When Should A Baby Stop Using A Walker? [With Safety Tips]

Last Updated on May 13, 2023

Walkers are a popular choice for parents when it comes to helping their baby learn how to walk. Infants are generally put in walkers between the ages of 4 and 5 months, with usage continuing until they are around 10 months old.

However, there is no definitive answer as to when a baby should stop using a walker. Some babies will stop using a walker around 8 months old, while others may continue to use one until they are 12 or 13 months old. It all depends on their developmental milestone, as every baby’s growth rate is different.

Read on to learn more about when your baby should stop using a walker and some of the pros and cons of this type of mobility device!

Table Of Contents

Video: When should a baby stop using a walker (Plus Safety Precautions)
When to stop using a baby walker?
Baby walker advantages
Baby Walker Disadvantages
FAQs
Wrapping up:

Video: When should a baby stop using a walker (Plus Safety Precautions)

When to stop using a baby walker?

A baby walker can be a great tool to help your little one explore their surroundings and develop their motor skills. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using one. Here are some tips on when to stop using a baby walker:

– Most experts agree that baby walkers should only be used for a short period of time. Once your child can pull themselves up to standing or they start trying to climb out of the walker, it’s time to retire it.

– If you notice that your child is starting to use the walker as a way to get around instead of walking on their own, it’s probably time to put it away. You want your child to be motivated to walk on their own, and using the walker as a crutch can delay that.

– Some parents like to keep the baby walker around until their child is old enough for a stroller or wagon. But if you find that your child is no longer interested in being in the walker, there’s no need to keep it around.

So, what age should a baby stop using a walker? It really depends on your individual child, but most babies stop using a walker at the age of 10-12 months old.

Also read: When to start baby walker

Baby walker advantages

There are several advantages that baby walkers offer. We’ve listed them below:

– Baby walkers support your baby as they learn to walk. This can be extremely beneficial as it can help prevent falls and injuries.

– Baby walkers can also help your child develop their gross motor skills and coordination.

– These mobility devices can be a great way to keep your child entertained while you get things done around the house.

If you’re considering a baby walker for your little one, be sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. And always consult with your child’s pediatrician to ensure that a baby walker is the best choice for your family, as there are also some potential risks and safety concerns associated with baby walkers.

Also read: How to teach baby to walk in walker

Baby Walker Disadvantages

While baby walkers can be a convenient way to keep your little one entertained, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of before using one.

– One of the biggest dangers of baby walkers is that they can tip over easily, causing serious injury to your child.

– Additionally, babies in walkers can move quickly and may not be able to stop themselves from bumping into things or falling down stairs.

– Baby walkers also give children a false sense of independence and mobility, which can lead to them becoming frustrated when they are not able to move around on their own.

– These devices can be expensive and may not last very long if your child outgrows them quickly.

If you decide to use a baby walker, be sure to supervise your child at all times and never leave them unattended. Additionally, make sure the area around the walker is clear of any obstacles that could cause your child to trip or fall.

Also read: Baby trying to crawl at 2 months

FAQs

Are walkers good for babies development?

Answer: According to research, walkers do not play any role in a child’s development. They do not teach infants to walk or help them learn sooner than they would otherwise. Babies need the opportunity to pull up, creep, and crawl, which they can’t do with a walker.

Children in walkers may inadvertently get their fingers trapped, pull things down on themselves, or grasp dangerous objects (such as sharp things or hot drinks) that would otherwise be out of reach. Children can fall out of walkers and suffer injuries — including drowning when they slide into a pool or spa.

Why do babies walk late while using walkers?

Answer: A baby can’t balance in a walker, which prevents him or her from learning how to do it. When using a walker or jumper, there is also less time on hands and knees in a crawling or pre-crawling posture. This is critical for weight bearing through the hips and shoulders, as well as more independent movement abilities.
Plus, there are also a few reasons why babies may walk late when using walkers. First, they may need to build up the muscles in their legs before they can walk independently.

Second, they may be hesitant to let go of the support that the walker provides.

And third, they may not have had enough practice walking with the walker before they are able to walk on their own.

Ultimately, it is important to consult with a doctor if you are concerned about your baby’s development.

At what age can a baby walk without support?

Answer: Some babies grab the walking skills sooner or later than others. “Babies can walk as early as 9 months old,” Dr. Marshall says. “It’s normal for infants to take longer to learn to walk and start doing so at 17 or 18 months of age.”

However, some babies may need a little help getting started. If your baby does not seem interested in walking, talk to your child’s doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

Do baby walkers delay walking?

Answer: Yes, baby walkers can delay walking because they allow babies to move around without having to work hard to support their own weight. This can make muscles weaker and cause problems with balance and coordination.

Baby walkers and jumpers hinder the development of a child’s walking. The more time an infant spends in a walker or jumper, the longer it delays their progress.

Why walkers are not good for babies?

Answer: There are several reasons why walkers are not good for babies. First, there is a safety hazard. Baby walkers can be dangerous because babies in walkers can move quickly, and they might fall down stairs and hit their head on something or might have broken bones.

Second, walkers don’t help babies learn to walk. In fact, they might delay walking because babies who use walkers don’t practice standing up and taking steps.

Third, using a walker can make a baby’s legs bow.

Finally, spending too much time in a walker can cause a baby to become less active and more dependent on the device.

Do baby walkers cause bow legs?

Answer: The jury is still out on this one. Some studies suggest that baby walkers may cause bow legs, while other studies are not so sure. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents avoid using baby walkers just to be on the safe side. If you’re concerned about your child’s leg development, talk to your pediatrician.

Wrapping up:

Now that you’ve already known that most babies have normal walking development at the age of 10 months old and can do independent walking at that time. However, some babies might delay reaching completely normal walking milestones and have nothing to worry about.
If you are concerned about your child walking, you should contact health professionals.
In addition, you should keep your baby under supervision when using a baby walker to prevent falls on stairs and head injuries.
Thanks for reading!

Amy A. Vincent

Amy A. Vincent, a mother of three amazing children, has been sharing practical parenting insights and advice for the past four years and counting on her blog. With contributions from real healthcare professionals, she provides guidance on topics ranging from baby products to best practices in raising your children with confidence. Whether you’re interested in learning how to take care of them or making informed decisions about their well-being, this site offers comprehensive parental support that can help you raise happy and healthy kids! Read more

Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP

Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certiﬁed general pediatrician and has been practicing pediatrics at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. She also enjoys cooking outside of the medical profession. Read more