Music Walker

A contraption designed to help babies walk around without falling, it has been in use since the 15th century in Europe. In older times people believed baby walkers would help a child learn how to walk. Modern research disagrees, with claims that it possibly slows a child’s walking ability down depending on how often one is used. The fact that a baby is not using her or his own muscles to walk makes the development time slower. Research says that for every 24 hours spent in a baby walker it can delay their ability to walk by three days and the ability to stand by four days. In a walker babies use their toes instead of the full foot, this tightens their leg muscles and interferes with walking development. Once out of the walker they continue to use their toes, which is not a natural stance. Balance is also delayed because when babies sit they pull themselves up and learn what their weight feels like. In a walker, the baby doesn’t need to balance so they do not pick up on this crucial skill. If a baby spends more time in a walker this means they spend lesser time on the ground meaning they are not using their hands and knees, this is also important to develop weight bearing through the pelvis and shoulders. There are movements important to physical development before a baby can walk, being in a walker means these are missed out on due to lack of practice on the floor.