What is a Baby Walker?
A baby walker is a round or circular device fitted with wheels. A baby can stand inside it and move around by pushing with their feet.
Many people think baby walkers help babies learn to walk faster, but this is incorrect. In reality, baby walkers can be unsafe and may even slow down a baby’s natural walking development.
What is an Exercise Jumper?
An exercise jumper, also called a baby bouncer, is a product that supports a baby in a hanging sling-style seat. It may come with its own frame or be attached to a doorway. Babies can bounce by pushing their feet against the floor.
Like baby walkers, exercise jumpers may cause accidents and can delay a baby’s normal development.
How Do Babies Learn to Walk?
Babies usually reach several milestones before walking, such as:
- rolling on the floor
- reaching for toys or objects
- crawling
- pulling themselves up to stand
- moving while holding onto furniture for support
To develop these skills, babies need plenty of time playing freely on the floor.
By around 8 months, many babies begin becoming more active and mobile.
How Can I Support My Baby’s Walking Development?
The best way to help your baby learn to walk is by giving them lots of floor time. The floor provides a safe space for your baby to practice rolling, sitting, crawling, and pulling themselves up.
You can also place your baby near soft furniture so they can safely try standing up by holding on.
If your baby has started moving around, you should create a secure play area by blocking unsafe spaces or using a playpen.
Do Baby Walkers and Jumpers Help Babies Learn to Walk?
No, baby walkers and jumpers do not help babies learn to walk. In fact, they can slow down important milestones. The more time a baby spends in a walker or jumper, the more likely their development may be delayed.
Babies need time on the floor to practice movements that build strength, balance, and coordination.
Walkers and jumpers often encourage babies to push using their toes instead of using their feet properly. This can affect natural walking patterns even after the baby stops using the device.
Also, when babies pull themselves up from the floor, they practice balancing. In walkers or jumpers, babies do not develop balance properly, which may delay walking skills.
Using these devices also reduces crawling time. Crawling is important because it teaches babies how to support weight on their arms and legs and strengthens muscles needed for walking.
Are Baby Walkers and Exercise Jumpers Dangerous?
Baby walkers and exercise jumpers are not recommended in Australia due to safety concerns.
Baby walkers can move quickly, and because babies are standing higher in them, they can reach dangerous items more easily.
Common risks of baby walkers include:
- falling down stairs
- hitting sharp or hard objects
- tipping over
- pulling electrical cords
- reaching unsafe areas like pools or fireplaces
- grabbing hot drinks or harmful items
Every year, many babies in Australia are injured while using walkers. Some injuries are serious and may include:
- burns
- cuts
- head injuries
- fractures (broken bones)
Exercise jumpers can also cause injuries such as:
- falling out and injuring the head or limbs
- fingers getting caught in springs
- bumping into furniture or door frames
Development delays from using jumpers may sometimes require medical support such as:
- physiotherapy
- leg casts
- corrective surgery
Are Baby Walkers Legal in Australia?
Health experts and government health departments strongly advise against using baby walkers and exercise jumpers.
Even though they are not recommended, baby walkers are still legal in Australia.
If you choose to buy one, ensure it meets the mandatory Australian safety standards.
What Safety Standards Apply to Baby Walkers in Australia?
Baby walkers sold in Australia must follow consumer product safety rules. They should include:
- brakes to reduce stair-fall risks
- clear safety warning labels
- no sharp edges
- no spaces that can trap fingers
- a secure latch to prevent collapsing after setup
Safety Tips if You Still Choose to Use a Baby Walker
Although baby walkers are strongly discouraged, if you decide to use one, follow these safety rules:
- Never leave your baby alone in the walker.
- Use it only on flat surfaces.
- Block access to stairs and steps.
- Avoid placing objects on the walker that may cause tipping.
- Keep electrical cords, hot drinks, and other dangerous items away.
- Ensure the walker has a working lock and brake system.
- Limit walker use to 15 minutes or less at one time.