Looking for a baby walker and don’t know how to choose the right one? Good thing you came across this article! With the help of this guide, you will learn about how to pick the perfect baby walker, what factors to consider while buying one, the features you must look into, and which brands are reliable manufacturers of baby walkers.

Those tiny infants grow up fast. Soon they will be crawling on all fours and even trying to pull up and support themselves on anything and everything within their grasp.

That’s when many parents start looking for a baby walker to help the wee ones gain independence while also aiming to arm them with learning and interactive tools.

Choosing the correct baby walker can be a little overwhelming, with many options at your disposal, whether on Amazon or brick-and-mortar stores.

Doing your homework before buying anything for the precious little ones is quite necessary, and who wants to waste money by purchasing on a whim?

We have put together a comprehensive guide to help you make an educated choice. But first, let’s learn about the types of baby walker.

Types of a Baby Walker

Baby walkers generally come in two styles:

Sit-in: These are classic baby walker where a child sits in a suspended seat, and glides along with the walker, with their legs dangling through the seat holes and toes lightly touching the ground. These have wide wheelbases and a tray in front that is use for snacking and playing. These mostly come with attached toys, gadgets, and a removable seat pad.

Sit to stand: These are push walkers that have a wheeled bottom and a handlebar for babies to grasp, lean on, and later push themselves forward. These mostly come with engaging activity panels that are detachable and can be used for floor play as well. Push-along walker have also been lauded for encouraging babies to take their first steps.

Is it worth getting a walker?

Before we dive into the heart of the dialogue, that is, ‘how to choose the right baby walker’, let’s address the elephant in the room. Is it worth buying the walker? This question is all the more important given the widespread controversies surrounding it.

There are conflicting thoughts regarding the use of walkers and whether they are safe and beneficial for babies. While some believe walkers are crucial in helping babies walk and develop muscle strength, others might think they are better off without them.

Whichever school of thought you may believe in, with baby walker, unlimited fun and learning are guaranteed. And with a bit of supervision and by following the manufacturer’s safety instructions to the tee, baby walkers are considered safe.

Baby walkers are a great option to help develop hand and eye coordination, gross motor, and sensory skills, stimulating the imagination and increasing concentration.

Hence many parents are inclined towards getting a walker for their tots and we say, by all means, go ahead! With this article’s help, you can pick a walker best suited to your needs.

What Should I Look for When Buying A Walker?

Style

The first thing you have to decide before buying a walker is whether you want a classic sit-in or a push-behind style walker. Many parents are tilting more and more towards push walkers these days. The prime reason behind this preference is that push walkers are known to be safer than classic seated-style walkers. Also, these sit-to-stand walkers come with more options for learning and engagement for the wee ones, such as fun and versatile activity panels.

That said, sit-in walkers have some add-ons that push walker lack, such as a snack tray. Tots can have snacks on the go in the snack tray. Some of these also convert to baby chairs which is always a plus. The babies also have a little more independence in seated walkers compared to the plush toys.

One more thing to consider here is the age of the baby. Tots who are able to sit unassisted can use the classic walker which can happen as early as 4 months. However, with push walker, the little ones have to have a little bit more muscle and strength in their legs as they will need to stand up and push the walker. That might happen around nine months of age. But to avail the removable activity center that many push walkers come with, age is not a factor as the babies can also have fun on the floor while seated. Many wooden push walkers in the market are muted and simple, without any embedded toys but offer open-ended fun and activities nonetheless.

Safety

After you have selected the style of walker you want, the next thing is to start looking for walkers that adhere to the safety standards that are in place in your region. Nobody wants to compromise on safety even a little bit when it comes to their little ones.

If you want a classic walker, make sure they have an extra-wide wheeled base for stability. These days they have walker with bases broader than the door width, ensuring the wee ones don’t exit the room alone. Also, look for the ones with automatic braking to prevent the walker from falling down the stairs. Safety options like rubber stoppers or locking wheels and grip strips should be considered before buying a walker. Go for ones that do not have any sharp edges or pointed toys.

With push walkers, look for ones that have sturdier bodies and rubber or nonskid bottoms to regulate the speed and avoid tip-overs. The wheels should be wide and solid. There shouldn’t be any areas where your baby’s fingers could get stuck.

Material and Durability

Who wants to spend on something flimsy, wobbly, or simply low-grade? Most of the walkers are made from plastic. Aim for the ones made with quality plastic with bits of steel enforcement for extra strength. Also, look for the ones that are BPA-free, PVC-free, and Phthalate free. BPA-free means plastic that does not contain the organic compound Bisphenol A in its manufacturing. BPA is considered carcinogenic and known for causing endocrinal disorders as well.

To avoid harmful chemical exposure to your baby, read the material composition. And stick to reputable manufacturers that have great reviews under their belt. Also, make sure to buy walkers coated by non–toxic paints.

Another thing to look for in a walker is durability. It made out of wood and good quality plastic are durable. But wood might chip off with time; hence make sure it is well coated. Durable walker last a lifetime and can be passed as hand-me-downs from one generation to the next.

Price

Price is an object of consideration for almost everyone, excluding maybe a few billionaires gracing this planet. Today baby walkers come with price tags between 20$ to over 100$.

The good news is that there are good quality walker for everyone. Some want high-end products, while others opt for more purse-friendly options. It mostly comes down to how long you will use the walker. You need to look for trusted manufacturers, and don’t forget to read the reviews under each walker. If you are still confuse, check one of our previous articles where we covered the best baby walkers of 2022 that fall under varying price ranges.

Versatility

Many walkers are convertible and have different modes of play for your little ones. These mostly come complete with 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 packages. These are pretty versatile as babies can use them in different ways and styles. Some of them double as seated and push walker.

Some feature stationary activity centers. While with others, two or even three babies can play at once, making them a perfect option for playdates. If you want versatility and more options in a single walker, look for the ones that have 3-in-1 or 4-in-one in their names.

Toys and Gadgets

Most walkers feature an array of toys and gadgets, while others come without any. It all depends upon your personal preference really. Joovy Spoon walker is quite a hit with parents, yet it doesn’t feature inbuilt toys.

Similarly, the V-tech Sit-to-stand Learning walker comes packed with myriad entertainment options, and it is quite popular too. Having said that, embedded toys are always a plus. Babies love to explore different colors, textures, lights, and sounds. Toys come in handy when it’s playtime for the tots. When it’s their snack time, you can remove them or swing them sideways, as most of the in-built toys are detachable or can be swipe to the side.

Push mainly come with a wide range of entertainment options, featuring lots of engaging and educational tools.

Storage ease

If you live in a small space or are on the go a lot, look for the ones that fold flat. Today, the market is full of compact excellent for transport, vacations, or storing away. If your child goes to a babysitter’s house, again, a collapsible walker will be a practical choice.

On the other hand, the sturdy, non-collapsible, and bigger walkers might go with large houses or houses that feature separate playrooms.

Height Adjustment

Those whose tots are taller than their peers or who just want a walker that can grow with a baby, look for the height adjustment options. It’s always wise to invest in a walker that babies don’t outgrow in just a matter of a few months.

Baby walkers may have various options for height adjustment, and these are the ones to look for as they can give you more value for money. Check this out to learn about the best walkers for taller babies.

Weight limit

Picking the right walker also has a lot to do with the baby’s weight. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age limit. Walkers designed to carry less than 20 pounds of weight might not be a wise choice if your baby is bulky. Look for the ones that can accommodate the extra pounds that your baby will gain over the next one or two years.

Ease of cleanups

Nobody likes messy explosions, especially a parent who has their hands full already. And be warned, the mess will come! So it is essential to pick a walker that offers easy cleanups. Look for features such as machine-washable seat pads, easy wipe-clean trays, and dishwasher-safe toys.

House flooring

House flooring plays a vital role in choosing a baby walker. For carpeted floors, go for a lighter body walker with big wheels that can ensure easy maneuvering, as carpets tend to slow down the walkers by offering friction.

For hardwood floors, opt a sturdy walker with medium-sized wheels so that speed can be monitor. Look for additional safety features like clickers and rubber wheels. Wooden walkers are generally more suited to smooth floors. Some walkers work best on both tiled and carpet floors.

Comfort

Comfort is a parameter to regard in sit-in walkers. The walker should be design such that your baby snugs in perfectly. Make sure the seat pad is comfortable, high, and extra padded. After all, what’s the point of a walker if a baby is not comfortable in it?

The height should be such that the baby’s dangling legs lightly touch the ground.

Age

Age and mobility of a baby are also determining factors in selecting a walker. Push walkers are for more experienced walkers, while sit-in ones can accommodate babies who can sit unassisted, which can happen as early as 4 months old.

Accessories

Most walkers in 2022 feature all the essential accessories that might come in handy. However, look for the below items before purchasing a baby walker.

• Toys that Attach: If a walker doesn’t come with embedded toys, then check if it has toys that can be attach to the walker.
• Baby gates: These are really important to ensure the safety of walker. They block any unsafe areas where the baby might try to venture on, such as staircases.

Brands

Even though there are several up-and-coming baby walkers’ manufacturers out there, it’s always wise to stick to tried and tested companies for your little munchkins. To make it easier for you, we have weighed up the merits and demerits of numerous bestselling brands before coming up with our top favorite picks.

V Tech

V-Tech is a Hong Kong-base global supplier that makes baby walkers and other baby products with a primary focus on playful learning and at-home activities. Their are of top-notch quality as well as budget-friendly. Moreover, caregivers have been raving about the company’s baby walkers for quite some time.

Fisher Price

Fisher Price is a ninety-year-old manufacturer of educational baby toys and products. The company was founded in 1930, and ever since, it’s been a blockbuster with parents. Its push walkers are famous as they are pretty light on the purse while offering a wide range of entertaining features.

Safety First

Safety 1st makes a variety of baby products with a prime focus on kids’ safety. A self-proclaimed safety-obsessed company, their walkers are quite popular with caregivers and babies alike as these come with embedded toys of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

Kolkraft

Kolcraft is a 70-year-old company that prides itself on manufacturing innovative baby products.

The walkers they build are versatile and fan-favorite with many parents. Investing in their walkers won’t make for a poor choice at all.

Joovey Spoon

This American company has succeeded in creating baby walkers that are durable, modern, and of top-notch quality. They believe in quality over everything else. Their come in sleek designs and are likely to last a long time.

Chicco

This Italian company is another trust baby walker manufacturer which produces walkers that are fun, comfortable, and economical. They are renowned for making products that are based on extensive research by professionals and SMEs.

Bright Starts

Bright Starts walkers and activity centers are bestsellers. They are BPA-free, as with most of the brands we have mentioned. They have phenomenal options for both baby boys and girls.

Skip Hop

Skip Hop is a new brand of an old parent company Carter’s, inc. Based upon their philosophy of “Must-Haves Made Better”, their walkers are made of durable materials and come with intelligent design and good functionality. Their walkers have a contemporary look and blend easily with the house interiors.

Baby Trend

Baby Trend has been around for 30 years. With their tagline ‘quality, comfort and style, they produce walker known as smart steps. Their walkers feature educational toys and activity panels that can help curious babies in learning and interact.

Final Thoughts

Getting something for your precious little one might require you to hone your probing skills. With the help of our guide, we hope you now know what parameters to consider while getting a baby walker. Do your research, compare different walker and select the best one for you, your house, and of course, your baby.

FAQS

Do walkers delay walking?

It is not prove anywhere that the use of walkers delays the onset of walking in young children.

How many minutes can a baby stay in a walker?

It’s recommend not to let the wee ones stay in a walker for more than 20 minutes at a single stretch.

Should I get a fairly used walker?

If the walker is built keeping in mind the latest safety trends and comes with all the essential accessories, then go for it. But avoid it if it doesn’t meet the prevailing safety standards put in place for baby walker.