A baby walker is a great way to keep your little one both entertained and safe. If you’re curious about when your baby should start using a walker and what you should look for in a walker, read on
When Does Baby Use Walker? When your baby can sit up unassisted, they will be ready to use a walker. It is important that the baby can hold their head up on their own before using a walker.
When your child can push up on their hands and knees and pull themselves up into a standing position, they may be ready for the next step in mobility: learning how to use a walker.
You’ll want to watch them carefully as they learn how to move around with this new equipment because it is easy for babies this age to fall over if they are not used properly or if there are no safety precautions surrounding them when using the walker.
Once your little one has mastered walking across the room, holding onto furniture for support (or even better—walking around without any assistance), it’s time for them to go solo.
You might think this means taking off running down the street, but actually, it just means letting go of those walls or tables the baby’s been holding onto while the baby walks around their room at home without falling face-first into their toys like we all used to do when learning how
Is your baby ready to use a walker?
The most important thing to remember about walkers is that they are not for every baby. You should only use the walker if your child is old enough, strong enough, and active enough to move around on their own in it.
Generally speaking, babies should be able to sit up unassisted before you introduce them to a walker. However, some experts advise waiting until after your baby turns nine months old before using a walker because this will allow them ample time for developing balance and crawling skills.
If you decide that your child is ready for a walker at an earlier age than nine months (and the manufacturer doesn’t recommend otherwise), consider taking extra precautions such as placing blankets down on all flooring surfaces. So there won’t be any slippery spots where falls could occur.
What should you look for in a baby walker?
There are several things to consider before purchasing a baby walker.
- Safety features
- Materials used in the construction of the walker
- Size—how big is it? Is it too big for your home or apartment? How much space does it take up? Can you move it easily and store it out of sight when not in use?
- Wheels—are they rubber and non-marking or hard plastic with good traction on all surfaces, including carpets? Do they swivel, making steering easy for little ones, or do they lock into place so that children can’t move them sideways on their own (this is especially important if you’re going to use this as part of an active learning environment)
If there are no locks on your wheels, make sure you put something soft under them so that they won’t scratch floors or walls if someone accidentally moves them while walking by.
Walkers come in different sizes and shapes, so read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using them if you’re buying an older model. Amazon has good offers, and have a look.
Can I put my 18-month-old baby in a walker?
18-month-olds can walk with assistance. Babies who are 18 months old can hold onto the walker and push it using their feet while sitting in the seat. If your baby can only stand, they will likely have a hard time using the walker.
18-month-olds should be able to sit up independently, but some may still need help from an adult or older sibling when you put them on the floor.
When your baby has this much control over their body, they’ll be able to hold onto toys for longer periods and will want to reach for things rather than sit still as they do in a high chair at meal times.
Suppose your little one hasn’t gotten into pulling themself up yet. In that case, you’ll probably want your child sitting in a bucket seat that attaches itself directly to the bottom of your staircase or other flat surfaces.
This enables your child to practice walking while holding onto something stable and secure enough not to tip over.
Suppose someone accidentally bumps into the child while entering through another door nearby.
There may not be any barrier preventing such accidents from happening all too often anyway, since most people tend not to pay attention when going through doors, especially if they’re distracted by something else such as talking on a cell phone, etc.
FAQs
How do you use baby walkers? Assemble the baby walker by following the instructions on the box.
Put your baby in a baby walker when they are ready to learn how to walk.
Remove your child from a baby walker when they are no longer using it.
Make sure that you do not use a baby walker if you cannot be attentive at all times while your child is using it.
What age do babies use walkers? If your baby can sit up unassisted and pull themselves up to a standing position, they are ready for a walker.
They should also be able to hold their head up without assistance, crawl, and lift their knees to walk forward.
In addition, babies have been known to use the basic skills needed for using a walker before they turn one year old because they’re so darn cute.
If you think your little one is ready for something more than just crawling around on all fours, the best place to start is by setting them up with an infant seat or activity center that has several different toys attached.
This will help keep them involved in activities while also giving them plenty of room to move around safely while putting toys within reach (and keeping curious hands away from any dangerous areas).
When should baby use walker? The best time to start using a walker is when your baby can sit up unassisted, crawl (or scoot), and take steps with assistance.
As soon as you feel that it’s time for your baby to move their legs, the first step should be helping them learn how to balance themselves while standing up.
- If your child can already stand unassisted and walk on their own, then there’s no need for additional support other than getting used to walking in general.
Just make sure that you have enough space around them, so they don’t trip on anything if they lose their balance.
At what age can babies start using walkers safely? It’s best to wait until your baby can sit up unassisted before using a walker.
This means he’ll have the strength and balance to push off the floor with their feet and propel themself forward.
Babies begin sitting on their own at about six months, but it may take another month or two before they’re ready to cruise around on two legs.
When Does Baby Use Walker? At the end of the day, your baby will likely use their walker soon.
As long as you trust your child’s instincts and don’t force them into it, they’ll be able to figure out how to move around on their own.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with helping them by giving them some guidance and support when needed.