Why walkers are harmful. A device that increases the mobility of the baby - walkers for children: photos and prices, benefits and harms, from what age you can use the accessory. Negative aspects of using walkers: "against" walkers
Walkers are one of the many devices designed to make life easier for a modern mom. A grown-up baby is exploring all corners of the apartment, crawling, it is very difficult to keep track of the little one.
The benefits and harms of walkers cause a lot of controversy, but many mothers buy this device. Correct Application will give mom half an hour of rest, and the child will be allowed to take the first steps without the help of adults.
What it is
Does a child need a walker? What is the children's accessory for? Is it true that the original device strengthens the legs, teaches the child to walk? There are many myths and misconceptions about walkers.
Baby walkers resemble a small table with a large hole in the middle and a seat in which the baby fits comfortably. An unusual "table" at the bottom has wheels for moving around the room.
Transforming models easily turn into a convenient table for creative activities or a game center. Walkers-wheelchairs support the baby, create support in front. The device helps the children to move around the apartment.
“Walkers will teach a child to walk earlier” - this myth has long been dispelled by pediatricians. The device provides additional support, the child coordinates body movements less, relaxes. If you keep the little one in a walker for a long time, it will be difficult for him to wean himself from a reliable support while walking around the apartment, the baby will definitely take the first steps on his own later.
At what age can you use
Some pediatric doctors do not recommend the use of walkers at all, others consider them safe enough, but subject to certain rules. Most pediatricians allow you to put your baby in a walker no earlier than 6-7 months. More important is not age, but physical and psychological development.
Pay attention to three important signs of a sufficient level of strength of the musculoskeletal system:
- the child is actively crawling on all fours;
- the baby sits well, does not fall to one side without support for a long time;
- the little one independently holds on to the support, leans, stands up.
Never use a walker in the following cases, regardless of age:
- in a baby, the muscle tone on the legs is lowered or increased;
- the skin is irritated, damaged in places where the child's body comes into contact with the surface of the "table on wheels";
- the little one has problems with the musculoskeletal system;
- The child was diagnosed with rickets.
Many parents ask who can be put in a walker earlier: a boy or a girl? Pediatricians answer unequivocally: “The sex of the child is not important. Only after 6 months can you offer an active baby a new device. A prerequisite is a sufficient level of physical development, as described above.
Kinds
Before buying a device, find out what varieties are on the market for goods for children:
- classic models. A product of a traditional form: a frame on wheels, inside of which there is a seat for a toddler. At the time of purchase, check with the seller if it is possible to adjust the stability of the structure and the seat for the baby;
- wheelchair walker children's. The product most often has large dimensions, good stability. The principle of operation - the child leans on a wheelchair, pushes the structure on wheels in front of him and follows it. There is no load on the spine, as in the classic version. Pay attention to the correct setting of the feet;
- transformer models. The device is suitable not only for physical development, but also for useful games. Original products combine the functions of a game center, walkers, rocking chairs, tables. Choose a fixture in a bright color, with musical accompaniment, bright toys, and a developmental panel.
Advice! Specify how many wheels the device has. At this point, many parents do not pay attention, but in vain. More wheels (preferably 6 to 8) provide good stability.
Benefit and harm
The opinion of pediatricians has not changed for several years. Doctors believe that parents need walkers more than children.
Some experts categorically prohibit the use of the original device, others allow, but necessarily indicate restrictions. Find out what are the positive and negative features of the design.
Advantages:
- mom's hands are free for a while, she can watch the baby from the other side of the room, go about her business;
- the child receives new impressions, actively learns the world within the apartment. The peanut becomes more mobile, gets a lot of positive emotions;
- if the baby really wants to walk, but not everything works out, buy a walker-wheelchair. A useful device will help an inquisitive toddler quench his thirst for knowledge, calmly explore such an attractive space of the apartment;
- many models (transformers, wheelchairs) develop useful skills, show views geometric shapes, colors, sizes of objects. At the same time, walkers help to entertain the baby: many models are equipped with toys, musical accompaniment;
- The “correct” design with a comfortable frame protects well from impacts when colliding with pieces of furniture, ledges, corners. A frame of sufficient width does not allow a curious toddler to reach interesting but dangerous objects or get into narrow places.
Disadvantages:
- traditional, classic models do not teach to walk: the little one sits, only pushes off the floor with his legs;
- prolonged use slows down the physiological development of muscles and the skeletal system;
- problems with the development of the legs, the curvature of the spine often develops if the baby travels around the room for a long time inside the “unusual table”;
- not all children have a structure for support during movement is allowed for medical reasons;
- while in the device, the child does not understand how to fall correctly, how to balance so as not to fall. At the little one, caution is dulled, with independent walking, the likelihood of dangerous situations is higher;
- the device often leads to injuries, especially when moving on sliding, smooth surfaces (linoleum, laminate, tiles). The child develops great speed, encounters an obstacle, often, a corner or a sharp edge of furniture, is injured.
How to use
Moving the baby with the help of the original design will not harm the crumbs, subject to the following conditions:
- buy items High Quality, with durable elements, enough frame width;
- always check whether the little one is comfortable, whether the legs are well repelled from the floor. Adjust the seat if necessary;
- check if the dense material rubs the genital area. The requirement applies to boys and girls;
- buy a device not earlier than 7 months, when the musculoskeletal system is strong enough. Always comply with this requirement. Do not rush to put in a walker a weak child with a bad physical development: for sure there will be scoliosis, problems with muscles and feet;
- strictly dose the time of using walkers, do not allow the child to spend an hour or two or more in them. The first two or three "hikes" should last from 3 to 5 minutes. After a couple of weeks during the day, the child should ride around the apartment for no more than 40 minutes. Perfect option- 3-4 times for 10-15 minutes;
- if you are in doubt whether to buy the original design or not, pay attention to the wheelchair walker. The device encourages the child to walk independently, only creates a support in front so that the little one is more confident. Choose models in bright colors in the form of a train, a bicycle and so on with a comfortable handle for a young explorer to hold on to. Be sure to check the stability of the structure.
Important! While the baby is moving around the room, watch him move. You can not put the little one in a walker and go to another room. Injuries are more likely to happen when parents are not around.
How to put a baby in a walker
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your little one so that he can push off the floor well. Without comfortable shoes (orthopedic sandals), the foot will not be able to take the correct position while moving around the apartment;
- adjust the design according to the height of the young researcher. An important rule: the foot should be completely on the floor. The situation when the baby lightly touches the floor with socks is an unacceptable option;
- check the position of the legs. How to: lower limbs slightly bent at the knees. This position allows the little one to actively push off the floor, to move calmly.
When buying, pay attention to several characteristics:
- fame of the brand, reviews of parents;
- structural stability;
- the number of wheels;
- frame width;
- comfort for the baby;
- brands, models;
- presence / absence of additional elements (toys, music console);
- material from which the structure is made.
Price
Many well-known companies that produce goods for children of different ages offer parents dozens of models of walkers. Designs of different sizes and shapes are presented in supermarkets, stores selling children's things. You can buy baby walkers in the online store.
The price of walkers depends on several factors:
The cost of models ranges from 2000 to 4500 rubles. For 3500 rubles, it is easy to choose a design with the maximum set of game and developmental elements.
Baby walkers are the subject of many questions and disputes. Some argue that walkers are undoubtedly needed, while others consider them useless and even harmful. We will look into this matter together.
Walkers are a special device for children who do not yet know how to walk. With the help of a walker, the child can move independently. The device is a frame with a seat for the baby, mounted on wheels.
Many believe that walkers are a relatively new invention that greatly simplifies the life of modern parents. It is worth saying that walkers were invented a long time ago, but at some point in time, parents had to abandon this invention.
Back in Soviet times, in the 70s, walkers were discontinued. The reason for this was the opinion of doctors that walkers prevent normal development child's feet, reduce muscle tone. In Canada, they not only discontinued walkers, but even banned imports, considering this device dangerous to children's health.
Now walkers are back on the market, and it's up to parents to decide whether their child needs them or not. It is difficult to say unequivocally whether walkers are harmful. Opinions were divided into two camps.
Baby walkers
Pros of walkers:
- Walkers move the child from a horizontal to a vertical position. Before the baby opens up new opportunities for knowing the world.
- They are not only a device for movement, but also a toy. Rattles, tweeters, music are located on the frame of the walker. This allows the child to develop finger motor skills.
- Teach the child to move independently, teach to walk.
- Mom is released for a while. This is important, since it is difficult for a woman to carry a child in her arms all day and devote all the time to him. Walkers can take the baby for a while, and the mother will take care of business at this time.
Some refute the benefits of walkers, their facts seem very convincing.
Harm of walkers:
- Squeeze the baby's perineum.
2. The child cannot learn to coordinate his actions, as the walker protects him from freedom of movement.
3. The child has only his hands free, he cannot sit, lie down, crawl. This is bad for his psyche.
4. The process of independent walking slows down. The baby gets used to the fact that he is supported by the frame, in connection with this it is difficult for him to learn to walk on his own.
5. One of the main reasons is the incorrect formation of the arch of the foot.
Important: If the child has neurological problems, problems with the formation of the foot, it is necessary to consult the observing doctors. There are children who are undesirable and even contraindicated to walk in walkers.
Walkers: harm or benefit
If you still decide to purchase a walker for your baby, take care of the following:
- Walkers must be of good quality, safe for the baby.
- It is impossible to leave a child for a long time, 30-40 minutes a day in several approaches.
- You can not put a child in a walker if there are diaper rash and irritation on the skin at the points of contact with the seat.
How to choose a walker for a child on Aliexpress | Aliexpress?
Walkers-pushers
This model is compact. Walkers can be folded, they take up very little space.
Folded walkers
The following walker model will protect mom's back from pain. Constant walking by the handle with a child leads to a load on the back of an adult. It is much more convenient to keep the child in a walker, keeping straight position back. It is convenient to take such walkers for a walk, the child will explore the world, and mom will help him.
Walkers-jumpers
For those who want a no-frills walker, there is classic model without rattles on the frame.
A simple model of a walker
How to find and order good baby walkers in the online store Aliexpress | Aliexpress?
You can type the word "walkers" in the search bar. Another way: go to the "All for children" tab, then "Children's products".
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 1
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 2
Here you can sort the products according to the criteria you need. Filtered search makes selection easier.
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 3
When you have decided on the model, proceed to the purchase. Choose the color of the product, click "Buy Now".
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 4
The next step is to clarify the address.
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 5
Check the details of your order - color, quantity, cost. If everything is correct, click "Checkout".
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 6
Choose any convenient payment method and pay for your order.
How to find and order walkers on Aliexpress: step 7
Video: How to choose a walker?
At what age can walkers be used?
- The kid every month masters more and more skills, strives to study the objects around him. The desire of the child to explore the world gives impetus to parents to quickly put him in a walker, thereby opening up new opportunities.
- There are cases when babies at 4-5 months of age are put in walkers. This, of course, is wrong. Parents should not forget that development should be timely, only then it will benefit.
Important: The optimal age for using walkers is 7-8 months, when the child learns to sit and stand at the support on his own. Premature use of walkers can lead to improper formation of the musculoskeletal system.
What time can you put boys in walkers?
Parents of boys are worried about whether walkers will affect the development of the reproductive system. Pediatricians recommend that boys avoid prolonged stay in walkers, but this rule also applies to girls.
Boys can be put in walkers from 7-8 months, the child should be there for no more than 40 minutes a day.
What time can you put boys in walkers
What time can girls be put in walkers?
According to statistics, girls are more prone to hip dysplasia than boys. Before putting the baby in a walker, you need to consult with a pediatrician and a surgeon.
As for age, girls, like boys, are not recommended to be placed in walkers before 7-8 months.
What time can girls be put in walkers
How to teach a child to walk in a walker?
Most children calmly perceive acquaintance with walkers. But some are still afraid of these new sensations. The task of parents is to help the child get used to the new device and teach how to use it.
- First, you can bring the child in your arms to the walker, show the toys, let the baby touch them with his hands, carefully examine everything.
- After that, you can put the child, but do not leave him alone.
- Hold the walker with your hand and gently pull it. The kid will understand that you need to move your legs.
- You can teach a child to walk in a walker by setting a goal for him. For example, take a few steps back and show him his favorite toy. The child will begin to automatically take steps towards his goal.
- That's right, when the child's foot rests completely on the floor, the baby should not touch the surface only with his fingers. To do this, adjust the walker according to the height of the child.
- Wear shoes on your feet, even if you are indoors. Proper footwear will form the correct position of the foot in the child.
Important: The first steps in a walker are usually spontaneous, it will take a little time and the child will understand that he is securely held in the seat. Then his steps will become more confident.
Walkers
Walkers Komarovsky: pros and cons
The popular pediatrician Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich expresses his opinion unequivocally - walkers in early age bring harm.
To summarize, walkers free parents, but still, a child’s stay in them for a long time is highly undesirable. If you decide to use walkers, adjust them according to the height of the child, consult with an orthopedist if necessary, control the time the baby is in the walker.
Video: Doctor Komarovsky's opinion on walkers
The baby grows up, the need for sleep decreases, the child becomes more and more active, he begins to crawl everywhere, seeks to learn the world and tries to stand up. Busy parents cannot follow his movements every minute. And here various devices, popularly called "walkers", come to the rescue. But does a child need a walker?
There is still no unequivocal answer to this question - the defenders and opponents of this subject are divided approximately equally. Nevertheless, these devices are produced and find their customers.
From this article you will learn:
Walkers are designed to replace a supportive adult. Advocates of this design believe that they help in the development of correct posture and setting of the child's legs, develop muscles and the vestibular apparatus.
Many believe that they do more harm than good. In this dispute, not the truth was born, but some delusions.
- First misconception: Walkers help you learn to walk. Alas, when walking in a walker, balance is not developed, because the child moves on his toes, and does not put his foot on the whole foot.
- Second misconception: Walkers train the muscles of the legs, but these muscles receive the necessary load only when crawling, squatting and walking on their own.
- Third misconception: when a child moves in a walker, he will never fall. It is very important for a child to learn how to fall correctly. The use of a walker deprives him of the ability to develop a sense of danger, properly group when falling, protect the body from blows and gently hit the floor.
But only knowledge and understanding of this auxiliary tool will help answer the question of whether a child needs a walker.
How they are arranged
First of all, they are of two types:
- walkers-pushers;
- walker seats.
Pushers consist of a game panel and legs with wheels. The kid pushes the walker, leaning on the hand stops. The game panel is hung with a variety of different twists and squeakers that attract the attention of the child. This is a kind of "toy" on wheels, which the baby pushes in front of him. These walkers can be easily converted into a folding game table.
Walkers-sitting are very similar to a high chair - the same tabletop, wheeled support and seat. The child is seated on the seat, but his legs must reach the floor so that he can move with his legs and learn to move.
How to choose a good walker
Push walkers must be very stable, otherwise the baby will constantly fall, pushing them in front of him. There may be pushers transformers.
Before you buy a walker, be sure to test it for stability. The pusher panel must contain a large number of development accessories. The wheels must also be large in diameter and stable. Preferably with rubber tires for good grip on the floor.
When choosing a walker seat, you need to pay attention to the width of the base. The wide base will prevent the child from turning over if he encounters obstacles - scattered toys, furniture, carpets. The base must be necessarily rubberized for shock absorption, and the sides must have mandatory supports.
The seat should be made of dense but soft fabric so as not to interfere with the movements of the child. The deep seat will prevent your baby from falling out of the walker. The seat back should be high and rigid. The baby's feet are on the ground with the whole foot, so the height of the walker must be regulated.
It is advisable to choose a variety that would be suitable for the age and weight of the baby. Wheels - as many as possible, it is desirable that there be a lot of them (at least six). This will give the walker greater stability and maneuverability. It is best to buy a folding model.
But to decide whether to use a baby walker, all the pros and cons need to be explored.
Positive properties
Thanks to these devices, the baby can explore the world around him from a different point of view - it develops horizons and curiosity. His body is learning to take new, not quite familiar poses. This leads to the development of muscles and improved coordination.
By putting their child in the walker, parents can go about their business and get some rest from their baby.
As you can see, you can safely use baby walkers. But from what age?
It is very important that the child can already hold the back evenly on his own and already have the first experience of stepping by the hand with his mother. Therefore, experts do not recommend the use of walkers by children under six months of age. The upper age limit usually ranges from a year to a year and a half.
Negative Properties
- Due to the use of walkers, the baby misses a very important stage of motor development - crawling.
- The baby can use them only after he will already stand on his own, leaning on a support, and sit with a straight back. If a child starts using the walker too early and too often, this will lead to bone deformity.
- In walkers-seats, the baby does not rest on the floor with the whole foot, but only with the tips of the fingers, while hovering on the perineum. This position of the body can provoke a slight dislocation. hip joint, flat feet and incorrect position of the foot.
- The child may become so accustomed to walking in them that he subsequently does not want to walk on his own.
Doctor Komarovsky against walkers
When not to use a walker:
- if the child is not yet sitting independently.
- he has an increased or decreased tone of the muscles of the legs.
- the child has rickets.
- he has a musculoskeletal disorder.
How to use walkers so that they do not harm:
- In no case do not put the baby in a walker if he does not want it and resists.
- The kid should spend no more than an hour and a half a day in them. But this time is best broken down into time periods of half an hour.
- The child must necessarily stand on the floor with the entire surface of the foot.
- The kid must be shod. Best in comfortable and light shoes with rubber soles. Never put your child in a walker without shoes!
- Do not leave the child unattended and secure the space in which he will move as much as possible.
The different types of walkers are jumpers and reins.
Baby jumpers, unlike walkers, are motionless. They consist of a seat suspended from belts, which is attached to a spring element (for example, rubberized slings). The springing structural element, in turn, is attached to the doorway or any other vertical structure.
Vertical straps should be as far away from the child's head as possible, otherwise he may get tangled in them. In jumpers, the child can bounce and sway, starting from the floor. The seat should be comfortable and deep, tightly fitting the body of the baby.
The spine must be fixed with a rigid frame and a belt so that the child does not fall out during body movements. It is very good when the seat is equipped with soft cushions under the armpits. The belts and base tapes must not be too narrow and elastic.
It is very important that the design has strong shock-absorbing elements (one-piece spring or elastic rubber straps). There must be a safety wire.
Rein
When a child begins to take the first steps, caring parents can help him not only with their hands. To protect the baby from injuries and falls, he is often held by a hood or scarf. But such a safety net can even be dangerous for a baby who is starting to walk. good remedy special reins can become for safety net.
This simple device gives great freedom to both parents and child. It is very difficult for an adult who leads the baby by the hand to constantly be in a bent position - the reins will allow you to straighten up and unload your back. The child also becomes more independent in movements, since both his hands are free.
In case of danger, this simple device will help to sharply pull the baby towards you without fear of harming the small body.
Useful information on whether a child needs a walker, whether it is safe to use them and at what age will help you weigh the pros and cons in order to make the right decision.