Every parent wants their child to be faster, stronger and brighter. Everyone wants their kids to reach their development milestones sooner. Every mother and father wants to be proud parents to children who learn their firsts at a younger-than-average age. So, it is important to provide that extra help and support to your little ones so that they can effortlessly pick up each task and learn them at a lightning pace.
It is a well-known fact that around the age of 1, your infant is supposed to start saying the first words and take the first unaided steps. While constantly communicating with your baby helps engender speaking the first words quite easily, inspiring them to start walking is a bit harder due to the complexity of the task and large amount of coordination that their brains must accomplish. That is why it is essential to get them accustomed to the activity of walking before they strike out on their own. While holding their hands as they put one foot in front of the other has been a trusted technique of the generation of our grandparents, our generations have gotten smarter and uses more scientific methods for a baby’s development from infancy to a young child stage. Many items are available in the market to suit a baby’s physical activity needs as they grow up, Swings, rockers, bouncers and strollers are available for babies while walkers and jumpers are for the growing infants.
As your kid enters the 4th quarter of his or her infancy, a wise parent would wean their child from a sitting rocker to a sitting walker. As they advance towards their 1st birthday, promote them to a standing walker so that they may quickly catch the essence of walking and move on to walking without support. Every parent wants the best for their child. A walker is no different. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to see that the rocker you buy passes all the points in a checklist of safety,comfort and versatility so that your baby can get the best out of it.
What to keep in mind when buying a baby walker?
Buying something for your child means you have double the responsibility to get it right. The market has a host of products to choose from, with many ingenious additions to make it an educative and entertaining exercise for your baby. No matter how many add-ons you go for, it is absolutely imperative to look for these features are present in the walker.
Safety
There are two things that must be present in the walker. These are brake pads and safety straps and buckles. Brake pads prevent the walker from going any further if the walker has reached the edge of any height, like a stairway. Safety straps ensure that the baby does not take a tumble at any point, especially since they are unable to support themselves at this point. Other factors one should look for are large and sturdy wheels and a weight distribution such that the lower portion is heavier. This is to prevent the tipping over of the walker if there is an obstacle in front or if the baby took it over a carpeted floor.
Materials
The material that the walker is made of largely depends on exactly what purpose you are buying it for and the age of your kid. Wood is safe and durable, but it may be too heavy if your child id still very young and not strong enough. Plastic is light, but it is not as long-lasting as wood. Polyester is both light and durable, but it is slightly more expensive.
Comfort
Since the baby will be spending long periods of time on the walker, the walker should be comfortable. There should be a proper backrest and the seat and backrest should be properly cushioned. The cushions should be thick and should not bunch and shuffle with all the movement.
Convenience
This pertains more to the parents than to the child. Look for walkers with removable and washable fabric of the seats so that cleaning is not a hassle. A lightweight and foldable walker helps carry it conveniently around when going on a trip.
Usefulness
Getting a walker that has adjustable height settings, convertibility from seated to walking type or rocker to walker type makes it usable through a longer period of your baby’s development. The walker should include many toys, sound and light effects so that the baby can have fun while learning. An attached food tray would help double up the walker as a high-chair.
Top & Best Baby Walkers for your Child
While a buying guide largely helps in choosing the right walker for the apple of your eye, we know that to busy new parents,especially first-timers, it always helps if there are a few of the best options in the market assembled for you. That is why a list has been compiled consisting of the most trusted baby walkers that you can rely on.
1. Baybee Cheezy Baby Walker Cum Rocker
The Baybee Cheezy walker is a winner when it comes to having all the attributes of the ideal baby walker. It is EN71 certified, which happens to be the most strict safety standard for babies in Europe. It is manufactured from high quality, durable plastic that makes the walker sturdy enough for an active baby. It can be used as a rocker when the baby is small, and as the toddler grows, it can double as a walker. It has 3 height adjustments for the growing child.
The seats are amply padded and the cushions are removable and machine-washable. Most importantly, the walker comes with stoppers that prevent accidents due to falling over stairs or any other heights. The wheels have 360° rotation to allow movement in any direction. A number of toys are fitted and there are light and sound effects. It also has a food tray. The walker also comes with a push handle, accompanied by a detachable footrest for the baby to safely put his or her legs in when being pushed.
Features of Baybee Cheezy Baby Walker Cum Rocker
- Dimensions of the assembled walker are 28.10 x 24.00 x 22.50 inches.
- Its weight is 299g.
- It can be used for both boys and girls.
- The body of the walker is made of plastic and the padding is made of cotton.
- Minimum age of baby recommended by manufacturer is 6 months.
2. R for Rabbit Ringa Ringa Baby Walker
This R for Rabbit walker is also EN71 safety standard certified. The biggest asset for this walker is its mechanical strength. Although it is slightly bulky, it makes up for it in robustness. It is highly convenient to use, with an easy foldable structure that makes it appropriate to carry along while travelling. The base of the walker can be easily modified to function as a rocker for the early years of the baby. It also comes with 3 adjustable heights to accommodate the growing baby.
It is high on safety, with brake pads that protect the baby from going over the edge of heights.The wheels have 360° rotation that facilitates all-round movement of the toddler. It has thickly padded seat and backrest so that the baby remains comfortable even after long hours of use. A removable footmat at the base helps the kid to rest his or her feet, in case the parent decides to push them outdoors. It is equipped with a music and toy tray that helps to improve the child’s cognitive, receptive and coordination skills alongside teaching to walk.
Features of R for Rabbit Ringa Ringa Baby Walker
- Its dimensions are 72.4 x 65.8 x 13.2 cm.
- Its weight is 5.16 kg.
- Age of usage is 6 to 18 months.
- Weight capacity is upto 15 kg.
- Height adjustment is between 33-56 cm.
3. Mee Mee Baby Walker with Adjustable Height
Mee Mee is one of the most wanted brands in India when it comes to baby walkers. A number of its models are quite popular among parents, but this one seems to have found especial favour. The main reason for this is that it meets all the International Standards of Safety and Hygiene. It is made of premium quality material that makes it last longer and is absolutely safe for the baby. It has a sturdy structure coupled with comfortable, cushioned seating that supports the young one safely and comfortably.
Its safety gates prevent tumbling on uneven surfaces and 360° rotatable wheels for unrestricted movement. The walker has height adjustment facility so that it can be used by the rapidly growing toddler for a long time. Its long push handle and legrest provides the option to the parent to push the walker while the baby sits comfortably tucked in. It has got a well-equipped toy tray that can be removed for use as a food tray.
Features of Mee Mee Baby Walker
- It is 68.8 x 67.4 x 17.2 cm in size.
- It is 3.92 kg in weight.
- It is a unisex model.
- It is suitable for use in the age range 6-12 months.
- It is made of high-grade,non-toxic plastic.
- The backrest, seat and footpad are cushioned.
4. LuvLap Baby Walker Sunshine
The LuvLap baby walker comes in a large number of appealing colour options so that you can buy exactly the one that your little one is drawn to. It has 3 height level options, secured using a safety lock, so that the baby can use it all throughout the toddler stage without fear of breaking. It has a broad base that comes with 360°rotation wheels and stoppers. The all-way wheels give the baby freedom to move in any direction while the stopper prevent entry into risky places with uneven heights.
It has a washable padded seat and removable footrest which makes cleaning the walker an easy task. It also has a push handle for using it as a pram in parks and sidewalks. Just attach the footrest to the base to hold the kid’s legs and you’re good to go. The toy bar with music and lights keep the baby engaged and mentally stimulated.
Features of LuvLap Baby Walker Sunshine
- Product dimensions are 67.7 x 60.9 x 13 cm.
- Its weight is 1.69 kg.
- The walker has a weight capacity of 998 g to 12 kg.
- Minimum age for use is 6 months.
- The toys provided are removable.
5. Chicco 123 Best Baby Walker
Chicco is an internationally acclaimed brand, known to really care for a child’s needs. The 123 baby walker from this name is a simple but really thoughtful design. It is built to be used for the long run, working a sitting walker to learn walking, then being used as a standing walker for support once your child has learnt walking, and later being used as a seated push toy in early childhood.
The walker is really careful about the baby’s safety, having multiple brake pads to ensure the baby from going over stairs. It is also extremely sturdy and lasts for a long time compared to others in this segment. It has 2 adjustable heights and an ergonomic cushioned seat for the baby’s comfort. The toy panel is removable and consists of interactive toys,light and sound effects. It has rotatable front wheels for free movement of the baby in all directions.
Features of Chicco 123 Best Baby Walker
- The size of the walker is 42 x 48 x 12 cm.
- It is 6 kg in weight.
- It requires two AA sized batteries.
- It can be used for both boys and girls.
- It employs 7 stoppers at the base.
6. Baybee Smartwitty Stylish Baby Walker
The Baybee Smartwitty walker has been designed thoughtfully, keeping the focus on helping the baby enjoy the walking exercise in a secure manner. The product is EN71 certified, and can be trusted blindly in terms of the baby’s safety. It has a wide 62 cm base to provide stability while walking, and stoppers fitted in the base provide safety against heights. The rounded shapes prevent unnecessary injuries from sharp edges.
The wheels are 360° rotatable, allowing free, omnidirectional movement. There are 3 height adjustments provided to aid the baby as he or she grows. High padded backrest and soft seat fabric ensures the comfort of the baby even if he or she is spending long hours on it. The seat is removable and thus, is convenient to wash. An interesting toy tray with captivating musical effects keeps the baby absorbed in the walker. The walker is foldable which makes it easy to carry around and store.
Features of Baybee Smartwitty Stylish Baby Walker
- The product dimensions are 30 x 15 x 10 cm(folded).
- Its weight is 2 kg.
- Minimum age of usage is 6 months.
- Maximum weight capacity is 12 kg.
- The walker model is unisex.
7. Goyal’s My First Step Baby Activity Walker
The My First Step walker from Goyal is a standing activity walker designed for slightly older babies to groom them through their first birthday. It is meant to give support to a baby showing the tendency to walk, simultaneously stimulating their cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination through a number of fun activities in its central panel.
The walker is extremely sturdy due to the solid design of non-toxic plastic. The base is strong and wide to give steadiness to the wobbling baby. It has a corrugated handle to provide the child a firm grip on the walker. Its textured wheels are large, preventing it from getting stuck on carpeted floors, grass or uneven surfaces. The walker can be easily folded into a flat structure. Its central panel is also removable, and features a large number of fun activities like flipping doors, sliding beads, turning gears, and spinning panels. It also has a musical system to keep the baby entertained.
Features of Goyal’s My First Step Baby Activity Walker
- Its dimensions, once assembles, are 42 x 35 x 44 cm.
- It is 998 g in weight.
- It is suitable for both girls and boys.
- Age range of use is 9 to 18 months.
- Its weight capacity is upto 10 kg.
8. PANDA Creation Adjustable Musical Walker
This musical walker from Panda is a delight for babies due to the exciting toys and music, and comfortable design. It includes rattles and electronic music to amuse the baby while he or she plays with the toys. It has soft padded seats and backrest that provides cushioning to the baby. The wide-framed structure of the walker ensures there is no loss of balance and consequent falling. It is sturdy and stable enough to support a growing baby. It is made of no-n-toxic plastic that makes it absolutely safe for the kid.
Its height is adjustable according to the height and growth of the baby. The rotating wheels of the walker permit the baby to move according to his or her will in any direction. The rounded corners make the walker safe for the baby by protecting from wounds from sharp edges. The interactive toys in animal shapes help develop the child’s mental abilities and grow their curiosity. Being foldable, it is easy to store in a small place.
Features of PANDA Creation Adjustable Musical Walker
- The dimensions of the walker are 63 x 58 x 11 cm.
- Minimum age for use is 6 months.
- It is appropriate for both boys and girls.
- Its height is adjustable by lock system.
9. Dash Classic Baby Walker
The Dash Classic is one of the most well-reviewed baby walkers in the market. Trusted for a well-balanced combination of safety and fun for the baby, it comes in two colour options. It has a panel of hanging and rotating toys that helps improve the baby’s cognition, coordination and reflexes. The walker is made with high quality, durable plastic that is absolutely safe for the baby. The 3 levels of height adjustment in the walker guides the baby from walking the first steps to developing a steady step.
The soft, cushioned seats and back seat makes for a comfortable ride for the baby. The all-round swivelling wheels lets the baby move freely in any direction. The front tray accommodates not only the toys but also ample space for placing food bowls and sippers. The walker is also foldable, making it possible to store and carry easily.
Features of Dash Classic Baby Walker
- Its dimensions are 58.2 x 56.6 x 11 cm.
- It is 3.54 kg in weight.
- The toy frame is detachable.
- Its weight capacity is 10 kg.
- Minimum age for usage is 6 months.
10. Wood Craft Budhni Wooden Activity Walker
The Wood Craft Budhni is the only traditional, wooden, handmade baby walker in this list. It is perfect for parents who believe in age-old trusted practices and want an entirely natural product for their child. It is entirely hand-carves by local artisans, coated with organic colours. The surface has been lacquered to a smooth finish. The wood is hand-picked and highly durable.
Although handmade, it is made exactly according to International Toy Safety Standards,and is perfectly safe for your little one. Since it is a standing type walker, it is best for kids who have already learnt to take a few steps. The walker also comes with hanging and rotating attachments to entertain the child while walking. A personal, handwritten note from the seller adds a personal touch to the product.
Features of Wood Craft Budhni Wooden Activity Walker
- It is made entirely of wood.
- It is made in a traditional style.
- Its weight is 2.5 kg.
- The walker is of standing type.
- The minimum age requirement is 12 months.
Conclusion
Every parent is always worried about whether they are doing their best for their young one. This includes getting the best baby products for them. Walkers are an especially important area as, if the right walker is not given to the kid, they may learn walking late or develop bow legs. Therefore, a lot of research must be done regarding material, age requirement, safety features, balance, toys and other factors before deciding upon the right walker to buy. Some of the best options in the market have been listed above, although you may decide to look for yourself too what will suit your child better.
