Baby Walker

A baby walker is a very simple device. When a baby is placed inside, it helps the child to move around.

Others believe, however, that the use of a baby walker inhibits the development of those very same motor skills. Some parents believe that a baby walker is a great time saver device as it let’s them go about their own business while their child is pre-occupied in the “mobile playpen”. In most cases the injury is directly caused by the baby-walker tipping over near stairs or an uneven floor area and injuring himself in the process.

Baby Walker Feature

The style of infant seats is also an important consideration. Most full sized models will have a seat that detaches and pops into a base in your car, but some will also have the option of being positioned frontwards or backwards when in the stroller. This means that you can keep a closer eye on a smaller infant without sacrificing the ability to turn them out to the world as they get bigger.

You should also consider whether you need a seat that fully declines to lay down, or if several different positions upright are enough.

For extra smooth glide and gentle transfer over rougher terrains, many strollers are now coming with advanced designs for the wheels and brake systems. You may even consider purchasing a three wheel design rather than the typical two wheels.

If you are having twins or will be using the stroller for two smaller children, consider how the seats are arranged as well. A double stroller with two pop-out seats is essential for twins, while a stadium style with a raised rear seat may be better suited to children of different ages.

Finally, consider how much room you need on board for storage. Consider how often this area will be used and if it needs to be oversized or not.

With so many different options for strollers and baby walkers today, it is no wonder that many parents are uncertain how to select the right one. Get familiar with the market and consider the style and color options available with each model. You may even go for a special design feature, such as a full sized canopy that closes all the way around the stroller.

Baby Walkers – Safety Tips

Parents who are determined to use a baby walker for their child should take certain precautions. Never, never, never allow your child to be near a stairway while in his walker – this is where most injuries occur. Ensure that the walker is well constructed. Studies have shown that babies who extensively use these walkers usually learn to walk at a later age than children who are not always in such devices. As a parent, you can mitigate this trend a bit by not using the walker as a crutch or baby sitter.

About 50% of all children of age 5 – 15 months uses a baby walker. The most parents believe that the walker helps their child to learn how to walk faster. They also want to give the baby the extra mobility that they get through the walker. Many parents also say they want to make sure that their baby is secure, and they are supposed to be securer with a walker than without.

Now, the facts about baby walkers is quite different from what the parents think. There exist several studies showing that children using baby walkers learn how to walk later than children without. The babies with walkers also get weaker hips which could be a problem.

How does is it with the security? Every year more than 10,000 children come to the hospitals emergency rooms because of injuries related to baby walkers. The most common injury is a head injury.

You have to consider, that a child on a walker is much faster than without it. Therefore they also reach dangerous areas considerably faster than before. This leads to injuries like burning, falling down stairs, falling into swimming pools and so on.

In the U.S. the pediatrics have tried to get the baby walkers forbidden from the government, without success. In Canada they have succeeded. There you are not allowed to sell, advertise or import baby walkers. The reason is that they consider the baby walker to be too much of a danger for the child.

If you decide to buy a baby walker, make sure it’s as secure as possible. Do not ever leave your child without supervision when using a baby walker!

Baby Travel – The Benefits System

The correct baby travel system may include a pushchair which allows the baby to lie flat (or nearly flat), may incorporate a travel cot, and may include a car seat which will be able to be attached to the pushchair chassis.

Be aware that car seats are not necessarily included in travel systems, as some parents wish to buy a separate car seat or may need to buy a car seat especially for a particular manufacturer.

A travel system will include specific components.  The chassis may have four wheels or three wheels.  A well-designed 4 wheeled pushchair should have swivelled wheels at the front which can also be fixed.

Baby Travel – Efficient Packing

Packing Lists for Baby Travel Here are some item to consider :

• Plastic bags that can be resealed- Pack some medium-sized ones for stashing dirty diapers, clothes and bibs.
• Diaper rash cream.
• Baby wipes.
• Baby bath and lotion.
• Extra soothers.
• Pack cotton layers for traveling.
• Washable bibs.
• Baby carriers- Easy to pack and a great way to reduce the amount that your baby cries during the trip. Travel bed to keep baby safe and comfy.
• Baby car seat for safe travel by car, plane, train, or bus.
• Portable baby stroller.
• Use a baby diaper bag with a waterproof lining and a shoulder strap. Prevent leaks by packing medicines and toiletries in re-sealable plastic bags
• Bring a changing mat to put under your baby during diaper changes.

Baby Cots

Some cots or cot beds have one or two dropsides. A dropside makes putting babies in and taking them out the cot easier. Along the top of the dropsides or crib sides, some baby cots have a plastic teething rail for a baby’s teething pleasure.

Many baby cots and cot beds are available with height adjustable mattress bases. The base of the cots or cotbeds can be lowered as the baby grows. Cot beds are a good investment because they convert into beds. They make the transition from baby cot to cotbed easier for toddlers. Once a baby cot or cotbed is purchased, the proper mattress must be purchased too. All mattresses do not fit every cot.

After purchasing a cot and mattress, some families invest in a baby travel cot too. A variety of baby travel cots are available. A portable baby travel cot can be used for play and rest. Baby cots, cotbeds, and baby travel cots should make sleeping safe and comfortable for babies. [ Read more ]