walkers

does anyone have a walker? i have the stationary entertainer but spencer wants to follow me to every room i go in. any thoughts on the walkers and their safety would be appreciated. thanks! btw i have a colonial so obviously i would only use it downstairs!

Re: walkers

I am kind of against the type of walker where you put the baby in the chair that's like an exersaucer but it has wheels. I think it promotes walking on tippytoes and doesn't allow the child to strengthen thier leg muscles because they are being supported by the seat. Obviously this is with extra use. Maybe I'm biased but I have a fmaily member who did this and the baby didn't start walking on her own until about 17-18 months and even now only walks and runs on her tippy toes.

However I do LOVE push-toy types of walkers---that provide some support for them to hold onto something. We have this fisher price car and also a shopping cart by Leap Frog. I'll try and post pics of both of them!

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Message edited 8/4/2006 9:54:26 AM.

Re: walkers

We used a walker for Claire and she absolutely LOVED it and it helped her be a little independent and move around to explore. I actually do think it helped to strengthen her legs and use her muscles. She walked on her own at 12 months and has never had a problem. Of course safety is key here, make sure danger areas are gated off.

Re: walkers

walking on their toes is also very important - it helps develop their arch of their foot -

flat feet cause a lot of problems to people later - encourage walking on toes especially if either parent has flat feet or low arches