There are lots of milestones in a baby’s life. But few are as exciting for parents and babies themselves as the first steps. From raising their heads to the sitting position and finally, standing on their own feet, babies are curious to discover the world.
Therefore, parents chose to invest in a baby walker for making the first steps fun and safe.
However, not all baby walkers’ models on the market have the guarantee to make your baby walk quicker nor safer. Want to know what are the best baby walkers in the new year that are colorful, good-quality, and still ensure a good body posture for your baby at the same time?
We have reviewed the top models, with pros as well as downsides. Moreover, you will find some tips about safety and the functionality of baby walkers.
In the Post
Traditional Seat-and-Wheel Walkers? Know the Shortcomings
Before jumping to the products’ full reviews, talking about the traditional baby walkers’ main shortcomings is essential.
Most walker injuries happen even when adults are close by and are watching their kids. Parents and caregivers sometimes cannot respond as quickly as they want. A child in a baby walker can move even more than 3 feet in 1 second. Impressive, right?
This is one of the shortcomings of traditional baby walkers and why they are not safe even with adults in proximity.
Here are other downsides parents should be aware of:
Baby Walkers cause possible injuries, although these look like parent’s mistakes.
It’s not the first time when medical professionals warn about baby walkers with seat safety issues. More than that, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends even banning the production of these mobile baby walkers with a seat as they can cause:
Rolling Down the stairs.
There were multiple situations when children broke their bones or suffered head injuries.
Suffer Severe Burns:
Once playing in a baby walker with wheels, children can reach higher. They will touch tablecloths, radiators, space heaters, and so on.
Drowning.
If children are playing outside, they can easily fall into pools or bathtubs.
Reach dangerous places and substances.
Being mobile will allow the baby to reach unstable surfaces, even substances, such as cleaning solutions.
Baby Walkers with seats can hinder the child’s development.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, using a classic baby walker can delay your kid’s independent walking. More than that, these walkers can slow muscle development.
Still, some parents buy them believing these fun tools will make their children walk faster when the truth is the opposite.
Learning to walk is about mastering to use legs, right? But when using a baby walker with a seat and fast-moving wheels, children are pulling to stand and take steps with massive support.
Baby Walkers are Prohibited in Canada
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act states that Canadian manufacturers cannot produce, import, or merchandise these products. Canada was the first country to ban baby walkers and have a specific law for this issue.
Although there have been mapped out some new safety standards in 1997 regarding baby walkers, these items still have fast wheels, which is the main issue.
The American Academy of Pediatrics itself has also discussed prohibiting selling baby walkers with wheels. The pediatrics recorded more than 200,000 cases of infant walker-related injuries only in the US since 1990.
Baby Walkers Safe Alternatives. Full Reviews
For all the parents who want to be precautionary, down below, we have listed some safe alternatives to the classic baby walkers. We also provided the perks, downsides, and some additional information so you can make a wise decision.
1. Radio Flyer, Classic Wood Walker Wagon
This classic model of walker wagon got an international reputation as a safe and versatile baby walker. The features are multiple, but the most important one is that the Radio Flyer’s Classic Walker helps the little ones develop their motor skills.
Unique Features
- Award-winning push wagon
- Natural solid wood
- Classic-retro look
- Furniture Friendly
- Perfect for toy storage
Hard-Wood Body
The hard-wood body resists push for many years, so the beginner walkers can safely develop balance and confidence. Parents will be happy to discover the removable wooden stake sides meant to protect the wagon bed while adding that sleek, retro look.
Moreover, this walker for babies provides extra space for your child’s toys due to the wagon design. So you can easily place it in their rooms and store lots of toys.
Furniture-Friendly Design
Don’t even worry about the possible furniture injuries, as the baby walker comes with friendly bumpers that will protect your home’s furniture as soon as the little ones learn how to walk.
With safety in mind, the furniture friendly bumper will take care of your home as your baby starts making the first steps. Maximum weight capacity 35 lbs and should be used for children of ages 1 – 4 years.
Pros
- Resists multiple pushes
- Comes with removable wooden stake sides
- Helps children learn walking in a safe environment
- Builds confidence and the right balance for the child
Cons
- Assembly lies on the buyer.
Keep in Mind!
The maximum weight for this wood baby walker is 35 libs. The manufacturer recommends using this item for ages between 1 and 4 years.
Assembling the baby walker
Even though the baby walker comes in pieces, assembling it will take you about 25 minutes. You will surely need a mallet and a screwdriver for the proper assembly job. However, once following the setup book’s steps, it will be easy to assemble it correctly.
2. NextX Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
If you are looking for more than a simple baby walker, look at this NextX push walker. A 4-in-1 playing center, this baby walker is easy and interactive to use while developing a healthy, safe baby walking.
Unique Features
- 4-in-1 Toddler Toys
- Safe movement coordination
- Music Creativity
- Adjustable Height
There are many entertainment features so that the first steps will have the company of music and toys.
Fun Push Walker
This 4-in-1 baby walker has toy keys that will remote joyful sounds and bright flashlights so that the kids will find lots of fun elements.
They simply need to push the button in front, and the baby activity center will enable it. The music and lights help a lot in enhancing the kids’ sensory skills.
Adjustable Height
Considering you can use this baby walker from 6 to 36 months, the product comes with adjustable height so that you can adjust it in 3 different ways. The learning walker has adjustable wheels as well and an easy-grasp handle.
Perfect balance and coordination
This baby walker’s body is safe and the perfect pal when it comes to pushing and walking. The ergonomic design ensures the proper development of motor skills, such as good coordination and balance.
Take Play Dexterity
Due to the exciting, colorful toys, children will develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Pros
- Remote with light and sounds
- Easy to grasp handle for securing the first steps
- Exciting put and take play
- Safe to use for six months old
- Activity center included
Cons
- Batteries not included
Good to Know
You cannot lock the wheels, so be aware of that.
Warranty
For a warranty, you need to talk with the manufacturer. Also, make sure you buy the batteries; otherwise, you cannot turn on the activity center.
3. NuoPeng 3 in 1 Baby Sit-to-Stand Walker
Made to last longer than other products on the market, the NuoPeng baby walker is an entertaining way for children to make their very first steps.
Unique Features
- Safety and Non-Toxicity Certification
- Great as an entertaining table
- Adjustable Speed Control Design
Learning to walk will be fun and exciting for the little ones due to the entertaining activity center and the drawing board function.
Developing baby’s coordination
This smart, safe-to-use baby walker helps develop both strength and coordination. This is possible because the baby is pushing the walker forward. This way, the kids will develop the initial standing and walking skills.
Adjustable Speed Control
There are two-speed control modes you can choose from. The first one is the slow mode, perfect for your child’s first steps and to improve the initial balance. The second mode is the fast one, which stimulates the baby’s desire to run and develop motor skills.
Activity Center and Drawing Board Function
More than a simple baby walker, the NuoPeng model can turn the steering wheel into joyful music, stimulating the baby’s attention and developing their attention skills. The child can play a little driver’s role and drive the car around the “little town.”
Safety Certification and No Toxic Materials
All the materials for this baby walker are 100% safe and non-toxic. Moreover, the baby walker comes with all the safety certification tests, so you can be sure that your child will always be safe.
Kids Learn to Draw And Write
The baby walker features a drawing table, a pen, and four colorful small props, so kids can enjoy drawing and develop their imagination. The drawing table is also a great fun parent-child time.
Pros
- Easy to assembly
- Writing and drawing board function
- Great baby and parents interactive product
- 3-in-1 baby sit to stand walker
- 100% non-toxic materials
Cons
- 3AA batteries not included
Assembly Info
This product does not come fully assembled. As such, parents will need to bring together all the plastic parts. However, you don’t need traditional screws, as the assembly method is simple and effective.
You can assembly the baby walker only with your hands. Let the child watch you doing this, as they will try to imitate you and develop their fine motor skills.
Traditional Baby Walkers Review
Although specialists consider the classic baby walkers not so safe, there are still some models with trustful features. If you insist on purchasing a baby walker with a seat and fast wheels, make sure your child will not use it for a very long time, daily.
Here are some models you can choose from:
1. Tiny Love 4-in-1 Baby Walker
The Tiny Love baby walker encourages your children to discover and develop their primary senses. From cognition to fine motor skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence, this baby walker helps explore the world from the very first steps.
The colors are vibrating, and the textures different, all these helping the child to develop their senses.
Key Features
- Mobile Activity Center
- Promotes Child Development
- Adjustable Height Options
Multiple activities
Using this model means pushing along, jumping, or walking, each of these activities matching the different developmental milestones.
Safely lock the Wheel.
You can use the baby walker as a stationary activity center, by safely locking the wheels. This way, the child can start playing with all the toys, sounds, and colors.
360 Swivel Seat
Kids have a lot of energy. The 360 rotating swivel seat will encourage them to explore the surroundings and always be part of the house’s action.
Pros
- Features six developmental toys
- 360-degrees rotating seat
- 4-in-1 design
- Easy to store
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Needs adult supervision
- Not so suitable on fluffy carpeted areas
- The plastics at the bottom are quite sharp.
Cleaning the Baby Walker
Cleaning this Tiny Love baby walker is comfortable. You just need to remove the seat pad, then put it in the washing machines.
Warning
This item has fast wheels, so make sure you stand next to your child. Moreover, they can bounce on the seat, so keep your eye on the walker’s stability.
2. Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1
This baby walker is an excellent convertible product that easily converts from a static activity walker to a walk-behind one. Versatile, it suits both girls and boys who are making their first steps.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 convertible design
- Compact Fold for storage
- Fun toys and activities
Adjustable Height
The seat pad’s adjustable height is a big plus, so that you can use this model for a longer time. The skid-resistant friction pads bring more safety to your child.
Fun Toys and Interactive Activities
Keeping your kid entertained is more comfortable now, with the fun developmental toys. Right on the front bar, the kid has an upright flower mirror, as well as crinkle petals and textured stem. The spinning ball is the main attraction.
Easy Storage
You don’t need to worry about the space, as this baby walker is compact enough to suit any corner of the room. Moreover, you can take it on family trips as well. The folded dimensions are 30″ L x 24.3″ W x 8″ H.
Pros
- Easy cleaning
- Skid-resistant friction pads
- Easy maneuvering
- Adjustable seat
- Plush Foam Seat
Cons
- Does not work on the carpet
How to clean the pads?
The seat pads of the baby walker are machine washable. For the plastic parts, use a damp cloth and a mild soap, and it will be enough.
Attention!
This item can support between 15 and 26 lbs and no more. Furthermore, make sure your child is shorter than 32” tall.
3. Joovy Spoon Baby Walker
When the walker meets a good quality high chair, the result is this spoon walker, perfect for offering that outstanding balance of eating and playing. Very practical and with a good looking design, the spoon will blend with any room’s style so that it won’t bother you at all.
Unique Features
- Built to last
- Easy to clean
- Extra-large tray
- JPMA Certification
Perfect for Snack Time
During the meals and snack time, the spoon converts into a super-sized tray. Furthermore, the removable insert needs little effort to clean. You can use the dishwasher for more convenience.
Ideal Room for Playing
Once the snack time is over, the baby walker converts into the perfect place for play. The extra-large tray is ideal for keeping your kid’s favorite toys.
Elegant Design
One of the main features of the Joovy model is the bright white color, with this elegant high gloss finish. Stylish but still easy to clean, the baby walker is an excellent product for making the children feel more confident and comfortable with their first steps.
Ultra-Wide Base
Due to the ultra-wide base, the baby walker will be more stable, more robust, and will offer safety and mobility for the little ones.
Pros
- Grows together with the child
- Extra-wide footprint
- Supportive and comfortable seat pad
- Three height positions
Cons
- The baby walker does not have brakes.
Safety Information
To make sure your children are safe, then you should know some critical information. First of all, there are three height positions, depending on how tall your kid is. Also, make sure the maximum child weight is 30 pounds and 33.5 inches.
Tips to Keep Walkers Safe for Babies
As we already mentioned at the beginning of our article, baby walkers can injure our children, even when adults are close by. Luckily, there are some ways to make sure the baby walkers are safe to use
- Check the CPSC Recall List for any walker you want to purchase. Do this before making any buying decision. The CPSC instituted different laws during these years so parents can know in advance if the baby walker is safe for them.
- Check the baby walker right from the package. If you notice anything missing or looking wrong, then return the item. You need to prevent any possible injuries.
- Keep a constant eye on your kid. Even the safest baby walkers have their perks. Always stay in the room with your baby and keep an eye on them and the floor. Never let your child in a baby walker close to stairs or ledges.
- Always keep the door and drawers shut. Babies and young toddlers love to wander around the furniture, climb it, and open all the doors.
- Install child proof door knob covers for the front and back door as well
Which is the best baby walker style?
Every family has their preferences. However, considering pediatric professionals, push walkers are safer yet healthier than sit-in walkers.
The reason is simple: once pushing the walker, the baby still has to hold themselves and learn to walk using their power. While sitting-in, babies will only move their legs, but not their bottom, which is critical in balancing.
Another critical aspect of the sit-in walkers is that they keep the baby off the floor. This way, they won’t develop the most valuable motor skills, such as pulling or the simple repetitive movement of walking.
What is the perfect age for starting to use a baby walker?
Every child is different. As such, the only real limitation to use a baby walker is the moment when the baby can hold their head up and their feet to touch the floor.
Some are ready to use the baby walker at four months, while some not until six months. Considering there are many debates regarding the safety of baby walkers, do not rush to purchase one. Instead, start by looking for an activity center or a baby jumper.
Quick Summary
As you can see, there are lots of models of baby walkers you can choose from. From the seated and sit-to-learn walkers to pushing ones, follow your child’s needs, and decide what is best for them.
Also, keep in mind the safety tips when making the final purchase. All in all, despite the numerous debates regarding seated and stand up walkers, it is your decision what to buy. Do you have a favorite already?
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