Walker: For what age and what are the types?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 23, 2023

Walkers are one of the most popular toys children's items. But how does a walker actually work?

A walker is an aid to help children learn to walk. It supports developing children's balance and coordination and helps them to push themselves while holding on to the frame.

In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about the walker and how you can best use it.

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What is a walker?

A walker is a type of toy specifically designed to help young children learn to walk. It is an additional tool that supports children in developing their balance and coordination. Walkers are available in different sizes, models and colors and are very popular with parents in the Netherlands.

How does a walker work?

A walker usually has four wheels and a frame that the child can sit behind or hold on to. Some models also have a brake to control the speed. The child can put itself on the floor and push the stroller while holding on to the frame. The child learns to keep its balance and learn to walk.

When to start with a walker?

It is important to wait until the child can sit somewhat independently before you start with a walker. This prevents the child from falling or hurting itself. Some children start using a walker at about six months old, while others don't start until they are almost a year old.

Safety

It is important to make sure that the walker is sturdy and stable and that the child cannot fall off it. Regularly check that all parts are still firmly attached and that there are no sharp edges. Never let the child play with the walker unsupervised and make sure that the child does not go too fast.

Why is a walker useful for your child?

A walker is a great tool to help your baby learn to walk. It gives your little one the opportunity to buckle themselves in and practice stepping. Your child learns to find his or her balance and to use the legs to move forward. Some children start taking their first steps as early as four months, while others wait a little longer. It differs per child when he or she starts walking, but a walker can certainly help with this.

Safety is paramount

A walker is a safe way to let your child practice walking. Your little one can buckle in and push herself along, reducing the chance of falls and accidents. Most walkers also have a brake, so that your child cannot go too fast. Make sure that you always keep an eye on your child when he or she plays with the walker.

nice toys

A walker is not only useful for learning to walk, but also just fun toys. Many walkers have extra functions, such as games, shape sorter and blocks to play with. As a result, your child will be able to play with the walker for longer and he or she will enjoy practicing with it.

Stimulates independence

With a walker, your child learns to be independent. He or she can push himself and does not need help from mom or dad. This will give your little one a sense of confidence and independence.

Easy to use

A walker is easy to use. Your little one can push it on its own and most walkers are light enough to move easily. This also makes it easier for your child to practice walking.

Practice step by step

With a walker, your child can practice walking step by step. He or she can secure himself and then push forward. Your child learns to find his or her balance and to use the legs to move forward. This is a smart way to let your child practice walking.

When is a baby walker suitable for your child?

A walker is suitable for children from about four months old. At this age, your child can already hold his or her head up and sit with support. It is important to wait until your child can sit independently before putting him or her in a walker.

What can a walker help with?

A walker can help your child learn to walk and develop his or her motor skills. In addition, a walker is also a fun toy for your child. For example, some models have a shape sorter or blocks to play with.

What types of walkers are there?

There are different types of walkers available, such as wooden and plastic walkers. Some models have extra functions, such as a brake or a shape sorter. It is important to look at the needs of your child and what you as a parent find important in a walker.

How do you ensure the safety of your child?

It is important to always supervise when your child uses a walker. Make sure that the carriage is stable and cannot move. In addition, it is important to look at the safety options of the pushchair, such as a brake or extra support for your child.

When can your child do without a walker?

When your child can walk independently, he or she no longer needs a walker. This differs per child, but usually this is around the age of 18 months. It is important to give your child time to learn to walk at his or her own pace and not to push too much.

A walker can be a nice aid in teaching your child to walk. It is important to look at the needs of your child and what you as a parent find important in a walker. Always ensure the safety of your child and supervise while using the walker.

Types of walkers

Plastic walkers are another popular choice for parents of young children. They come in a variety of designs and colors and are readily available online. Plastic walkers are usually less expensive than wooden walkers and are suitable for children from about six months. They are lightweight and easy to push, so that the child learns to walk quickly. Plastic walkers also come with games and toys attached, allowing the child to entertain themselves while learning to walk.

Quadrucycle walkers

A four-wheeled walker is a completely new model that has become very popular lately. It works in the same way as a regular walker, but has four wheels instead of two. This means that the child has more stability and can learn to walk more easily. It also gives rapid progress in learning to walk and developing balance. This model is suitable for children from about nine months and is available in different colors and models.

Push-along runners

A push-along walker is another model that is very popular with young children. It works in the same way as a normal baby walker, but the child sits in it instead of walking behind it. This model is suitable for children from about six months and offers a safe way to learn to walk. It gives the child a sense of independence and helps to develop balance and learning to walk. Push-along trolleys are available in different colors and models and are usually of high quality.

Famous brands

There are several well-known brands that offer walkers (the best reviewed here), including Fisher-Price, VTech, Chicco, and Hape. Each brand has its own unique style and offers different types of walkers. It is important to look at the quality of the product and the safety of the child before making a choice. In addition, it is good to look at the age category for which the product is suitable and whether it suits the needs of the child.

Tips when buying a walker for your child

• Make sure the carriage is secure and has a brake to prevent the carriage from rolling away.
• Note the size of the wheels. Rubber wheels make it easier to play outside and prevent the pushchair from sliding on slippery surfaces.
• Choose a walker that fits the size of your child and that is not too heavy.
• Pay attention to the space between the push bar and the seat, so that your child has enough room to walk and move.
• Some walkers have an adjustable push bar, so that it can be set at the right height for mom or dad.
• Choose a walker with a simple shape, so that your child can concentrate on learning to walk and is not too distracted by other things.

What are the differences between walkers?

Walkers can differ in size, material, shape and types of toys attached to them. It is important to see which walker best suits your child's needs and what you consider important as a parent.

What is the task of mom and dad when using a walker?

Mom and dad can help their baby by holding the walker and guiding it through the first steps. It is important not to help your child too much and to let it practice on its own, so that it learns to walk independently. Also make sure that the walker is safe and that your child cannot fall.

Wooden or plastic baby walker: which variant suits your child best?

A baby walker, also known as a baby walker, is a toy car in which a child from about four months to one and a half years old can sit and push with the help of wheels. There are different variants of the baby walker, including the wooden and plastic variant. What are the differences between these two?

Wooden baby walker

A wooden baby walker is generally heavier and larger than the plastic version. This often makes it more stable and gives more support to the child. In addition, the wooden material is more durable and gives a natural look.

A wooden baby walker often has a panel with different things on it, such as an abacus and other fun toys. The child can learn to play and sit while pushing.

Plastic baby walker

A plastic baby walker is lighter and therefore easier to move. It is also less stable than the wooden version, but it is easier to adjust to the size of the child.

A plastic baby walker often gives sound and light, which makes it extra fun for the child to play with. It often has a steering wheel and other fun toys for the child to play with while pushing.

Which variant is best for your child?

It is important to look at the needs of your child when choosing a baby walker. You can take the following points into account:

• If your child needs more support, a wooden baby walker is a good choice.
• If your child likes to play with sound and light, a plastic baby walker is a good choice.
• If your child is still small and has difficulty pushing the baby walker, a wooden baby walker is more stable and provides more support.
• If your child is a bit older and can sit well, a plastic baby walker is easier to adjust to the size of the child.

In short, both variants have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to look at the needs of your child and to make the right choice between a wooden or plastic baby walker.

Safety of a walker

To avoid accidents, it is important to use the walker in a safe place. Do not place the walker near wobbly cupboards, table corners and cupboard points where the child can bump into. Also make sure that the child does not go too fast and has control over the walker. Always supervise the child when using the walker and use the handle that the child can hold on to to stay upright.

Conclusion

A walker is an aid to help young children learn to walk. It supports the development of the child's balance, coordination and motor skills and helps the child to put himself on the floor while holding on to the frame.

If you want to buy a child, you should make sure that it is sturdy and safe for the child. Most walkers are safe for children over six months old, but some children don't start until one year old.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.