Parental generosity can be overwhelming when it comes to baby products. Shops offer a variety of bright toys, household chemicals, beautiful clothes and shoes, bedding sets with attractive patterns. There are also developmental simulators - they help to form the child's various skills and abilities.
The walker is a developmental trainer for the first steps. Not all parents know how to choose from the vast assortment that stores offer. But the models differ both in design features and in functional equipment.
Types of walkers
It is customary to distinguish walkers by age criterion. The so-called "sit-down" walkers are designed for children under one year old - with their help, little ones learn how to take their first steps. The second type of design is intended for older children and is a leading support - this can be, for example, a small cart or a machine with a handle. Children who already know how to stand, but have poor balance when moving, are better off using such a walker.
Walkers can be foldable or non-foldable. It is generally accepted that the awkward option is more stable, but it only seems to be. Stability depends more on other criteria - for example, the base area, the height of the model. Folding walkers are not inferior to non-folding walkers in terms of safety requirements. You just need to make sure that they have sufficiently rigid braces with which you can fix the structure well in order to hold the child's weight while running and walking.
The designs differ in the number of casters. The best are those that have a movement blocker available. The child does not yet know how to steadily position himself in one place, for example, looking at something, and blocking can help him with this. Floating castors help to increase maneuverability, the child does not feel the resistance of the structure when walking.
The walker seat can be soft or rigid. It is good if its upper level reaches the baby's chest. The back must be rigid. Walkers can also differ in the degree of equipment. For example, on the front panel there are buttons, sound toys, and other entertaining gizmos.
What to look for when choosing a walker
When choosing a walker, you need to pay attention to the ratio of the base to the top frame. The ideal proportion is 2/1 - these walkers are the most stable. Less risk of overturning when the child abruptly changes direction or reaches for an object of interest.
The presence of a front bumper is important - it softens the impact on obstacles. When buying, make sure that the selected model will be mobile enough in your living space. It is useful to measure the width of the doorways before going to the store.
It is desirable that the height of the walker can be adjusted according to the height of the child, the seat should immerse him deeply enough, and the backrest should provide support for the spine.
You should start using the walker no earlier than the child is six months old. You should not use the developmental simulator for more than half an hour in a row - the child's body is just being formed, and he should be given the opportunity to fully relax.
