Every year more and more devices appear in stores, the purpose of which is to make life easier for young mothers and the development of babies. One of these items is baby walkers. A young family begins to think about buying this item by the age of six months. At this age, the child is already active enough to explore the world around him with interest, but not yet mobile enough to do it on his own without any risk to himself. To understand the variety of models and not to make a mistake with the choice, our rating of the best walkers for children will help.
Content
Walkers are a mobile device that allows a baby who is not yet able to walk independently to move around without the help of an adult.The device in appearance resembles a highchair for feeding a baby, but on wheels. This device consists of a seat, a base with wheels attached to them and a tabletop. The child is in a 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 for the child of this mobility device. Expert opinions differ. Some believe that the correct use of a walker will only benefit the baby, others are sure that this device is more harmful. In a way, both sides are right.
Devices can harm children who have problems with the musculoskeletal system. In this case, the health of the baby can only worsen. For all other children, assistants for independent walking will be useful. The child will get to know the environment on his own, and the young mother will get some time to do household chores.
In order for the use of this device not to cause harm, you must follow some rules:
Doctor Komarovsky's opinion about walkers:
There are several types of baby walkers.
The simplest classic model of such a device is a seat with folding legs, wheels and a tabletop. Such devices will come in handy if it becomes necessary to give the baby the opportunity to simply move around the apartment without the help of an adult.
Walkers-transformers 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 developing motor skills and sensory abilities. The design of such walkers can be easily changed, if necessary, taking a horizontal position. Such models are suitable for children who can already hold their back well and sit evenly.
A wheelchair walker is suitable for babies who can already stand firmly, stand up on their own 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. Wheelchairs can be made in the form of a car or a play center.
It is necessary to choose the right model of walkers 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 packaging of the device or in the instruction 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, not have 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 take into account the size of the doorways in the apartment and the dimensions of the wheelchair. It is preferable to choose devices in which the height of the seat can be adjusted to the height of the child.
It is better to purchase models that have a wide rectangular base, which is more stable than a round one. The child will feel most confident in a 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. Brakes must be provided 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 moving and do not spoil the floor covering.
The seat should be roomy and wide, with a rigid back without bends. Upholstery material can be oilcloth or fabric. It is best to choose a seat upholstered in oilcloth with a removable fabric cover. If necessary, such a cover can be easily removed and washed.
The tabletop of such devices should be wide. This will become additional protection against possible collisions and protect against falls. The table should be removable so that if necessary it can be easily removed and washed.
Additionally, other elements can be provided to insure the child and his development. For example, the game center will become additional entertainment for the child, and safety belts and the handle for the 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. Choosing the model you like for your baby, you need to take into account all the possible nuances. According to buyers, the following models can be called the best.
This model has a bright attractive design. The design has 4 pairs of rubberized wheels and several stop-legs to fix the walker in a fixed position. The model is suitable for a small apartment, as it has modest dimensions and light weight. There are three positions for height adjustment.
The average price is 2900 rubles.
This model of walker is useful for children from six months of age. The maximum weight of the child can be 13 kg. The wheelchair is equipped with an attractive developmental panel with mirrors, keys and rustling details. The panel can be removed and used separately. For the child, a wide and comfortable seat is provided. There is a motion sickness mode for the smallest children. The model is of high quality combined with a reasonable price and the safety of a stable case.
The average price is 3000 rubles.
The secret of this model's popularity 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 design that will not allow the child to tip over while moving. The children's wheelchair has 8 silicone wheels, it is 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 allowed for the device is 12 kg.
The average price is 3600 rubles.
Video demonstration of walkers:
The weight of these devices, made in the form of a wheelchair, is only 1800 grams. The design of the model is universal, 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 to keep balance. The baby can use this toy from the age of 9 months to 2 years.
The average price is 3500 rubles.
This wheelchair model is equipped with an excellent development center with many items of various designs and purposes. In this case, the toys can be removed and used separately from the wheelchair. Toys on the panel are designed to develop motor skills, logic and dexterity.Being in such walkers develops not only the physical abilities of the child, but also his intellect. In addition to 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 learning the first steps, but also a multifunctional toy. For the convenience of the baby, there are two positions of the seat, as well as a special handle that will help the child take his first steps. The case is made in the form of a lion and cannot but attract the attention of the baby. The walkers are made of high quality materials, the game 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.
Visually about the advantages of this model - in the video:
The average price is 11300 rubles.
This manufacturer decided to combine walkers and jumpers in one device and released walkers on 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 but attract the attention of the child.For the baby, an imitation of the steering wheel and even engine sounds is provided. When you touch the lever, the device plays a melody and plays sound effects. The highest quality materials are used for the production of the body, which ensures the durability of the walker and protects it from scratches, abrasion and other damage. The seat is removable so it is easy to clean. If necessary, the seat can be disassembled into parts.
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 the child not only learn to move independently, but also keep them entertained for a long time. Walkers are also useful for parents. 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 the special design that does not allow it to roll over or get hurt.