Why to avoid baby walkers?
- Time spent in the Walker inhibits normal development achieved in free sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, free standing with support (ie sofa, person) which is very important to help strengthen muscles and develop motor control
- Babies aren’t physically ready for standing / walking when using Walkers. They use their tiptoes to stand which tightens calf muscles and places too much force through the forefoot
- Walkers encourage abnormal positioning so incorrect /poor forces through bones which could delay bone growth
- No development of core /trunk muscles as baby is supported in the Walker. These muscles are essential for development in standing, walking, coordination.
- Due to positioning with support, there is muscle imbalance where there is overuse of some muscles (front of shins / hips) and poor development of other muscles (calf, buttock)
- No development of balance as supported
- Encourage abnormal movement patterns
- May actually delay babies development of walking on their own
- Can be dangerous – fall down stairs, knocking into furniture