Baby Walkers?
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Updated on Jun 14, 2013
Dear Fellow Parents, My son is 4 days short of turning 16 months old. We are still waiting for him to take his first steps! He holds furniture and cruises but is not confident to hold our hands and walk. Over the last few weeks, I feel he has regressed in this aspect. I say this because he used to enjoy walking while my husband or I held his hands. He would even try to run. However, this has suddenly stopped and he cries if we encourage him to walk that way and is very happy if we let him sit and scoot around. Of late I have been thinking about walkers or other toys which asist a baby in walking. Does any parent recommend walkers? Has anybody's child's benefitted from walkers or is a late walker- later than 15 or 16 months of age? I am not worried, but would like him to start walking as it would make things easier for me. I have to carry him around for short trips, like picking my daughter from school and even around the house. He is getting heavy and my arms and shoulders are feeling the strain. Any recommendation would be helpful.
| Jun 14, 2013
As u mentioned he is on d heavier side it means his bones r not strong enough yet to take his body weight. forcing him to walk mite put a strain on his bones n muscles. As far as walker is concerned since olden times r parents, grandparents have been using it. But if u go by wat doctors these days suggest is not to use these walkers as it mite put unnecessary strain on their bones leaving them weak . I can understand ur excitement regarding this issue but waiting for the right time wud be a wise step.
| Jun 14, 2013
u can use fisherprice walker(it is the same like olden times structure)... i hv used it for my son.... he used to enjoy on it a lot n it helps child to walk with right way... I wud like to suggest you to massage your sons legs in fact entire body with almond oil or any other gud oil and give him gud amount or calcium or any supplement... it will give him strength to walk... as it alreay quite late... for walk. I think u shud consult with your doc as well.
| Jun 15, 2013
Hi Anurima, AM has really suggested what i think as well. My daughter started walking very late and she was not even heavy. every child has different pace. Don't force him he'll do when he is ready. DON'T use wheel walkers in which child sits it delayed my daughters walking, u can use the One AM suggested that's better, I used to get irritated with people commenting, Abhi tak nai chalti n all and my reply was Olympics is far yet she'll start running b4 that, So chill and let him do things on his pace.
| Jun 15, 2013
@ deepti singh... true kuch to log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna... my son doesnt speak clearly at 3. 4yrs ppl keep on question/asking earlier i used to tk tension and used to compare with other children... but later i realised tht all children r different from each other..... let them give some space and time.... thing will improve itself.. I belive one shud concentrate on ones child instead of hearing n bothering ourselves by ppl talkes.
| Jun 15, 2013
Thank you for all your comforting comments. I have borrowed a walker from a friend but my son does not like it. So I guess it will go back to my friend :) I have read that walkers do not strengthen the child's muscles making him/her take longer to walk. On the other hand I have heard parents say that their children have walked sooner with the help of walkers. I have been totally confused! It is true, log toh kahenge. I am constantly asked by other family members as to why he is not walking independently yet and am told to do so many things to encourage him to walk. Like I said I am not worried, but the pressure from others makes me think. You all are so right, my son is not ready to walk and will walk once he is confident. I am waiting for that day and hope it happens sooner than I think :)
| Jun 18, 2013
Hey Anurima, I have logged in after so long on parentune and just saw ur post :) Anurima, I never used walker for either of my kids as I have researched about it and seen that it is not very safe for the kids. It make kids more prone to injuries, so I would suggest not to go for walkers, as in few instances child may not be able to balance himself in it... My daughter started walking very late as she was comfortable her walking with her knees folded :) and my son started walking just after he completed 9 months of his age ... and we were so much surprised, he never ever used his knees or crawled... so it differs from kid to kid when they feel comfortable and confidence to start walk ... Don't u worry ...ur son must also be waiting to get his walking freedom :)
| Jun 20, 2013
Hey Indu, thank you for your suggestion. Yes, each child is different. My daughter was a late walker too, but she took her first steps at 14 months and we are still waiting for my son to walk ;) I hope you have videos of your daughter walking on her knees :) It must have been so cute!
