Activity Walkers

Updated on July 25, 2010
A.F. asks from Bellmore, NY
10 answers

My daughter is sixteen months and almost walking. I think she is afraid to walk but is gradually willing to try (she was born premature at 36 weeks.) I am wondering if an activity walker would help encourage her. There are so many to choose from and many of the reviews say some are unstable. I would probably purchase a unisex color in case we have another child someday. Thank you for the advice.

P.S. I do not want to spend a lot on this toy ($50 tops) Thanks!

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So What Happened?

I think I wasn't clear on the type of walker I am looking for. Many of you have discouraged traditional walkers. I meant the kind where the child stands behind and pushes. I have an exersaucer but she doesn't like it now that she can crawl. Thanks again!

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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

A fun alternative to a walker that helps her develop stability needed for walking are the exersaucers. The older/stronger they get you just move the stability legs up and it gets more wobbly. As a result the child must use their own body stregth to "right" themselves (think those exercise balls for adults) it is small and consistent movement that will strengthen her core for walking and balance.
you can typically find these for sale at toy resale stores, ebay and craig's list in great condition. I never bought a new one and we got two for under $25!

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L.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Walkers are almost universally discouraged and considered very dangerous. I think they might even be illegal in Canada. I don't think I'd spend the money. She'll get there... I think she's still well within the developmental window for walking.

3 moms found this helpful
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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Are you talking about the ones that they stand behind? Or the ones that they sit in? If it's the one that they stand behind, I would think about this one http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2321329 It's $29.99 and has free shipping. Can't beat that deal! :)

If you're referring to a regular walker, I'd discourage that. Walkers don't teach kids how to walk properly and they are widely discouraged. Canada has even banned them.

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A.F.

answers from New York on

don't waste your money. she will walk soon. my preemie girl twin (32 weeks) started walking on her own around 16 months. give her some more time.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.J.

answers from Albany on

My answer is not about walkers, but about walking. It is a developmental stage preceeded by several other stages that build up the body and prepares it to walk. To be sure that she gets enough of those other exercises, play with her on her back, looking at things on the ceiling, or stars in the skiy. Play with her on her belly, filling up a bucket with toys while up on one elbow. Make an obstacle course that encourages her to creep an crawl under things. let her play on the floor as much as possible, as this is what gets her to walk; you do not want ther to walk before she is ready. And walkers don't help.

BTW, these developmental stages not only set up the body for walking, they set up the brain for learning! You can look up more information by googling "primitive reflexes" and "neurodevelopment".

Good luck and have fun with your daughter as she grows ;)

1 mom found this helpful
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K.H.

answers from Utica on

Hi A.
I love the kind you walk behind and push, but especially look for one that she can walk upright and if possible feet can go under.
God bless you and give you wisdom

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S.G.

answers from New York on

I have a 15 month old (my third child) and she is just starting to take her first steps on her own. She's got some gross motor skill delay (we had her evaluated at 14 months old). I had gotten rid of most of our baby stuff, so I had to buy a walker for her. We got the same one we used with our other two - the Playskool Step Start Walk 'n Ride. It's nice because it can also be used as a riding toy.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

I used walkers with my kids, I just made sure that I was there with them when they were in them..........so, no, I didn't pop the kid in the walker and then go off doing something......it was times when I could be with the child and let them try to follow me or me follow them............I pushed them to help them see what they could do...........so if you use it wisely, I think it will be fine.....just make sure you read up on the reviews on the internet before you buy one.......

Take care and good luck.

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A.D.

answers from Dallas on

It might help, I know where you are on this situation because my oldest son waited till he was 15 months old to walk. And it took the threat of Early Childhood Intervention to make him walk haha. Seriously we were at his 15 month check up one day and the next day he took it upon himself to push his little ride on car around the play room. We bought the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Shop & Walker shopping cart for my niece for Christmas and she was using it and walking by 10 months, she loves it and my SIL says she plays with it every day.

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