Okay moms,
I've read the information on baby walkers and stationary activity centers. I've read that baby walkers can delay development (as well as the injuries) so I am wondering what your experience is with walkers? And has anyone read research on stationary activity centers , or jumpers delaying development? My daycare is using a walker with my son and I want research that clearly states that they should not be using a walker. I read on the licensing info, that they should not have walkers at all, but when I asked they said they were allowed to have the newer, wider base ones. I have both an exersaucer and a jumperoo- the jumperoo my son loves, but I want to make sure this isn't bad for him too. Any advice???
I guess I should also explain that for now my son has 2 favorite teachers- one in the morning and one in the afternoon- they love on him so much and cuddle him every time he cries he is completely spoiled. He was sick with severe allergies when he was young so they kept him from the other babies as much as possible and only recently started using the walker. I don't mind the exersaucer, but everything I've read on baby walkers is that they don't teach how to walk and can actually impair that learning process. My son may have some developmental delays so we don't want to add anything to make it worse (he also has a curved foot that he has to wear his shoes any time he is in a jumper or exersaucer so he doesn't stand on his curve under toes- the day care didn't even think about this) So we told them ABSOLUTELY NO walker, and never any toy like that without shoes (if he doesn't have shoes with him that day they are not to put him in any "toy") Thanks for your advice.
Baby stations [exersaucers] are fine, so long as they are used sparingly. I've seen daycare centers leave babies in them all day, that can't be good! Baby walkers, with wheels? That's a big no no. I didn't even think they made those anymore????
We never used a walker and our daughter started walking at 11 months. She had a jumperoo and loved it. We never had a problem but had heard all the bad things about walkers so we did not bother. Also, they did not even have walkers when my husband and I were babies and we managed. Our pedetrician said babies using their muscles for crawling, pushing, pulling up etc.. is very healthy, natural and helps their development - though this is more time consuming for you as they must be monitored more frequently.
Our daughter is now 13 and in great shape. Her pedetrician was an older doctor and very current and flexible with the latest and greatest, but believed that somethings can't be replaced - like exercise.
Good luck,
T.
I used all of the things you mentioned. She loved the walker and only used it when very well supervised. SHe also loved the exersaucer. She did not spend long amounts of time in either one. She army crawled at 10 months. She didn't actually crawl until she was 1. She is now almost 16 months and not walking. She will stand on her own from a seated position and take several steps at times.
Is this from the exersaucer? Who knows. She is a total perfectionist too. SHe will not try anything new until she has figured out how to do the other thing perfect. COuld this be to? I have no idea. If I have another one I will do things the same way. Where she may lack in motion skills she makes up for in intellectual skills.
All I know is if you do not want your son doing something, they have no reason to justify to you why it is OK. He is your son and you are paying them to do a job for you. It is not an unrealistic demand. Stick to your guns if it is what you want!
My ped had a hand out on walkers that she gave to me (my ILs wanted to get one sooo bad and I gave this to them). Check with your ped or as the previous poster suggests, with the licensing people. I think jumperoos and exersaucers are fine...in moderation. If this is a case of leaving a kid in there for hours then they aren't such a good idea. If it's for a short while to get something done, then they're a life saver. As the pp says, nothing replaces tummy time for helping your child's development. They should be getting this hourly to help them.
Seems to me that if you specifically say that you don't want them to put your son in a walker - for whatever reason - they should respect that. Not because you hand them a folder full of articles, but because you said YOU DON'T WANT HIM IN ONE!!!!
~ t
Hi S.,
I am a state registered in-home childcare. As far as I know, walkers are not allowed in daycare facilities and I don`t know if the newer kind with a wider base are ok. For your peace of mind you can call childcare licensing and ask them. I personally use for the babies in my care both the exersaucer and the jumperoo. I think they keep the babies occupied and they don`t seem to delay their motor develpment. But, of course, nothing is better then tummy time or crawling. I only use them when I know I can not give my total attention to the babies, like meal preparation or changing somebody else`s diapers.
Hi S., I just wanted to say that I am pediatric physical therapist and work specifically with babies 0-3. When parents ask about these toys, I usually say that I am not a fan of them as far as development goes. But, as someone else said...everything in moderation. I don't recommend walkers because it does not mimic a natural walking position. I don't recommend jumpers because of safety. I also tell parents that if a child cannot sit independently then they shouldn't be in a walker or a jumper. As far as exersaucers go, I personally never used one, but I don't think they are bad in moderation. They actually have a lot of use as far as fine motor and cognitive skills go. Hope this helps.
I used walkers with both of my girls-(now 6 and 20 months). They were supervised when they used them and obviously, never used around stairs. Neither of mine used exersaucers- they liked to move. Both girls crawled on schedule and were walking by age 1. I dont think there is anything wrong with using these things- we used them as kids. As someone else stated, bottom line is if you are not comfortable with it- they shouldnt be doing it! I dont think I have ever seen a walker in a daycare? As far as finding research, you can find good and bad things about any item on the market today. I would call the licensing department and get a copy of the laws/requirements and share the information with your care providers. Good luck!
Hi S.,
Good question! I wish more people would try to understand the use of walkers for their babies. I don't usually get on the soapbox...but this one's important to me. I am a child development specialist (with specific expertise in infant and toddler development). I have 2 children myself. I haven't used walkers with my own children. There is the part about the muscle development..children need to be able to move their bodies freely to gain strength as well as learn how to push their bodies to the next level. Walkers tend to increase lower leg strength and decrease upper leg and hip strength. They need to learn how their muscles work with squatting, balancing and then walking. Babies learn from trial and error...never underestimate the power of nature. Kids have learned to walk fine without the use of walkers. In addition, the walkers of today have many toys, gadgets, and sounds surrounding the whole area around the baby. This another reason why these should be used sparingly. Children of young ages tend to get overstimulated very easily. When they are stuck in the walkers...they cannot escape and have to come up with other ways to deal. When babies get cranky sometimes they need to just be able to learn how to self soothe... babies whole world is a learning experience. Most babies just need to have more floor time (tummy and back) and the opportunity to explore their surroundings. Very simple things will entertain babies...scarfs, mirrors, textured toys etc...
Of course the big thing is that walkers and saucers are used all too often to "babysit". I would say if they are used very sparingly...it's OK. Licensing has said no in the past due to the safety issues, when there are other issues also to consider. Let me know if you have more questions. I hope this wasn't too lecture like...just hoping to educate the readers of mamasource.
Good luck.
