Baby walkers have been around for a long time. In fact, there are pictures of babies using baby walkers as early as 1905. So, with such a long history it makes sense that baby walkers would still be part of our culture.
In this article we tell you everything you need to know about the best baby walkers, if they’re safe to use, and how to choose your own. To make your decision easier, we’ve even provided a list of our picks for the top ten products in various categories on the market in 2019. Continuing reading if you want to learn everything there is to know about baby walkers.
What is a Baby Walker?
A baby walker is a device that has been traditionally used to help babies and toddlers learn to walk and increase their mobility. As mentioned above, baby walkers have been around for over one hundred years.
The most basic design is a seat attached to a frame and wheels. You put the baby in the seat, and they can push themselves around the floor with the device. For a long time, it was thought that baby walkers helped babies learning to walk. However, this claim has recently been proven false, as researchers have discovered that babies who spend a lot of time in traditional baby walkers actually do not walk as soon as others.
Safety and Baby Walkers
Despite their longevity, baby walkers have recently gotten a very bad reputation. Recent research ahs shown that not only do babies that use baby walkers frequently not learn to walk as quickly. There are also a lot of health risks for babies that use the more traditional baby walkers.
Falling down stairs and tipping over is a big concern with the traditional baby walkers. These products also put the baby much higher up than they normal would be, which increases the likelihood that they can pull something down on themselves, get their fingers caught, or even get burned.
The biggest issue with baby walkers is that they tend to lull parents into a false sense of security. Just because you have your child in a large plastic contraption does not mean that they are safe. You should still remain within arms distance of babies when they are in the walkers.
You will also definitely want to consider a push walker or handheld baby walker instead. Both of these types of products are alternatives to the more classic baby walker design. They require parental or guardian assistance, which means they are inherently safer. We’ve included a number of push walker products and other alternatives to the traditional baby walker in our reviews below.
What to Looking for Baby Walker?
The dangers of baby walkers can be mitigated with parental oversight and a limited time in the product. Plus, you can always choose to go with one of the alternative products. So, if you are ready to find a best rated baby walker, then consider the following factors.
Weight Limit
The first factor you should consider when looking for a baby walker is the weight limit of the product. There are usually height limits as well, but weight is the most important. If you put a baby that is too light in the walker, there is a danger of it falling over. Also, if you don’t purchase a product for heavy babies, it will not work as well and could break apart.
Always follow the weight guidelines on the product. This may mean that you have to purchase different walkers for a baby that is 6 months and for a 1 year old. Yes, that means more money you have to expend. However, the tradeoff is a safer product that works correctly.
Safety Features
Because of the potential dangers associated with baby walkers, there are a few safety features that you should insist on in the product you purchase. You definitely need to find a product with lockable wheels. This ensures that you can keep your baby stationary in the device when you are distracted with something else.
Also, for boys or girls learning to walk, make sure that the baby walker is equipped with features that prevent it from falling down stairs or tipping over. This is especially important for rugs, which can catch in the wheels and cause a problem.
The U.S. has recently added to the safety requirements on baby walkers. Therefore, it is probably better to buy a new product that is the best budget purchase you can find, rather than use an older product. All of the new products will include extra safety features that will keep your babies safe.
Type
Although you can still find baby walkers that are designed to meet the new U.S. safety standards, there are alternatives as well. Before you purchase a baby walker, you will need to decide what type of product you want to buy.
In addition to the traditional seat and wheels model, there are a number of other baby walkers on the market. You can find products that are also a bouncer. These are versatile because they usually come with lockable wheels and allow your baby to bounce in addition to moving around.
Other alternatives to baby walkers include push walkers. These are best for 1 year old or those babies that still need support while walking. Push walkers give your baby a handhold for support and have wheels, but the baby must push them to get them to move.
Finally, there are handheld baby walkers. These are slings you put your baby into that dangle them above the ground. You must participate in this type of baby walker, as you are the person the holds the baby over the ground. Handheld baby walkers give your baby support as they are learning to walk, but do not come with the danger of you getting distracted.
Best Baby Walker on the Market Review
1 Fisher-Price Jumperoo - Best Baby Bouncer Walker
The Fisher-Price Jumperoo is an interesting baby walker for legs because it doesn’t have the wheels at the bottom of the frame. Instead, it is a stand-alone product that allows your baby to jump and bounce. What’s great about the Jumperoo is that you can use it for a long time as your baby grows. There are three different heights that allow you to adjust the product to keep up with your child. For short legs or for long legs, the Fisher-Price Jumperoo has you covered.
Also, the Jumperoo has a machine washable seat cover, which makes cleaning up after your baby a breeze. It comes with a number of toys, lights, and will even play music as your baby jumps around. In order to expand your baby’s gross motor skills, you need to try the Fisher-Price Jumperoo.
PROS
CONS
2 Disney Winnie The Pooh Music and Lights Walker - Best for Carpet
If you have carpet, you need a special baby walker. The Disney Winnie The Pooh Much and Lights Walker is the one to purchase. It comes with two activity trays that can be swung open and closed. There are also four Winne the Pooh toys and twelve songs included. And, like the Fisher-Price Jumperoo, there are three height adjustments on this product.
For carpets, the Winnie The Pooh Music and Lights Walker has sturdy wheels. These wheels will not get stuck on plush carpet but will still role well on hard floors. You baby will love their expanded mobility when you choose the Disney Winnie The Pooh Music and Lights Walker.
PROS
CONS
3 Joovy Spoon Walker - Best for Hardwood Floors
For hardwood floors, you should choose the Jooby Spoon Walker. This product does not have the bells and whistles of many of the other products on our list. However, that just cuts down on the risk of little fingers getting pinched or hurt.
There is a super large tray that can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher. Provide your own toys and snacks for your little one’s adventure. The seat pad can also be removed and washed in the machine. There are three height positions and the oversized wheels are ideal for hardwood floors. Plus, the non-slip stair pads keep your baby from tumbling down the stairs. Just keep in mind that this is not the product for heavy babies, as the max weight is thirty pounds.
PROS
CONS
4 Vtech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker - Best Baby Push Walker
If you don’t want to go with the traditional baby walker, then you may want to try a push walker. These products are ideal for 1 year old because the baby should be able to stand by themselves before you use the product. For the best push walker around try Vtech’s Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker.
The Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker can be played with by your baby while siting. But, the sturdy plastic frame and wheels help toddlers get better at walking on their own. In addition to the many colorful toys and rollers on the Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker, there are also over seventy sing-along songs, sound effects, and fun phrases. For babies nine months to three years, you can’t go wrong with this push walker.
PROS
CONS
5 Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Toddler and Baby Walker - Best for Small Spaces
If you live in small spaces, you can still use a baby walker. In fact, there are a number of products designed just for small houses. The best of these is Kolcraft’s Ting Steps 2-in-1 Activity Toddler and Baby Walker. This baby walker has a two in one design where it turns from a seated walker to a push walker.
The design on this product is perfect for boys or girls. And, there is the expected adjustable seat height for growing babies. Plus, the skid-resistant friction pads help to keep your child safe no matter how they are using the Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Toddler and Baby Walker. This product by Kolcraft is durable and portable, and folds for easy storage. There isn’t much that this baby walker will not do for you and your baby.
PROS
CONS
6 Yu Ken Adjustable Height - Best Ergonomic Baby Walker
Yu Ken’s Adjustable Height Baby Walkers is one of the most traditionally looking baby walkers in our reviews today. It is also designed ergonomically to fit your baby’s body like a glove. The seat itself provides plenty of support and is extremely comfortable for babies aged 6-18 months.
Even though this product has a traditional design, it is still quite sturdy. It is made with three strong stainless steel legs and eco-friendly PP plastic that’s BPA free as well. The eight universal wheels are multi-directional and reduce the risk of the product tipping over. This is also a great product for short legs and for babies that are 6 months and up.
PROS
CONS
7 Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon - Best for Heavy Babies
If you want a push walker with a classic look, try the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon. This push walker looks like the iconic Radio Flyer red wagon. However, it includes a push bar at just the right height for your baby to use. The wagon front can be filled with toys for your baby to push around.
You know your child will be safe with the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon. It has a resist push feature that keeps your child sturdy as they push the wagon. There is also a bumper in the front that will keep your furniture and walls safe as your child plays. This product is ideal for 1 year old up to 4 year old.
PROS
CONS
8 Hape Wonder Walker Push and Pull - Best Wooden Baby Walker
Although the Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon is a great wooden product, our choice for the best wooden baby walker is the Hape Wonder Walker Push and Pull. This product is sturdy enough to be used by any child that can pull themselves up. And, for 6 month old babies who can’t quite stand up, there are the knobs, gears, and balls for playing.
The wheels on the Wonder Walker Push and Pull are rubber-trimmed, which will protect your laminate floor and other hard surfaces. This product is also quite small in terms of dimensions. So, your baby can easily use this product in small houses. Plus, all of the materials used in the construction of the Wonder Walker Push and Pull are child safe and non toxic.
PROS
CONS
9 LeapFrog Scout’s 3-in-1 Get Up and Go Walker - Best Walker for Baby Learning to Walk
LeapFrog has made a great push walker for babies learning to walk. Their Scout’s 3-in-1 Get Up and Go Walker has three different modes for your baby as they grow. It can be used as a baby gym—for when your baby is one their back—a activity panel for babies who can sit up, and a push walker. The speed control wheels allow the product to only move as fast as your baby’s experience level, which increases their confidence and ability.
There are a number of melodies, sound effects, and other interactive materials that will keep your baby’s attention and increase their gross and fine motor skills. Plus, you can get a lot of use out of this durable product. It can use used for babies aged three months to three years.
PROS
CONS
10 Step2 Push Around Buggy GT Ride on Car - Best for Outside
Many families are active and want to take their baby walkers outside. For outside use try the Step2 Push Around Buggy GT Ride on Car. The versatility of this product cannot be matched. It is great for older babies, toddler, and young children.
While this product is designed so that parents can push their children around, taller toddlers can use this to practice walking as well. Just make sure that you watch and support them carefully as they push this car around.
PROS
CONS
Conclusion
Baby walkers of all shapes, sizes, and types come with some real pros and cons. However, used correctly, the best baby walkers can aid in your baby’s development and experience of the world. Plus, they give mom and dad a bit of a break, which is always appreciated.
After reading this article, you should be able to tell apart the different types of baby walkers on the market. You should also have a good guide for how to pick your next baby walker. And, as a bonus, we’ve provided a list of the top baby walkers in each of ten categories for you to choose from.
If your baby is ready to be mobile, don’t delay. Try a baby walker today.