When should I put my son in his walker?

Question

He is 2.5 mos, approx. 13lbs. and about two feet long. I know some moms would put their babies in at 3 months depending on whether they could hold their heads up or not. Aiden has been holding his head up since birth and it's pretty sturdy now, and he has very strong legs and likes to be held in the standing position. I don't want to push him, but I don't want to keep him laying or sitting in his swing when he could be developing his ability to walk..

What are your ideas?

best gets 10.

TO TONI-BUSY: I'M NOT SURE IF YOU WERE TRYING TO IMPLY THAT I AM LAZY, BUT I AM NOT. I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO DETERMINE THE BEST WAYS TO HELP MY SON ADVANCE. I SPEND HOURS A DAY READING, TALKING, SINGING, PLAYING, INTRODUCING HIM TO NEW THINGS AROUND THE HOUSE, LETTING HIM PLAY WITH AND FEEL DIFFERENT OBJECTS AND TEXTURES. I AM A GOOD MOM, BUT A NEW MOM AND I DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING WHICH IS WHY I ASKED..SO THAT EXPERIENCED PEOPLE COULD TELL ME THEIR IDEAS.

THANKS FOR YOUR COMMENT.

OH, AND HE DOES SPEND TIME ON THE FLOOR. WE DO 'TUMMY TIME' THREE TIMES A DAY FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES AT A TIME.

Answer 1

Until I did some research, I was thinking of getting an Exersaucer for my 3.5 month old son. Then I read the following (from the source below):

"The few studies that have been done looking at the how walkers affect development have shown that they do not affect the time at which a child learns to walk. And in fact, most studies have shown that if there is any effect on walking, it is a delay of a few weeks. Babies who use a walker tend to have an abnormal gait at first, but this tends to resolve quickly with time.

"Safety, however, is an entirely different issue, and is one in which there is a lot known. In 1997, baby walkers sent more than 14,000 babies to the hospital emergency room. Walkers were even involved in 34 deaths from 1973 to 1998."

My son is 3.5 months, 18 lbs, and 26 inches. We were going to get him an Exersaucer for Christmas. We figured it'd be a good time because he's able to hold his head up very well, he can hold himself up on his feet (with our support), and even "walks" when guided. He just doesn't have a good balance on his feet. After considering the affect it may have on development, and the known issues regarding safety, we may have to rethink that.

Answer 2

All of my children have used a walker. I didn't use it as a device to support them stroll, however extra as an additional style of enjoyment, which they rather loved. They are not endorsed considering a youngster takes a lot more supervision while they're in a walker than while they aren't. one million. They can achieve extra stuff, so that you need to youngster evidence larger. two. The youngster can get relocating very speedy and get out of achieve or in a unsafe predicament swiftly. The walkers which are offered now have bases which are wider than the highest and are in general too huge to suit effortlessly and swiftly by way of a door so they're more secure than they was once. (This is sort I have and we obtained it as a present it for my first youngster in nearly five years in the past.) So,so long as you're definite that the youngster is in a secure position while he's in a walker (such a lot importantly he will have to now not be capable to get to any stairs.) and so long as you believe that your mother will watch him carefully it would possibly not do him any damage, so I could allow it move.

Answer 3

Well I am a Mom of 3 boys who has used excersaucers w/ all...it has not effected their developement at ALL! So I have my own realistic research. I wanted you to know though if you use it too early it can be detrimental to their muscles. They need to have adequate strentgh beofre they use it and they should not use it for extened periods of time while young.

My first 2 crawled at 5 mths, walked at 10; My 3rd was full on crawling on all 4s on the 4 month mark! He also walked early. The average for my friends kids was 6-8 months crawling. We used the saucer around 3-4 mths. So gage it by the strenght of your child, not by what others say.

And for those who were harsh about time w/ your child...there is only so much time you can entertain them! You do need time to get things done. Walkers and saucers are wonderful if not abused and it sounds as though you spend plenty of quality time w/ your son. I would start out w/ no longer than 10 min at his age and watch him. Also ask your Doctor, I know many believe walkers are used too early as well as too long at a time!

Answer 4

I never used a walker for my daughter. I received pamphlets from my hospital and even read some parenting books/websites saying that it has safety hazards and development issues. You can use walkers, but safety and development seems to be my first priority. Do what you feel fit. My mom used to put us kids in walkers and we turned out fine. Haha. But yeah, my brother, cousins, and a friend's baby had issues with the legs/feet... either the legs are turned outward (walks with feet turned to the sides), legs are bowed a bit, or they tiptoe. But everybody will go eventually go back to normal....

Maybe you can get Aiden a play center/station. It's almost like a walker, but sit there and play with what's in front. As he gets stronger, he'll try to use his legs to stand... then eventually he can turn his seat to play with the toys that are behind him. Then you can decide whether you want a walker. With a Play center/station, he can gradually build strength with his legs.

Answer 5

THE BEST TIME IS WHEN HE CAN SIT BY HIMSELF WITHOUT ANY HELP. YOU HAVE TO BE SURE THAT HIS BACK IS STRONG ENOUGH, ALTHOUGH SOME WALKERS HAVE A BACK SUPPORT. 3 MONTHS IS TOO EARLY. MY SON WAS DEVELOPING PRETTY QUICK, BUT I WAITED TILL HE WAS AROUND 5-6 MONTHS. DO NOT PUSH HIM TO WALK TOO EARLY COS YOU MAY HARM HIS BACK!

Answer 6

Your son is ONLY 2+ months old and probably 10 or so months away from walking. Lie him on the floor to explore. He will roll around and may even try to grab for things.. Lay him on his tummy and when he lifts his head, it will help to strengthen his core muscles. Three months and in a walker/saucer is a baby who's parents are either lazy OR don't want to help their child "themselves" to learn. Ask his doctor..... being on the floor while supervised is good for him.

Answer 7

i had my kids in a walker honestly i dont remember how old but it wasnt until they wernt "flopping" around anymore but there is nothing wrong with putting them in a walker for a little while it wont hurt them in anyway and actually i dont know for sure if it had any factor in it but one of my sons was walking at 9 months so you do what you think is best its your child if you thin he is ready ti sit in one then go for it

Answer 8

not until they can hold their head up and usually sit without help. around 5 mos. they have to be able to reach the floor. it says on the box.

and walkers hold children back from walking, not help them.

Answer 9

You're the best judge of your baby's ability. Give it a shot. If he's holding his head up, he might take to it like a duck to water. If he throws a fit, take him out and try again in a week...you're the expert. You'll do fine. Trust your instincts, and see where he gets...

Good luck--

Answer 10

I wouldn't put your baby in a walker until he can set up on his own. He needs to have a strong back in order to be in one.