Is your baby frustrated and trying to walk but isn’t quite there yet?
That’s exactly where my 11 month old is at the moment (that's him in the snap above)! He’s so desperate to be on the move but doesn’t have his balance yet.
That’s where a good baby walker can help your baby gain confidence and balance and start them off on their next steps…literally!
So read on to see my top picks for baby walkers.
How to Choose the Best Baby Walker
Baby walkers are a great way to help babies get around, explore their environment, and develop their motor skills. Push walkers are the most common type of baby walker and allow the child to push themselves around on wheels or rollers. Battery operated walkers often have more features such as lights, sounds, and sometimes even music!
Play stations are also available which can be attached to baby walkers so that babies can enjoy playing with interactive toys while they're seated. Other types of baby walkers include activity centers which feature a variety of activities designed to engage the child’s mind and body simultaneously. Some models also come with trays or baskets so that toys can be carried along for comfort and entertainment purposes.
Baby walkers are usually adjustable, allowing them to grow with your little one as they get bigger. They should always have a wide base for stability and ensure that your child’s toes do not touch the ground when using the walker. When purchasing a baby walker it is important to select one that is durable, well-constructed, and has passed safety requirements according to industry standards.
When it comes to buying a baby push walker, there are many different types on the market. From traditional four-wheel models to more modern three-wheel designs, there is something for every budget and preference. But if you have hardwood floors in your home, then the best baby push walker for hardwood floors is one that has been specifically designed with this type of flooring in mind. Alternatively, if you ive in a carpeted home, check out the best walkers for carpet. And if you live in a small space, check out the best baby walkers for small spaces here.
These walkers typically have rubber wheels or other materials that will not scratch or damage your floors while providing your little one with plenty of support as they learn how to stand up and take their first steps.
Are Baby Walkers Good for Babies?
There is no definitive answer to this question since opinions on the matter vary. Some parents feel that baby walkers are helpful in teaching babies how to walk, while others believe that they can actually delay a baby's ability to learn to walk on their own.
My personal opinion is that they are great before baby takes their first steps baby walker can give them confidence. My toddler used a walker and took her first independent steps before age one, so my experience is that they don't delay walking and she still uses the walker to this day for sit and play.
It is always important to supervise baby with a walker though as they are likely still unstable on their feet and could (probably will!) fall.
How We Choose the Best Baby Walker
It's a jungle out there when it comes to finding the best baby walker. With so many different types, brands and models to choose from, how can you be sure that you're making the right decision for your child.
You want what's best for your little one, but with all of the conflicting information out there it can be hard to know where to start. Do you go for a traditional baby walker or something more modern like a standing walker? Should you choose a model with music and lights or one that helps with coordination and balance?
Let me help! After hours of research I have compiled a list of the best baby walkers on the market. My findings are based on user reviews and ratings as well as my own personal experience as a parent.
Which walker is best for babies?
Lets get into it!
Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker
Best baby push walker for hardwood floors
Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker
Why Parents Love It
Babies and toddlers alike love this walker as it has so much to do! Parents said it is simple to set up and easy to use, and loved that it isn’t too slippery when their babies are using it before being able to walk independently.
Not only does this baby activity walker work well as a walker but its great for sit and play too, with a book page to turn and light-up buttons to press for sing-along songs (be sure to turn the volume down on these, speaking from experience!)
What You Need to Know
The Fisher-Price Learn with Me Zebra Walker has been said to be ‘indestructible’, a great quality when it comes to kids toys! This sit to stand walker has an Easy-grasp handle and sturdy 4-wheel base and even better, the packaging is 100% recyclable
Size: 10.5 x 46 x 40.5 cm
Made from Plastic
Suitable for 6 months and up
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
Why Parents Love It
This Vtech classic walker has a few versions and variations, having been around since I was a child! It’s a common sight at day-cares and nurseries and is the walker my little one is using at the moment to find his feet.
I personally love it because my 11 month old uses it as a walker and my toddler still loves to sit and play with the detachable front for sit and play.
Other parents rave about how its helped their babies walk early by improving their confidence and stability.
What You Need to Know
It’s front loaded with toys, games and singalongs so the weight is distributed well to help baby take their first steps when they’re still wobbly.
Size 46 x 40 x 45 cm
Made from plastic
Suitable for 9 months - 3 years
AA batteries required
Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker
Why Parents Love It
Parents loves that this walker works great on wooden or laminate floors where other walkers can go too fast for their little ones so hard flooring. They said it was easy to assemble and use and their kids loved that they can go forwards and backward!!
Another win for this walker is that it folds down so doesn’t take up too much storage space when it’s not being used.
What You Need to Know
The Bright Starts Giggling Safari Walker seat adjusts to three different heights so baby’s toes can reach the floor.
Size 71.12 x 63.5 x 50.8 cm
Made from plastic
Suitable from 6 months
Nuby Educational Wooden Baby Walker
Why Parents Love It
This walker is a favorite with parents who aren’t able to tune out the merry jingles some of the plastic walkers produce – those tunes sure do get stuck in your head! While this walker does come with a xylophone on the front, the sounds aren’t as confronting as some of the other walkers (please note, this is a parent thing, the babies all seem to love the annoying tunes!).
Made from wood with an authentic feel, parents loved how beautiful this walker is and noted that it is also easy to assemble.
It has a lot of activities and wooden toys on the front to keep baby occupied for hours and assists with little ones learning to walk, with wheels that work well on hard floors or carpet.
What You Need to Know
The Nuby Educational Wooden Baby Walker is FSC certified
Size: 53.2 x 36 x 13.4 cm
Made from wood sourced from well made forests
Suitable for 10 months plus
Janod - Tatoo Abc Buggy Wooden Walker
Why Parents Love It
Kids love this toy as both a walker and playing with the blocks. Soe parents noted that it would be more age-appropriate to have pictures on the blocks instead of letters and numbers but others loved that this meant the blocks would last longer for their child to play with.
The wheels on wooden baby walkers were said to not go too fast for babies learning to walk and it is set at a good height as well as being sturdy with good weight distribution so it doesn’t fall over.
What You Need to Know
The Janod - Tatoo Abc Buggy Wooden Walker contains 30 wooden blocks with the letters of the alphabet (upper and lower case), numbers, and an abacus for baby to sit and play, improving their
Size 43.51 x 35 x 41 cm
Blocks are made from pine, the wheels and handle are made from MDF and the sides are made from plywood. The wheels have a rubber part which makes them silent - less annoying for parents!
Suitable for 12 months - 4 years
FAQs
Are you looking for a baby walker that is safe for baby and will help them with their first steps?
Sounds good, right?
While all of the above meet the specifications, I’ve answered some of your common questions below so that you are armed with all the info you need when shopping for your little one.
What age should baby start walker?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the age at which baby starts using a baby walker will vary depending on the individual child. However, most pediatricians recommend waiting until baby is at least 4 or 5 months old before starting them on a walker.
This is because babies typically start to crawl around this age, a good guide is starting to use it when they can hold up their own head and sit independently. Whatever the age, baby should always be supervised when using a walker.
What are the disadvantages of baby walker?
There are several potential disadvantages of baby walkers. First, baby walkers can be dangerous. They can cause babies to fall down stairs, and they have also been linked to a number of injuries, including skull fractures which is why it is important to always supervise them when using the walker.
Second, baby walkers can delay a baby's motor development. Babies who use walkers may learn how to walk later than babies who don't use walkers (as mentioned above, my personal experience is the opposite).
What do pediatricians say about walkers?
Some Pediatricians recommend against walkers.
There are a few reasons for this. First, walkers can slow down a baby's development, as they stop babies from using their natural tendency to pull themselves up and start to walk.
Second, walkers or a ride on toy can be dangerous, as they can lead to babies falling down stairs or other dangerous accidents if they are not supervised.
Finally, as babies get older and start to learn how to walk, they can become frustrated when they are unable to use the walker like everyone else their age.
Do baby walkers cause bow legs?
There is no scientific evidence that a baby push walker or sit in baby walkers cause bow legs.
How long can babies be in a walker?
Most pediatricians recommend that babies should not use walkers until they can walk independently, which is usually around 12 months old. They should be able to sit independently at a minimum.
Many walkers have extra toys that are intended for sit and play that can be used earlier than this from around 6 months.
Do baby push walkers delay walking?
There is no evidence that baby walkers delay walking. In fact, a study found that younger babies who used walkers walked earlier than those who didn't and that is my personal experience also.
Is baby jumper better than walker?
There are pros and cons to both baby jumper and walkers.
Baby jumpers are a great way for babies to get some exercise, which is important for their development. They also help babies learn how to balance themselves. However, baby jumpers can be dangerous if not used correctly, and they should not be used by babies who have not yet learned to walk.
Walker are also a great way for babies to get exercise, and they can help babies learn how to walk sooner. However, walkers can be dangerous if not used correctly, and they should not be used by babies who have not yet learned to sit independently.
What can I use instead of a walker?
There are a few alternatives to baby walkers that can help your baby learn to walk. One is to place your baby in a stationary standing position and prop them up with pillows or furniture so they can hold onto something while standing.
You can also place your baby in a sitting position on the floor and encourage them to push themselves up and crawl around. As your baby begins to pull themselves up to stand, you can provide support by holding onto their hands or arms.
Your baby may also figure out their own push toy to use to help them get about, check out my baby using his sister's chair as a walker!
How do I encourage my baby to walk?
Babies develop at their own pace and some will walk sooner than others. However, here are a few general tips that may help encourage your baby to walk:
- Try to provide your baby with plenty of opportunities to explore their surroundings by leaving them on the floor under your supervision. This can help them learn how to balance and move around.
- Place your baby in a standing position and gently support them as they take their first steps.
- Encourage your baby to walk by clapping and cheering them on.
- Make sure the floor is clear of any obstacles or hazards that could cause them to fall.
What happens if you put a baby in a walker too early?
Putting a baby in sit in walkers too early can cause them to develop walking problems. Some walkers can encourage babies to be lazy and not try to learn to walk on their own.
When babies start to learn how to walk, they need lots of practice. If they don't get enough practice, they may start to walk in a wobbly way. This is because their muscles and bones are still growing and haven't had a chance to mature yet.
Does baby have to stand alone before walking?
There is no one answer to this question since babies develop at different rates. However, most babies will eventually learn to stand on their own and then walk. Often, they will attempt to stand before they can even roll over. Some babies will cruise (walk while holding onto furniture) when baby pulls themself up before they walk independently. As long as your baby is progressing in some way, there's no need to worry. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your pediatrician.
So, which walker brand is best?
It depends on your needs. There are a variety of walkers on the market, and each serves a different purpose. If you are looking for a lightweight walker that is easy to fold and transport, then an foldable walker might be a good option.
If you need more stability, then a sit-in walker might be better. And if you are looking for extra features like storage or cup holders, there are also walkers available with those options so I have read through thousands of reviews from verified customers on Amazon to find the best options for you.
I hope you’ve found the information above useful, as a first-time parent I often wish I had access to information like this so I want to help other parents through the minefield that is parenthood!
All of the baby walkers above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which baby walkers work best for you.
Thanks for reading!
