try again after another week and see how things go.

When can the baby use a walker? In general, baby walkers should not be used until your child is at least ten months old because, before this age, they do not have sufficient control over their bodies to use one safely. 

If you decide that it is safe for your child to use a walker before they turn one year old, here are some tips:

Watch them closely when using their walker so you can step in if necessary.

Make sure there are no stairs in the house or garden where they will play with the walker — if possible, try to keep them away from stairs altogether.