Walkers can keep the baby busy and give mom some free time. But you need to comply with age restrictions. Only then will the baby's joy from independent movement do no harm.
Almost every mother even dreams of ten minutes of free time. Sometimes there is not enough time even to wash. A small child cannot be left unattended and requires constant attention. Parents come to the conclusion that the child can be occupied with a walker for a while. Plus, it's good for development.
But not everything is so simple. It is important to know when to use the walker. A boy and a girl must not step on the walker at the same time. The physical development of boys is ahead of girls. You should also take into account a lot of nuances.
When can a walker be used?
It is believed that the walker can be used from four months. But this is a delusion. The spine of a child at this age is still very weak, and unnecessary stress should be excluded.
To begin with, the child must learn to independently hold the head and arch the back. Another prerequisite is the ability to sit and place the foot completely on the floor. It is best to first consult with an orthopedist and pediatrician on this issue.
Boys can be put on a walker from 7-8 months. Usually by this age they can already stand at the support. They are actively continuing the formation of the musculoskeletal system.
Girls are allowed from 9-10 months. You need to approach this issue very carefully. With dysplasia of the hip joint, the use of such a unit is prohibited. It is necessary to take into account the enormous load on the pelvic bones of the expectant mother. The formation of the skeletal system does not tolerate heavy loads.
Walker use should be kept to a minimum. It is better to use when urgently needed. Children after a long stay in a walker in the future often suffer from hyperactivity.
How long can you spend in a walker
Even if the child is delighted with such a hobby, it is not worth keeping him there for more than half an hour. The first time should last no more than three minutes, increasing the time daily. It would be optimal to stay in such a device for ten minutes.
When used correctly and in a timely manner, the walker helps the child develop physical activity, learn to calculate the speed and feel his position in space. But you shouldn't rush to use them. The load on the spine at this age is not needed.