Walkers serve as an excellent assistant for both the baby and his parents. They help strengthen the child’s muscles, help him begin to move around the apartment independently and explore the world around him. A model with an educational play block will captivate the attention of the baby, and at this time young parents can do useful things without worrying about the safety of their child. Our article will help you choose a high-quality and reliable product that the whole family will like.
What is it like?
The best manufacturers produce popular models of two types: wheelchairs and walkers with a seat. Their functions are identical - to help the child move when he is not yet able to walk independently, however, if you analyze their characteristics, you can identify significant differences between them.
Walkers with a seat have a basic design consisting of:
- wheels;
- frames;
- countertops;
- special seat.
Additional options may include musical accompaniment and game elements in the form of flashing buttons, rattles, and mini-labyrinths. You can’t think of anything more fun than watching a toddler, feeling like he’s practically an adult, driving around the house without the help of adults. Parents are happy because some time is freed up and they can do housework or just take a break from military affairs.
The device first appeared about a century ago. It was primitive. Since then it has undergone significant transformations. Today, these are quite convenient devices that allow a baby to safely visit one room after another, explore the world, and expand his horizons. You can drive to your favorite toy and grab it.
There are certain restrictions on the use of products. You cannot put a child in a walker whose height exceeds 85 centimeters. It is worth carefully studying the product data sheet and finding out the maximum permissible weight. As a rule, it ranges from 11 to 18 kg depending on the model.
The best models of baby walkers
Such models are more suitable for toddlers who have already mastered classic walkers and are eager to move on to the next period of their development. A tolokar is suitable for this baby. This is a cart with a support handle, which has increased stability, on which the child leans when moving. Tolokars are approved by pediatricians because when moving, the child stands on his entire foot, while maintaining balance.
Bright Starts "Cheerful Lion"
Pushing walkers are equipped with a removable seat and are suitable for toddlers from 6 months to 3 years. Kids will love the lion cub, who can throw a ball into his mouth, and if he touches his nose, the backlight and melody will turn on, and the balls will spin inside the transparent case.
Holding onto a comfortable handrail, it is easier for a child to move around by moving the pusher in front of him. The comfortable seat turns the cheerful lion into a comfortable gurney.
Walkers Bright Starts
Advantages
- Beautiful design;
- The panel is filled with a lot of functions;
- Promotes the development of walking;
- Convenient handle holder;
- Not annoying melodies;
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- High price.
BKids "Pony" 3-in-1
Great model, fun design. Suitable for toddlers from 9 months to 3 years. The game panel is filled with a wide variety of colored buttons with musical accompaniment. Squeakers, rattles, and teethers are attached to it. The table folds and transforms into a push walker. To ensure the safety of the baby, there is a safety lock on each wheel. The weight is insignificant, only 2.9 kg.
Walkers BKids
Advantages:
- The gaming complex promotes the development of the baby, helps to study the colors and sounds of animals;
- Very bright design attracts kids;
- The melodies are cheerful, not annoying;
- Small dimensions;
- Fast and easy folding mechanism;
- The panel can be removed, thereby freeing up the tabletop for other gaming activities;
- Built-in safety device against accidental folding.
Flaws:
- Overpriced.
Weina "Horseback"
This play set on wheels is designed for toddlers aged 9 months and older. They feature a large number of functions. It is also suitable for small children, who will be attracted by the front panel, equipped with a large number of illuminated buttons. When pressed, the baby will listen to different animal voices and can talk to them using a play telephone. There are enough moving elements, rattles and other components on the panel.
This model is equipped with 4 wheels with brake locks. Comfortable support handles are suitable even for tiny hands. Transforms into a gurney for walks in the park. Light weight, only 3 kg.
Advantages:
- High-quality assembly, bright design;
- High quality plastic;
- The volume is adjustable, there is a switch;
- The wheels are made of high-quality material and move silently over the surface;
- They do not develop high speed;
- There are no sharp edges or small parts;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- The wheels glide on ceramic tiles.
When can you start using a walker?
From what month can you put your baby in a walker? There is no consensus on this matter. Doctors advise using the device from 6 or 8 months, depending on the parameters and physical development of the baby. This is the period when the child can already stand upright. If there are problems with this, you should wait or completely abandon the use of these devices.
How to understand that a child is ready to move independently? Parents should take a close look at their child. It is worth purchasing a walker if the baby can:
- Sit in the crib.
- Take a sitting position without the help of adults, without falling sideways or backwards.
- Crawling on all fours.
- Attempts to independently rise on the crib, pulling yourself up on the legs.
If a baby has pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, he suffers from rickets, has not reached six months, there can be no talk of any walkers. The child must be completely healthy, physically developed (for his age), active and cheerful, ready to explore the world and not be afraid of new things.
Comparison table
| Name | Maximum weight, kg | Dimensions, cm | Weight, kg | Price, rubles |
| Alis SRA18 | 13 | 78x14x66 | 3,8 | 1400 |
| BamBola Crab SR828 | 13 | 57x57x64 | 3,8 | 1540 |
| Baby Care Prix | 12 | 56x52x65 | 2,8 | 3140 |
| Happy Baby Smiley V2 | 12 | 59.5x54x70 | 3,5 | 3999 |
| Chicco Walky Talky | 12 | 81×47 | 5,7 | 7999 |
| Jetem Scooter | 12 | 72x66x58 | 5,7 | 7560 |
| Nuovita Vettura | 12 | 61.5x59x72.5 | 5,89 | 6569 |
| everflo First steps (HS0293238) | 20 | 42x32x45 | 2,5 | 2896 |
| Huggeland C | 20 | 42x34x45 | 1,65 | 2899 |
| Study Walker | 20 | 44x43x42 | 1,6 | 2449 |
The benefits and harms of using the device
Walkers have both positive and negative properties. Let's look at this issue in more detail:
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Freeing up free time. | The baby has no sense of danger. |
| Expanding the area of examination by the baby. | Slow development of motor skills. Why try to walk when you can drive? |
| Demonstration of independence. | The process of standing on a full foot slows down (you can push off with your toes). |
| Free movement of the baby. | If the design is selected incorrectly, problems with the musculoskeletal system may occur. |
| Regular physical activity. | |
| Vertical movement helps develop intelligence and stabilizes the child’s emotional state. | |
| Safety. |
There are other restrictions under which the use of the product is undesirable. These include:
- colds;
- skin disease in areas of contact with the product material;
- orthopedic problems;
- neuralgia;
- not suitable for newborns (you need to wait until they are six months old).
Features to consider when purchasing a baby walker
Baby Walker Safety
Baby safety is the most important feature to consider while you are shopping for a walker, some points to remember related to safety are:
- Wide Base: For babies who are able to walk, choose a wide base walker with wheels, this will prevent your baby from getting hurt and from getting caught in the corners of your furniture.
- Stationary walker without wheels: This walker is suitable for children who are too small to walk. This walker helps children stand up independently with their own strength.
- Anti-slip pads: Anti-slip pads on walkers should also have non-slip grips, safety bumpers, or other built-in measures to prevent accidents. Anti-slip pads are useful for keeping the baby in the correct position.
Seat fabric in baby walkers
Support, comfort and sensitivity to your baby's skin are three things that come to mind when we talk about the seat and its upholstery.
To prevent a child's spinal cord injury, a good seat provides proper back and head support. The type of material used to pad the seat is important to your child's comfort. Find out at what age you can use a walker.
Walkers come with a variety of fabric materials. Few have plush and soft fabric, while others have firm or stiff fabric materials.
According to baby's skin, choose the fabric of the baby walker, if your baby's baby's skin is sensitive, then plush and soft fabrics are suitable, otherwise use hard fabric baby walker. Consider the best walker models.
Baby walker wheels
- Maneuverability : The first thing we look for in wheels is maneuverability. This means that the wheels must be turned in order for the walker to move easily, they must be allowed to rotate independently.
- Monitoring: Your child should be supervised at all times while using a walker, as walkers can cause serious problems if you leave your child to walk on their own.
- Lockable : Wheels must be lockable for safety purposes. This helps keep your baby still in one place.
- Size: This is another factor to consider as smaller wheels can be difficult to maneuver on rough or uneven surfaces.
Large wheels are best to choose as they can handle any kind of surface without any difficulty.
Entertainment console in baby walkers
This is a small electronic unit that is integrated into the baby tray. There are lights, sounds, vibrations in a good entertainment console and in some cases the steering wheel.
This will help the child develop with cognitive skills while keeping the child happy. Walkers also help with motor development.
Check to see if the portability console can be removed; when the console is removed, a tray for snacks or toys should also be found.
Adjustable height of baby walkers
Choose a walker with adjustable height. As children grow quickly, the fixed height of the walker may not be comfortable for your child.
For long term purpose, adjustable walkers are a good option, otherwise you will have to buy new ones according to your child's height.
All children are of different heights. Some are tall and some are short. To provide the best walking positions for your baby, most walkers can be adjusted to three different positions.
If your child is short, use the lowest height position to ensure your child's feet touch the ground for comfortable walking. For tall children, use the highest position.
Folding mechanism of baby walkers
Foldable walkers are convenient for parents to carry anywhere. The compact size makes a big space saver when packing in the trunk of a car.
When not in use by a child, a good walker should be able to fold easily and quickly for easy storage. Consider the best musical walkers for babies.
Build quality of baby walkers
Parents should ensure that all fittings of the walker are installed correctly, as any small removable parts that a child could tear and insert into their mouth could be dangerous.
Make sure that no part of the walker has any sharp edges, as these could cut your baby's soft skin.
Size and weight of baby walkers
Walkers come in different sizes and weights, you should consider these factors when choosing a walker for your child.
According to your baby's preferences when using a walker, choose a larger snack or toy tray to store all the snacks and toys.
Choose a lighter walker if you want your child to move around easily. It will be a little difficult for him to move if the walker is heavy, but it has the added benefit that a heavy walker prevents him from tripping easily and he is more stable. Consider the best walkers and gurneys for children.
Anti-slip safety pads in baby walkers
The main purpose of this feature is to stop the walker when the child accidentally crosses a step on the stairs. If they are riding on uneven or rough surfaces, to prevent accidents, the brake stops the walker.
Almost all walkers come with these protective pads, but it is wise to check before purchasing a walker.
Durability of baby walkers
Walkers must be durable as they can easily tip over and injure your child.
You can get an idea of durability by looking at the design and size of the wheel.
Easy maintenance of baby walkers
The walker must ensure effective cleaning of the object, as the child may damage and stain the fabric. The fabric of the walker must be removable and washable.
This makes it easy to support the walker without much effort.
Baby walker materials
The design and durability will relate to the material of the walker. Wood is much stronger, but can be heavy for small children.
Plastic will not be damaged easily and will be perfect, polyester fiber is light, durable and a little more expensive.
Which ones are better to buy?
All products for children are produced taking into account the recommendations of doctors. This also applies to walkers. Models are improved in design terms every year. When it comes to making products for babies, the main criterion is safety. Walkers are usually divided into the following types:
- transformers;
- classic;
- push walkers.
The first two options are plastic devices equipped with a seat. Movement is carried out using a wheelbase. Designed for children who are already able to sit independently. Tolokar is more like a toy with wheels, having a high handle, which the little one uses as a grip when walking. It is bought by parents as soon as the baby begins to take his first independent steps.
The criteria for choosing products are different for everyone, but safety and durability must be put at the forefront. A fidget will definitely try the toy on its teeth, determine what can be torn off and put in its mouth, so parents need to check the plastic for strength, the absence of a chemical aroma, and the reliability of the fastenings of small elements.
It is worth paying attention to the structures that fold. They are convenient to store and transport.
The ideal option is a wide and rectangular configuration. Round shapes are less stable. A large tabletop will protect the traveler when visiting other rooms. Don't forget to measure the width of the doorways. The device must pass through them freely.
The number of wheels influences the indicator of stability and maneuverability. There must be at least 6 of them. The more, the better. The best option for any floor covering is with silicone wheels. They do not create noise and do not scratch horizontal surfaces. It is advisable that each wheel be equipped with a stopper that allows you to fix the device in a stationary state.
The seat is also important. Choose a product with a wide, roomy and deep seat. It must be equipped with a rigid orthopedic back. Give preference to an oilcloth covering with fabric inserts for the legs. It is desirable that it can be removed and washed.
Additional functionality wouldn't hurt either. These can be such “bells and whistles” as a parent handle, seat belts, jumpers. It becomes more interesting for the child to move around in such a device, and it makes it easier for parents to use, but such popular models are very expensive.
The best classic baby walkers
The classic design is mainly intended for the baby to move around the apartment independently. Also, it can be used as a feeding table. Classic models are losing demand, but are still popular in the domestic, Asian and European markets. They are not heavy, maneuverable and have a low price.
Chicco DJ Baby Walker
A serious classic model, the wheels are covered. Equipped with a soft seat. There is a bright gaming panel with many buttons, imitation of animal voices, and vehicle sounds. Toy elements located on the panel develop motor skills. The tabletop is removable, it is possible to fix it on a stroller, crib, or play separately.
The walker is equipped with a brake system and clamps. Three height positions, adjustable to suit baby's height. The model is equipped with four pairs of wheels, the front ones spin in a circle, increasing maneuverability. Weight is 4.5 kg.
Chicco DJ Baby Walker
Advantages:
- Increased stability - if they hit an obstacle, they will not roll over;
- Heavy-duty plastic that will last more than one child;
- Soft seat with orthopedic back;
- The music panel promotes development;
- The volume in the panel is adjustable;
- Passes well even through the edges of carpets;
- There are brakes and locking wheels;
- Equipped with a safety lock against accidental folding.
Flaws:
- High price.
Pituso "Little Driver"
The model from the Spanish manufacturer will appeal not only to the baby, but also to mom and dad. Suitable for toddlers from 6 months. It comes with a game pad that can be removed at any time, with plenty of buttons. The panel is musical and also lights up when turning.
The base is wide, stable, equipped with four pairs of wheels. The front wheels are silicone, the rear wheels are rubber. There are fasteners around the entire perimeter. The seat is deep, with an orthopedic back, and can be removed for cleaning if necessary.
Walkers Pituso Little driver
Advantages:
- Three height positions;
- There is a folding mechanism;
- Good maneuverability on any surface;
- Only environmentally friendly material was used for production;
- There are additional rubberized pads to protect furniture;
- The set includes a long handle designed for carrying a child;
- The price is low.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Happy Baby Mario
The model complies with domestic and European standards. Designed for toddlers from 6 months with a weight limit of up to 11 kg. On the tabletop there are educational toys that promote the development of motor skills. The music panel is illuminated and plays 11 children's melodies.
Three height positions with additional protection against accidental folding. When unfolded, dimensions: 70x61x96 cm. The walkers are equipped with 8 double silicone wheels. There are stoppers on the base.
Walkers Happy Baby Mario
Advantages:
- Good, solid build;
- Comfortable, removable seat, machine washable;
- Light weight;
- Folds up and can be put away;
- Long handle for adults to help baby control;
- The sound is turned off;
- Silicone wheels do not leave scratches on the floor;
- Good price.
Flaws:
- Volume is not adjustable
- The walkers hit my legs unpleasantly with the bottom base.
Capella BG-0611
Stable model, cheerful colors, suitable for toddlers from 6 months, there are weight restrictions - up to 12 kg. The game panel contains a steering wheel, a ball, and colored keys. The panel is musical and has lighting. The wheels are made of silicone and have stoppers. The comfortable seat with an orthopedic back is made of oilcloth fabric for ease of cleaning.
Three height positions are secured with a tight latch to protect against accidental folding. The manufacturer indicates a service life of 18 months, but it all depends on individual characteristics.
Walkers Capella BG-0611
Advantages:
- Good maneuverability, wheels spin along the entire axis;
- Light weight;
- Excellent maneuverability;
- The melodies are pleasant, the sound is not loud;
- Large selection of colors;
- The table top, seat and panel are removable and washable.
Flaws:
- No batteries included;
- The panel is not attached to the tabletop in any way.
How to choose the right one
Before you go shopping, you should take measurements of the doorways. This will make it possible to determine the maximum design parameters. Afterwards, remove all falling objects from the floor, limit access to stairs and thresholds. In addition to personal preferences, finding out which company is better to buy, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- Seat. Choose something wide and comfortable. There should be no discomfort in the groin area. The material should be easy to wash and clean. The backrest is necessary for quality support. Don't forget to check the height adjustment option, otherwise you may experience negative effects on your joints and spine.
- Tabletop. A real development panel. Designed for games and entertainment. You can choose an interactive device with toys, light and sound effects.
- Sustainability. This is a purely mathematical situation. The area of the base should be one and a half to two times larger than the area of the tabletop, otherwise the baby, changing the direction of movement, may roll over. While moving, the baby can collide with any objects that stand in his way. It is advisable that the selected model has bumpers.
- Wheels. The more of them around the perimeter, the better and safer. The device becomes more maneuverable and stable. The wheels should rotate and turn freely. It is desirable that they have a soft rubberized coating. This will allow you to maintain the integrity of the floor and not “enjoy” the sound of wheels, like on a freight train. Equipping with stoppers to stop movement is encouraged.
The best models of transformable walkers
The main difference from the classic ones is versatility. Models include walkers, jumpers, pushers, rockers, etc. They are larger in size and heavier, the cost is several times more expensive, but many mothers and fathers prefer just such walkers.
Bambi GL-3290 A “Horse”
It looks like a classic model that easily transforms into a rocking chair with a rug. On the play panel there is a horse's head with handles for the baby to hold on to. The panel also has a large number of different sound buttons. The base of the walker is equipped with 8 wheels, which makes it mobile and stable. The product is equipped with a braking system and stoppers.
In the presented model, the height of the position is adjustable, as well as the distance from the seat to the gaming panel. This allows you to seat a child of various sizes.
Weight – 5.1 kg, dimensions: 63x67x75 cm.
Walkers Bambi GL-3290 A
Advantages:
- The base is wide, does not allow overturning;
- All wheels spin on their own axis;
- The seat is comfortable, with a high back;
- The cover and mat are removable and machine washable;
- The panel is removable;
- A parent handle is included.
Flaws:
- Large size, inconvenient for small apartments.
Bebe Confort Kamino 3-in-1
This interesting French model of walkers has an elegant design. Designed for toddlers from 6 months to 3 years. The model transforms into a walker, pusher and jumper. The seat is comfortable, the cover is removable for cleaning. The game panel has a large number of buttons and rattles, which are equipped with pleasant melodies and backlighting. The panel is removable and the model turns into a table for the baby's lunch meal.
The wheels are made of non-slip material. With the help of a small locking lever, the walkers stand in one place and transform into jumpers. For a toddler who has already mastered the first steps, you can remove the seat so that he can move around the room, leaning on the handles of the table. Weight – 5.3 kg, dimensions: 61x75x40 cm.
Walkers Bebe Confort Kamino
Advantages:
- Transformation with one lever;
- Sustainability;
- Volume is adjustable;
- Folds into a compact size;
- The wheels are protected so as not to damage the furniture;
- The stopper lever is located on the panel.
Flaws:
- High price.
Jetem Scooter
A unique model of walkers with springy stands transforms into funny jumpers that every mischievous child will be pleased with. On the panel there is a motorcycle steering wheel with an ignition key. When turning, it makes the sound of a motorcycle running. The panel also has a wide variety of buttons that, when pressed, light up and make sounds.
The springs are removed from the lock with a special lever and transformed into a rocking chair. There are three height adjustment positions and two backrest adjustment positions. Silicone wheels promote silent movement. There is a weight limit of up to 12 kg. Model weight – 8 kg, dimensions: 76x65x55 cm.
Walkers Jetem Scooter
Advantages:
- Sustainable;
- Colorful design attracts children;
- High quality plastic, easy to clean;
- The volume is adjustable, the melodies are pleasant;
- The game panel is easy to remove;
- There is protection against accidental folding;
Flaws:
- They move poorly on carpets;
- Heavy weight;
- High price.
Terms of use
Even if the device is expensive, produced by a world-famous manufacturer, and tops the rating of quality products, there are still certain rules for using this “vehicle”:
- Cold floors should be insulated with carpets and rugs.
- Make sure the structure is safe. The child should not get out of it or fall when tilted.
- The device should not be used for more than an hour during the day.
- The child should not touch sockets and switches that are located within his reach.
- The baby's legs should reach the floor, and he should stand on his full foot.
- Feet should be shod, and you should choose boots or shoes with hard soles.
- A prerequisite is regular care of the walker. They need to be constantly wiped from dust, washed, freed from crumbs and other contaminants.
Rules of application
Walkers for children from 6 months allow the baby to move freely around the house, exploring the surrounding space. However, pediatricians advise starting to use it when the child is physically ready for increased stress and can remain in an upright position for a long time.
Before placing your baby in a walker, you need to put on his shoes so that his feet are in the correct position.
The following is the procedure:
- Adjust the height of the walker so that the legs are slightly bent at the knees and the child has the opportunity to push off.
- Allow the baby to walk around for 3-5 minutes. Gradually the time is increased to 40 minutes per day, dividing it into 2 approaches.
- Over time, expand the space where the baby can move.
- Never leave your baby unattended.
Chicco Walky Talky walker with seat height adjustment
We have before us a very successful model from an Italian brand. It is distinguished by its brightness and richness of colors and is specially designed to train movement coordination in young children . The design includes a removable gaming panel. This is where you will find many interesting and varied toys. On the sides you can see a wonderful bonus - a stand for cups. You can write the owner's name on the back of the gurney.
Ergonomics are well thought out. The wheels can be easily removed, leaving the model on rubber supports. There is a clever braking system at work here that will protect the child from harm. The height is adjusted using a special lever . It is compact when folded - 82*15*67 cm. However, the weight is a bit heavy - almost 7 kg. Four wheels drive. The body is made of safe and durable metal and plastic. The seat for the child is as comfortable as possible, it is 100% polyester. Price – from 7.4 tr.
Pros:
- bright color;
- robust design;
- many game bar functions;
- sound effects;
- ease of care;
- easy assembly and disassembly;
- compact.
Minuses:
- heavy;
- high price.
