The benefits of civilization undoubtedly simplify our lives. But often their use raises many questions. Take at least such a device for babies in their first year of life, like a walker. At what age can a child be placed in them and is it necessary to do this at all? This problem worries every parent, because opinions on this matter differ.
Note that this device has both its advantages and disadvantages. We will name some of them.
Pros:
- Muscle strengthening. A kid in walkers can be much more active. He turns 360 degrees, stands and walks.
- Some freedom for mom. While the baby is in the walker, she can cook dinner or clean the apartment, without being distracted each time to pull the baby out of the next closet or pull away from her favorite flowers.
- The peanut with pleasure studies the world around him, and walkers independently allow to expand the contemplated space independently. From what age will such an opportunity be available to the child? We will talk about this a little later.
- If the baby likes walking in walkers, he will be pleased with himself and will delight his parents with his smiles and a cheerful laugh.
And now for the cons. Doctors unanimously declare that walkers, no matter how old their parents begin to use them, are only harmful to the child. The child's body must be prepared for the baby to start walking. The later this happens, the better the ligaments and muscles get stronger. The immense use of walkers is fraught with huge loads on the spine of the child. In the future, this can provoke the formation of incorrect posture. Significant back problems are possible.
Many mothers watch programs and read the advice of Dr. Komarovsky. In his opinion, a child should take his first steps only when calluses will be visible on his knees from the fact that he is actively and creeping for a long time. Many other specialists support this well-known pediatrician.
And yet, is it possible to use baby walkers? At what age can a kid be accustomed to the "vertical world"? Of course, a lot depends on the individual pace of development of the child. Some at 7 months still do not even try to crawl, while others already walk on their own, at least with support.
The manufacturers of walkers assure that such a device will not hurt a baby who is already sitting well without support. According to them, the optimal age for its acquisition is 5-6 months, a maximum of 7. But pediatricians, including Komarovsky, have a completely different opinion. They do not recommend parents of infants to think about it until the baby is 9 months old.
Please note that there are cases when it is absolutely impossible to use a walker. From what age pediatricians are allowed to do this, it doesn’t matter. So, refuse to buy such a device if:
- the baby does not sit on its own without the support of an adult;
- symptoms of rickets are observed;
- in places in contact with the seat, there is inflammation or diaper rash;
- an increase or decrease in the tone of the leg muscles is noted;
- musculoskeletal system is broken.
Now it's up to you to decide whether or not to use the walker. From what age you put the baby in them - also your choice. However, in any case, do not forget to ensure the safety of the crumbs by closing the sockets, preventing collisions with furniture and the child falling through the thresholds.