Every year, more and more devices appear in stores, the purpose of which is to facilitate the life of young mothers and the development of babies. One such item is a baby walker. A young family begins to think about buying this item by the age of six months. At this age, the child becomes already active enough to learn with interest the world around him, but not yet mobile enough to do it on his own without any risk to himself. Our rating of the best walkers for children will help you to understand the variety of models and not make the wrong choice.
Content
A walker is a mobile device that allows a toddler who cannot walk on his own to move around without the help of an adult. The device looks like a highchair for feeding a baby, but on wheels. This fixture consists of a seat, a base with wheels attached to them, and a table top. The child is in the walker in such a position that his butt rests on the seat, and his legs touch the floor. Therefore, he can take his first steps with the support of a gurney.
There is a lot of controversy regarding the benefits of this mobility device for a child. Experts differ in their opinions. Some believe that the correct use of the walker will only benefit the baby, while others are sure that this device is more harmful. In some ways, both sides are right.
The devices can harm children with musculoskeletal problems. In this case, the baby's health can only worsen. All other children will find helpers for independent walking. The child will become familiar with the environment on his own, and the young mother will have some time to do household chores.
To use this device is not harmful, you must follow some rules:
Dr. Komarovsky's opinion on walkers:
There are several varieties of baby walkers.
The simplest classic model of such a device is a seat with folding legs, casters and a table top. Such devices will come in handy if there is a need to provide the baby with the opportunity to simply move around the apartment without the help of an adult.
Transformer walkers can be used not only for movement, but also for play. Often, such a device has several functional additions, for example, a game pad, devices for the development of motor skills and sensory abilities. The design of such a walker can be easily changed, if necessary, taking a horizontal position. Such models are suitable for children who can already hold the back well and sit straight.
Wheelchair walkers are suitable for babies who can already stand firmly, independently rise on their legs and take their first steps. This design is a toy with wheels and a handle that the baby can push in front of him. Such devices exclude the possibility of deformation of the child's spine. Wheelchair walkers can be made in the shape of a toy car or play center.
It is necessary to choose a suitable walker model wisely, taking into account all possible nuances. It is very important to consider the height and weight of the child when choosing a specific model. These parameters must be indicated on the device packaging or in the operating manual.
Important selection criteria are the strength and safety of the device. All metal and plastic parts must be made of non-toxic durable materials, free of any chips and notches, chemical odors, sharp corners, roughness.
If there is not enough space in the apartment, then you should prefer folding models that, when folded, do not take up much space in the house. It is also important to consider the size of the doorways in the apartment and the dimensions of the gurney. It is preferable to choose devices in which the seat height can be adjusted to the child's height.
It is better to purchase models with a wide rectangular base, which is more stable than a round one. The child will feel most confident in the walker, the frame of which is a truncated pyramid.
Pay attention to the number of wheels. It is generally accepted that the more of them, the more stable the model. There must be brakes on each wheel so that the walker can be stopped for play. Wheels can be made of plastic or silicone. It is better to choose models with silicone wheels that do not make noise when driving and do not spoil the flooring.
The seat should be roomy and wide, with a rigid backrest without bends. Upholstery material can be oilcloth or fabric. It is best to choose an oilcloth seat with a removable fabric cover. If necessary, this cover can be easily removed and washed.
The table top of such devices should be wide. This will provide additional protection against possible collisions and prevent falls. The table should be removable so that it can be easily removed and washed if necessary.
Additionally, other elements can be provided for insuring the child and his development. For example, a play center will provide additional entertainment for a child, while a harness and a handle for an adult will make using the device more convenient.
Now in stores there is a huge selection of classic walkers, differing not only in design, but also in price. When choosing the model you like for your baby, you need to take into account all possible nuances. According to buyers, the following models can be called the best.
This model has a striking, attractive design. The design has 4 pairs of rubberized wheels and several stop feet to fix the walker in a stationary position. The model is suitable for a small apartment, as it has modest dimensions and low weight. There are three positions for adjusting the device in height.
The average price is 2900 rubles.
This model of walker is useful for children from six months of age.The greatest weight of a child can be 13 kg. The gurney is equipped with an attractive developmental panel with mirrors, keys and rustling details. The panel can be removed and used separately. A wide and comfortable seat is provided for the child. There is a motion sickness mode for the smallest children. The model is characterized by high quality combined with reasonable price and the safety of a stable case.
The average price is 3000 rubles.
The secret of the popularity of this model lies in the excellent combination of a pleasant price and high quality. This model of walker has not only an attractive appearance, but also a stable reliable structure that will not allow the child to tip over while moving. The baby carriage has 8 silicone wheels, made of reliable materials that are not harmful to health. These devices are suitable for babies from the age of six months, the maximum load that is permissible for the device is 12 kg.
The average price is 3600 rubles.
Walker video demonstration:
The weight of these devices, made in the form of a gurney, is only 1800 grams. The design of the model is versatile, which makes them suitable for both girls and boys. With the help of this wheelchair, the child will not only learn to walk quickly, but also keep balance. This toy can be used by a baby from the age of 9 months to 2 years.
The average price is 3500 rubles.
This model of a gurney is equipped with an excellent development center with many items of a very different design and purpose. In this case, the toys can be removed and used separately from the gurney. The toys on the panel are designed to develop motor skills, logic and dexterity. Being in such a walker develops not only the child's physical abilities, but also his intellect. Besides the fact that the devices meet all the necessary requirements for children's toys and are of excellent quality, they are also inexpensive.
The average price is 2300 rubles.
Demonstration of walkers - in the video:
The model, created by one of the most popular manufacturers of children's toys, combines not only a device for teaching the first steps, but also a multifunctional toy. For the convenience of the baby, there are two seat positions, as well as a special handle that will help the child take his first steps. The body is made in the shape of a lion and cannot fail to attract the attention of the baby. The walkers are made of high quality materials, the play center can reproduce different sounds, lighting effects. Using these devices, the baby will quickly learn to take the first steps and pronounce the first sounds.
The advantages of this model are clearly shown in the video:
The average price is 11,300 rubles.
This manufacturer decided to combine walkers and jumpers in one device and released walkers with springs. Such a multifunctional device will help the child develop a sense of balance, form walking and jumping skills.This model is made in the form of a scooter, which cannot fail to attract the attention of a child. For the kid, an imitation of a steering wheel and even engine sounds is provided. When you touch the lever, the device plays a melody and plays sound effects. For the production of the case, the highest quality materials are used, which ensures the durability of the walkers and protects them from scratches, abrasion and other damage. The seat is removable so it is easy to clean. The seat can be taken apart if necessary.
The average price is 6000 rubles.
Video review of this model:
As you can see, there are many different models of baby walkers that will help your child not only learn how to move independently, but will also keep them entertaining for a long time. For parents, walkers are helpful too. A young mother will be able to take time for herself or do some household chores while the baby is busy playing with the walker. The use of this device is safe for the baby due to its special design, which does not allow to roll over or get hurt.