Is baby walker recommended? Pediatrician clarifies doubts

A baby’s first steps are one of the most awaited moments for dads. Just thinking about that moment makes my stomach flutter! The furniture in the house changes places and the parents’ attention is redoubled. One of the alternatives found by many to help at this moment is the baby walker, which provides support for the still uncertain steps.

But the subject is controversial, since the commercialization of the product was prohibited in Brazil. After all, why aren’t walkers recommended? To help parents in this mission, we talked to Dr. Natália C. Paulo de Sousa (CRM 155015), who is a pediatrician and neonatologist, to clarify this doubt once and for all!

Is baby walker recommended? doctor clarifies

Dr. Natalia is emphatic on the subject: the baby walker is contraindicated by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Instead of helping, walkers end up confusing the child: “the walker has several wheels at its base that are driven only by the baby’s little feet touching the floor, and incorrectly. So instead of learning to walk, walkers get in the way and confuse the child.”

Instead of facilitating the first few steps, the walker impairs the moment: “the effect is to delay the motor development necessary for walking, in addition to harming the discovery of body balance, the development of tendons and muscles”, warns the pediatrician.

And the push walker?

There is a model on the market that can help little ones: push walkers. “They look like supermarket trolleys, and the baby has to take its own steps by itself, supporting its body weight on its own little legs and making the right movements with its feet to walk”, explains doctor Nátalia.

The only precaution is that parents should pay attention and supervise the child, as use can cause small falls, which is also part of the process.

So, how to encourage the baby to walk?

According to the pediatrician, the best way to stimulate the little ones is to let them play on the floor, leaning on objects and even on your hands to take their little steps, until they feel confident to do it alone.

In the learning process, some falls will be necessary, but always be by the side calming and giving security to the baby.

Baby walker: experiences and reviews

Learn about the experience of those who used the push walker, the risks of the traditional model and tips on how to create the perfect environment and encourage the child to take their first steps on the floor.

Push walker with activity table review

In this video you will see a review of a push walker, model recommended by pediatricians. In addition to helping with the first steps, the model serves as an activity table for the child to play with. Look!

Risk of traditional baby walkers

This video from Macetes de Mãe explains in detail the risks of the traditional walker and how it harms the child’s development.

Dangers and indications for using the walker

The use of a walker is the main cause of accidents and head trauma in children. With that in mind, learn the pros and cons of the two walker models.

10 tips to encourage baby to walk

Discover in this video some lifehacks to create the perfect environment for baby to take their first steps.

How to create the perfect environment for baby to take their first steps

The best way to help babies take their first steps is to stimulate them on the floor. In this video, you will find some recommendations and tips to help and make this moment pleasurable.

Use these tips and make the child’s walk fun for both parents and little ones!

Where to buy a suitable walker?

Find out here where to find the push walker, model recommended by pediatricians.

1. 4 in 1 Walker, Maral, Multicolor, on Amazon
2. Walker with Activities – Zebrinha with Lights and Sounds – Fisher-Price, at Ri Happy
3. Musical Supporter C/ Zebrinha Activities – Fisher-Price, in the Americanas
4. Happy Baby Walker , at Shoptime

Leave the little one free and at ease to go through each stage in his own time, without comparing him to other children, and celebrate with him every little achievement!