How to Choose Baby Walkers

Keep your little one safe.

Choosing the right baby walker is the difference between throwing your money away or making an investment. Adjustable baby walkers grow with your child, while cheaper models are stationary and fit the baby for only a few months. Walkers move with the baby and let him exercise his legs. The right baby walker not only fits your child, but also keeps your baby safe.

Things You'll Need

• Walker with tray
• U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission updates

Instructions

1. Look at the bottom of the walker for friction tape or locking wheels. Features like this stop the walker from moving if your child reaches an uneven surface. If the ground is wobbly or uneven, the baby risks tipping the whole walker over, but these features keep the baby stable and upright.

2. Read the manufacturer's guidelines for weight and age limits. The manufacturer clearly lays out how much weight the walker can support, as well as the minimum and maximum age requirements for the walker. If the baby is too young or old or doesn't fall within the weight range, then look for a different walker.

3. Pick a baby walker that adjusts to different heights. Walkers work with children as young as 6 months, up to 18 months, but you want one that works as your child grows. Look for walkers that fit your child now, but will also fit your child a few months from now.

4. Buy a walker with an attached but movable tray. The tray serves as a place to put food and drinks for the baby, but it also holds toys and other small items. You can even use the tray as a place to hold baby food while feeding your baby. Some walkers also come with small pockets or places on the sides for holding and storing more toys.

5. Check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for any updates about baby walkers. Any recalls from manufacturers or problems found with the walkers appear on the website and in publications issued by the government. Only buy a walker that's safe for use and meets the safety standards.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an exersaucer for areas where you don't want the baby moving around. An exersaucer lets the child bounce and use his leg muscles, but it remains stationary, which means the child won't accidentally find the stairs or roll into a dangerous area.

• Opt for a foldable walker if you travel frequently or you move around a lot. These walkers lay flat for storage and transportation.

References

• Consumer Product Safety Commission: CPSC Gets New, Safer Baby Walkers on the Market
• The New Parent's Guide: Choosing a Baby Walker or Exersaucer

Resources

• Baby Walker Review