Not long after your baby impresses you by pulling themselves up to stand on their own, they'll be using arm chairs, coffee tables, ottomans — you name it — to get from point A to point B (even if A to B is only in a circle). Instead of limiting baby’s movement to a few pieces of furniture, broaden their horizons — and their mobility — with a walking toy. Not only will you get a kick out of seeing them toddle around the house, babies can reap a number of physical and mental benefits from walker toys.
“Baby walking toys promote a sense of independence for children and allow them to explore and learn,” says Vanessa Fox, an occupational therapist and owner of Movement With Meaning. “When introduced at the appropriate time, they can also promote muscle and bone development, as well as visual-motor and sensory development that establishes the foundation of early skills needed for reading, writing and socializing.”
In addition to the physical benefits walking toys provide, they can also help strengthen your baby’s mental muscles.
“While all walkers help toddlers learn to walk, some offer additional play value and can help build other skills — all while keeping kids engaged and entertained for long periods of time,” says Marissa DiBartolo, editor in chief of the Toy Insider.
Before you test your little one’s physical prowess with a walking toy, take their skill set into consideration, not just their age range.
“Every child develops differently, so it's crucial to observe your little one’s skill level as opposed to her age when considering a walker,” Fox says. “When your child can sit upright on her own while holding her head up, as well as being able to pull-to-stand, baby walker toys can be used. Also, please remember that babies should always be supervised when using a walker.”
Ready to increase your family’s foot traffic? Here are 10 of the best toys to help baby walk.
One of my absolute favorite walking toys is VTech's Stroll and Discover Activity Walker,” DiBartolo says. “This walker features a fully removable activity panel, so kids can hold onto the handle and push it along as they learn to walk, or they can sit in front of it while engaging with the many animals, piano keys and more, all while learning basic music notes, letters, and numbers.”
2. More bang for your buck
The Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Walker can typically be used at an earlier age than most walking toys, because it starts out as a seated walker and converts into a standing walking toy for when baby is stronger and more mobile. Gear that works through multiple phases of babyhood? That’s music to any parent’s ear.
3. Unique and good-looking
It’s an activity table! It’s a walker! No wonder the award-winning Little Balance Box 2-in-1: No Wheels Spring Feet Toddler Activity Table has so many five-star reviews on Amazon. Parents love both the eco-friendly design and that the spring-loaded feet keep baby moving slower than traditional wheel walkers.
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