Advantages And Disadvantages Of Baby Walkers – Parenthood
The walkers babies are an intermediary between the stroller and the start of crawling. It is a structure that allows our little ones to walk in an assisted way. What are the effects of this device on children?
On the one hand, the baby walkers surround the baby and keep him attached with seat belts so that he does not fall. In addition, small wheels are incorporated to allow the child to move freely and in any direction.
3 advantages of baby walkers
They strengthen their independence
When a child begins to crawl and try to walk unprotected, the parents are behind them. In a way, this protective intention restricts the movements and independence of the little one.
However, at the start of his movements and steps, the child should be able to move around safely and everywhere. Older children don’t have to worry about using baby walkers; in principle, these support devices offer security and guarantee.
Moms have more leeway
One of the reasons baby walkers are adopted is that parents can free themselves up a bit. This is essential in order to avoid saturation and allow them to carry out household chores.
They generate fun and diversion in children
If you think about it, the baby walker is one more toy for our children. In this device, they spend hours of distraction, they experience their first steps and enjoy the feeling of riding. In addition, currently the baby walkers are designed with bright colors and items to play on.
Some companies use this supplement as a learning playground. Shapes, colors, sensations and even sounds are incorporated to obtain very attractive products; there is no doubt that all of this contributes to the child having experiences that can be of use to him.
3 disadvantages of baby walkers
The baby walker does not stimulate the development of walking
By being artificially assisted, the little ones do not face the challenge of controlling their movements. The trotter retains the weight and the walking experience is not complete; moreover, some theories indicate that the use of trotters can generate some distortions.
Although baby walkers have many advantages, children do not really learn to walk on their own. The leg muscles work, but with help.
Ideally, there should be a balance in the use of baby walkers. Even if the child walks with this mechanical aid while the parents carry out their household chores, it is important from time to time to encourage the little ones to try to take a few steps without assistance.
“The baby walker is another toy for our children. In this device, they spend hours of distraction ”.
It delays the transition from four legs to walking
The transition from being on all fours to taking the first steps comes just when baby walkers are used the most. It should be remembered that although the movements of the child are very awkward, it is a necessary process for the motor development of the child.
What happens with the baby walker is that this transition is delayed and can hinder the development of the child. It is essential that parents ensure that their children go through all these stages. Walking is not only a question of mobility, but also of muscle development.
Baby walkers prevent falls while it is part of their learning
Parents don’t want their children to fall when they try to take their first steps; remember that controlled falls are important in children’s development.
It is certain that falls can hurt and represent a feeling of emptiness and danger. However, thanks to them, children learn how to manage space and gravity.
At this stage, it should be stressed that the problem does not come only from the baby walker, but above all from overprotection. Preventing small falls which will teach the child is not the issue, it is rather fundamental to avoid the risk of the elements which surround it and to have an adequate ground.
In short, baby walkers could alter the development of our little ones. Beyond that, there shouldn’t be much risk in letting our children have fun every now and then with this device.
