17 Replies
Saucers, jumpers, walkers, etc. do nothing to enhance development, and can actually delay the achievement of milestones by several weeks. Essentially, to give a quick summary, standing in a saucer is not the same as actively standing while say holding onto a couch. The muscles work in a different pattern that is less desirable. This has been backed up by EMG studies, where they read the electrical output of different muscles and look at the patterns in which they are activated. Babies in saucers tend to be pitched forward onto their toes, which isn’t a normal posture and can theoretically lead to tip toe walking down the road (an abnormal gait pattern). Their abdominal muscles aren’t activeley engaged like they would be while actively standing. Their gluteal (butt) muscles aren’t engaged the same way they would be while standing on their own. This allows them to stand with a sway-backed posture that isn’t particularly healthy. There have been excellent twin studies showing that even in typically-developing kids, the twin that used a walker walked on average 6 weeks later than the non walker using twin. Most therapists would say this can be applied to saucer use as well. Studies have shown saucers to delay sitting, crawling and walking milestones. Many parents will say their child used a saucer and walked early, but that isn’t really a fair assessment, as their child may have walked even earlier if they *didn’t* use one. In a typically developing kid, it is less of a concern than a child at risk of delays (preemies, low muscle tone, etc.) However, not all parents know if their child is delayed or at risk of delays either. The recommendation of most pediatric PTs is to limit their use entirely if you can. If you insist on using one, don’t use it for more than 20 mins a day, and be aware of how fast that time adds up (10 mins while you shower, 10 mins during a phone call, 30 mins while you make dinner, 10 mins while you clean up, 5 mins while you go to the bathroom…). It adds up more quickly than people realize. Also if the child shows any signs of fatigue (slouching over, slumping, leaning to one side) they should be removed before 20 mins total, and hopefully beforehand.
I’ve also gathered from the KKH article that it is not advisable to put baby in a walker. It may cause your baby to walk later. Seems like walkers will hinder or slow down a baby’s development of balance and walking skills. It is also highlighted in the article that a walker may cause atypical walking pattern. The hips and knees are bent and baby will likely be on his/her toes while walking in the walker. This causes the baby to use different muscle groups for walking and this may become a habit that is difficult to correct in future. There is also a higher chance of baby injuring themselves as they are able to travel faster in a walker. Accidents can happen in a split second before a parent could react. Most of my friends chose not to use a walker and just let baby learn walking by themselves. What most of them did was to help baby onto his/her feet as often as possible, and slowly encouraging baby to take small steps while supported. But it is really a personal choice. Go with what you are comfortable with. A few of my friends use it sparingly. They wanted to let their child have some "autonomy" exploring the house, and would put their babies into the walker for just 5-10mins and following behind their babies just to be safe.
thanks :)
I think it really boils down to how much you need it. For jumperoo, i placed my lo in it when she was 3 mths... she just won't stop crying n i tried every means .... but i did limit her for 15 to 30 mins until she actually started jumping when she was 5mths. On the contrary, i think it builds up her thighs n calf muscles n by 8mths she was screaming to get out of it. Lol... Then i transfered her to a walker at 8 mths. By 10.5 mths she took her first steps within a play yard n by 11 mths she was walking by her own slowly... anyway, it doesnt matter when she walked (early or late) cuz they all do ultimately. 😊
I used almost everything for my boy. But he is not walking slower (average) he is already quite stable and is almost running at 12mths old . But he doesn't like to be in a walker so he was seldom in one. But he loves jumperoo from 5-8 months n After that we switch to step piano (similar to exersaucer )
I actually wouldn't recommend. We used to have a walker but when our PD told us the danger not only of them falling down the stairs , or pulling stuffs off the table , hurting themselves , there's actually chances they will tip toe more often . So our walker is kept in the store room forever
noted n seems like many rechargeable against walker. thanks soo much
Walker, exersaucer or junperoo, limit to 5-10 mins each session and not more than 2 times a day. I have a walker and exersaucer, and I used it when baby was 8-10 months old. Look out for signs that he is ready to use. But be prepared all of these will outgrown very fast
thanks :)
i'd recommend you let your baby walk on your own and be there to love them and give them all the support they need from your love! :) here are some baby walker alternatives: http://healthcare.utah.edu/healthlibrary/related/doc.php?type=20&id=661
thanks :)
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I put my boy in walker back then since it's a gift. He was playing catching with his dad & we had so much fun. But limit to just 15mins... No issue in his legs growth & he's almost 3 now. It's your personal choice..
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My girl is using walker when she is 6 months old. She has no problem in term of walking. She start walking at 11 month. Even exesaucer and Jumperoo also dangerous if you do not keep an eye on them.
thanks :)
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