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If the answer is “it depends” will it seem poorly answered? It really depends! It depends on many aspects: Time of use, model, if you are under the supervision of an adult , place that is being used, it is very complex indeed! It is not for nothing that it is one of the most controversial subjects when it comes to toys or accessories for babies.
Baby walkers are really tempting, both for the child, who is dazzled by the freedom and mobility acquired instantly and for the parents, who are delighted, watching the child explore new movements and still take a few minutes of “rest”.
Parent Alert
But this is exactly where the real danger lies. The baby walker requires more careful adult supervision than ever before , otherwise the risks are enormous and the consequences can be severe.
Another point defended by some experts is that the walker is ill for forcing the baby’s spine for a long time by standing up. However, it is proven that what really hurts is the excessive use of time and not the use itself.
Moms, always concerned with the well-being of their children, especially when it comes to safety, are in doubt about whether or not to buy the walker . So we have selected some important information to help you better understand the pros and cons of this equipment.
Why the Baby Walker is Dangerous
Some research carried out in Brazil and in other countries in the world show that the walker is the children’s equipment responsible for the greatest number of accidents and injuries . A researcher from Sweden even published the conclusion of an analysis of cases of head trauma in children under 4 years old that points out the walker as the most dangerous child equipment, followed by playground toys.
Forbidden Sale
In some countries, the sale of baby walkers has already been banned and generates great discussions about the restriction of use, especially among healthcare professionals. Some Brazilian states have also adopted the ban, but the issue remains controversial.
The model of the baby walker questioned is the traditional one where the child sits in the middle, with his feet touching the floor , pushing the toy back and forth. According to experts, the toy reaches a speed of 1m / s, which is a lot for a baby of months who has no control and notion of risks.
Main Walker Risk
When moving around the environment freely, the baby is liable to pass the walker on top of a toy or any object that is on the floor, including steps, causing the equipment to fall forward and the baby to be thrown. At this time, according to research, the head is the first to be affected, so the high rate of head trauma in accidents that occurred with this equipment.
There is still the danger of the child on the walker accessing dangerous places such as stairs, kitchen and swimming pool, for example. The full adult supervision is essential to avoid any kind of accident.
Care to Avoid Accidents
Some other precautions are essential to reduce risks and ensure the safety and well-being of your baby, who, after all, with or without a walker needs full-time care. Check out some tips:
- Any equipment or children’s toys, if misused, cause the risk of an accident (not a problem exclusive to walkers)
- Check before buying a toy or accessory if it has an ANVISA guarantee seal
- When crawling the child is also subject to access dangerous objects, stairs or swimming pool. Supervise closely so that nothing goes wrong.
- If you choose to use the walker, limit the time of use and keep track of the side to avoid the risk of the walker tipping over.
- Love is caring! Take care of your little one and everything will be fine!
Does the baby walker impair development?
There is no study that proves the impairment of the walker in physical development and child mobility . Many pediatricians claim that the equipment can hinder the formation of the muscles of the legs and spine, in addition to hindering the learning of correct gait.
A survey carried out by the University of Juiz de Fora evaluated 40 children, where half of them used the walker and the other half did not. No changes were observed in the motor and physical development of any of them. It was concluded then that the walker does not bring any benefits, but also does not bring losses in these aspects.
In fact, the natural phases that lead to the first steps, which is rolling, sitting and crawling, are important to provide the child with the security and maturity necessary for the right time to walk without any support.
Push Baby Walker
The push walker is a kind of stroller, where the baby supports himself and walks all over the place. Generally, the child, when interested in this type of toy, is already firmer, giving the first timid steps and really needs only a “little push”.
As in this type of walker she does not get stuck and if he has a speed that she cannot keep up with, possibly she will let go and fall sitting down, the risks of serious accidents are less. Even so, the entire movement of the baby must be supervised by a guardian.
See also: Baby’s First Steps
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
