Do Baby Walkers Help Babies Learn To Walk Sooner?
The marketing of sit-in baby walkers will lead you to believe that they help your baby walk sooner and get stronger. But it's just not true.
Research shows us that these baby walkers change the progression of the development of walking skills. It changes your baby’s biomechanics when they're sitting in that seat, so they don't walk any sooner when they have a walker like this (1,2).
Another thing to consider: the more time that a baby spends supported in a walker like this, it's likely that they're spending less time in developmental positions that actually help them develop the motor skills needed for walking like floor play and tummy time.
If you are looking for a way to occupy your baby, and support their development toward walking…
Try this:
Prioritize free play on the floor, in a playpen, or pack‘n’ play.
The playpen and pack ‘n’ play are particularly helpful if you have dogs or other young children.
Finally, I recognize that other factors may go into your decision-making for your child, so if a walker like this is a non-negotiable in your home, I suggest limiting it to 10-20 minutes per day.
Need help deciding whether to buy a particular baby device? Read about my thinking process here.
Citations:
1. Siegel AC, Burton RV. Effects of baby walkers on motor and mental development in human infants. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1999;20(5):355-361.
2. Kauffman IB, Ridenour M. Influence of an infant walker on onset and quality of walking pattern of locomotion:an electromyographic investigation. Percept Mot Skills. 1977;45(3 Pt 2):1323-1329.
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P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.
When you shop using the links above, Physical Therapy for Infants earns a very small portion of what you spend at no additional cost to you.