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And since there are no wheels involved, you won't have to worry about your little one tripping or falling while using this toy. Some parents and caregivers note that taller babies are not supported as well, but the seat has three height adjustments, which can help.Īs toddlers begin pulling themselves up to a standing position, parents can replace the seat with a winding ramp to race the smiling roller bugs. When a baby can hold their head up on their own, they can use the seat insert (which is machine washable) to enjoy 360-degree access to its various plant- and animal-themed activity toys. The best part about this activity center is that you can modify it as your child grows. Why We Like It: With a removable seat, this activity center transforms as your child grows to keep the features age appropriate and entertaining.īut Take Note: The seat adjusts but may not accommodate taller babies.
This walker is suitable for children ages 6 months to 3 years old. There are plenty of lower features for sitting babies to twist, turn and pull, and the wheels have a built-in mechanism that keeps them slow, so those learning to walk won't stumble forward. The real innovation here, developed by toy designers after watching children play with several prototypes, is the fact that little ones can interact with it on all sides and at varying heights as a car, shape sorter, musical toy, and a way to learn counting and the alphabet. Why We Like It: With more than 10 different activities, this sit-to-stand walker provides 360 degrees of educational play.īut Take Note: The sortable shapes aren't attached and could be easily misplaced.ĭuring a visit to the Fisher-Price Play Lab, we saw first-hand how this toy delights babies and toddlers as they sit, stand, and begin to walk, making it our top overall pick on this list. After speaking with childhood experts, we narrowed down a wide range of baby walker alternatives and are recommending those that are highly rated by parents and caregivers for fun, safety, and quality.īuy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Target Today's baby walker alternatives can cost anywhere from $35-$200. And since a majority of today's activity tables and push toys have musical features, be sure to select one that plays tunes you don't mind hearing (over and over again). Because they're often bigger than the average toy, you want something that isn't an eyesore and fits in your home nicely.
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When searching for a baby walker alternative, parents should look for an activity table or push toy that allows a baby to walk or stand behind or beside it. "The most common injuries have occurred with children rolling down the stairs, leading to head and neck injuries, and sometimes even skull fractures."įortunately, there are plenty of safe alternatives out there. "Studies have shown that the use of sit-in walkers has led to significant injury in children less than 15 months," says Anh Le, MD, a physician who treats children at One Medical in Irvine, Calif.
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This is because traditional sit-in walkers are a significant cause of injury for babies and can harm their posture and gait. While there are plenty of baby walkers that claim to encourage walking, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against traditional sit-in walkers and has actually called for a ban on them. But before we help you choose one for your child, there are important developmental and safety issues to consider. Walking opens up a whole new world for your little one, so you may be eager to help them reach this milestone with a baby walker, push toy, or standing activity center. Watching your baby walk for the first time is one of the greatest joys a parent can have.
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