Although there are many ways that a parent can control the risk of injury incurred by a baby walker, there are plenty of alternatives that you might want to consider if you choose not to purchase a walker.
Stationary activity centers are very popular and have many benefits. These new activity centers will allow your baby to get plenty of exercise through the bouncing, rocking and spinning motions without the risk of injury. The activity center is also known as a stationary play center, baby activity center, baby play saucer, and/or stationary play circle. This center is very similar to the baby walker with one exception. The baby’s feet never touch the ground because of the stationary saucer underneath the activity center. This allows the baby to bounce, rock and spin while playing with the toys hanging above them and never move around the room. It is very entertaining, educational and loads of fun for your little one.
Play pens are another alternative to baby walkers. Although the play pen might be a little more expensive than the walker, it comes with many of the same features the walker and stationary activity centers come with. You can buy attachments for the play pen that allow toys to hang and jingle. Your baby can learn to stand up in the pen by holding on to the side which will help him to strengthen his leg muscles for walking later on. Other benefits to the play pen include putting other favorite toys in the pen with the baby and it can also double as a crib when it is nap time.
High chairs can also be used as an alternative to the baby walker. High chairs have a great platform where the child can play with toys, eat his food and do whatever other activities you would like him to do. It is true the high chair does not allow for much leg strength, but you know your child is safe and not going anywhere while strapped into the high chair.
As you can see, if you are a parent that would rather not take the risk of putting your baby in a baby walker, there are other options that can be looked at. Please note that these other options also have some benefits as well as disadvantages, so make sure you do your research before purchasing any of these items for your baby.