Walkers and Entertainers

A significant part of a child's development is encouraging them to move around and self-soothe. Many toys and accessories are ideal for this, but one of the main ones that we recommend is walkers and entertainers. 

This category includes a few different models for the job including entertainment systems that move around whilst the baby pushes it and ones that remain static. No matter what option is chosen, there are many benefits unlocked for children who are establishing their skills and abilities by the day. 

Baby walkers are suitable for use from around six months of age. This is because a child must be able to support their body weight mostly to ensure that injuries to the head, neck and back don’t occur. It’s down to the parent to determine if a child is ready to use a walker product, as all babies develop at different rates. Walkers can then be used up until a child weighs around 12 kg or when a child is comfortable walking unaided. 

Products that are static entertainers can normally be used from around four months of age when a child is able to start supporting their head.

Baby walkers and entertainers should always consider safety measures, including secure seating, robust structures, and safety when interacting with toys. They should also offer versatility as a child gets older, which could be in the form of adjusting the seat positioning or even wapping out the entertainment features for something better suited to a current development stage. 

You should also look for options that are easy to transport around once folded down, as this ensures entertainment can be provided even whilst travelling. Finally, easy to clean materials are always recommended to ensure the play tool can be kept hygienic at all times.

In terms of periods of time, it’s recommended that babies don’t use walkers or static entertainers for any longer than 20 minutes at a time. This is because any longer pressure could be placed on sensitive young joints and muscles. 

The age that these products are recommended for is a maximum of 16 months. At this point, children should start to walk or at least navigate around unaided. Leaving them to rely on these support tools for too long can negatively affect physical development. It may also lead them to develop confidence issues, relying on the walking aid instead of moving around independently.

These accessories offer a fantastic way to keep children amused whilst also teaching them essential skills. This promotion of exploration is vital for social and emotional development. 

They also allow parents to have a break from having to move a baby around, instead allowing them to have some quiet time whilst watching them. Finally, walkers can help a baby when it comes to learning to walk as it encourages them to use their legs and feet in ways they haven't before.