Baby walkers have come a long way in terms of safety. But no matter how you look at it, putting a baby in a device that gives them added mobility is going to increase the level of risk involved. If you are considering buying a new baby walker, then here are a few things we think you should consider.
Safety Proof Your Home
This may seem like a no brainer, but every year accidents happen that could have been completely avoided. The first thing you should do is to barricade all of your stair wells. There are several ways to do this, but the best is probably to purchase a sturdy gate that is designed for the purpose.
While stairs are the obvious concern, there are many other hazards that sometimes can get overlooked. Sharp edges on tables, chairs, shelves etc. can post a risk to your baby. A lot of times the added height of the walker puts their heads in the right position to make contact with something they otherwise would not.
Hanging baskets, lines for curtains and anything hanging from the ceiling that may have been previously out of reach for your baby may now be easily accessible. It is best to do a thorough check of the house for things like these before putting your baby in a walker.
Of course you should always keep a close eye on your baby whenever he or she is using the walker to avoid any potential hazards you may have missed!
Purchase New
While it may be tempting to purchase a used baby walker and save a few dollars we would highly recommend against it. First of all, every year new safety measures are being implemented. Problems that were previously not addressed are fixed and a brand new walker is the only way to ensure that your baby is as safe as possible.
Secondly, a used walker could have structural damage that is impossible to see with a naked eye inspection. You never know what sort of abuse a product has suffered in the hands of someone else. Dropping a walker on the driveway while loading it into a car is enough to affect the structural damage and could put your baby at risk.
Do Not Over Use
While there is no doubt that your baby will enjoy the increased mobility that a baby walker offers, many doctors are now recommending that you do not allow your baby to use one for longer periods.
The reason for this is that prolonged use of a baby walker can cause developmental delays in normal walking. While there are some who still debate this, many recent studies have shown an increasingly likely correlation.
Finally - Use Common Sense
I know that the last thing you would want to do is put your baby at risk. Properly used, a baby walker is an excellent way to stimulate your baby's growth and will provide excellent entertainment for both of you.
Make sure you use basic common sense when it comes to how and when to use a baby walker and you will have nothing to worry about!
For more information and the best deals online check out Baby Walker [http://babywalkerstore.co.uk].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Betty_Brown
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6583583
Safety Proof Your Home
This may seem like a no brainer, but every year accidents happen that could have been completely avoided. The first thing you should do is to barricade all of your stair wells. There are several ways to do this, but the best is probably to purchase a sturdy gate that is designed for the purpose.
While stairs are the obvious concern, there are many other hazards that sometimes can get overlooked. Sharp edges on tables, chairs, shelves etc. can post a risk to your baby. A lot of times the added height of the walker puts their heads in the right position to make contact with something they otherwise would not.
Hanging baskets, lines for curtains and anything hanging from the ceiling that may have been previously out of reach for your baby may now be easily accessible. It is best to do a thorough check of the house for things like these before putting your baby in a walker.
Of course you should always keep a close eye on your baby whenever he or she is using the walker to avoid any potential hazards you may have missed!
Purchase New
While it may be tempting to purchase a used baby walker and save a few dollars we would highly recommend against it. First of all, every year new safety measures are being implemented. Problems that were previously not addressed are fixed and a brand new walker is the only way to ensure that your baby is as safe as possible.
Secondly, a used walker could have structural damage that is impossible to see with a naked eye inspection. You never know what sort of abuse a product has suffered in the hands of someone else. Dropping a walker on the driveway while loading it into a car is enough to affect the structural damage and could put your baby at risk.
Do Not Over Use
While there is no doubt that your baby will enjoy the increased mobility that a baby walker offers, many doctors are now recommending that you do not allow your baby to use one for longer periods.
The reason for this is that prolonged use of a baby walker can cause developmental delays in normal walking. While there are some who still debate this, many recent studies have shown an increasingly likely correlation.
Finally - Use Common Sense
I know that the last thing you would want to do is put your baby at risk. Properly used, a baby walker is an excellent way to stimulate your baby's growth and will provide excellent entertainment for both of you.
Make sure you use basic common sense when it comes to how and when to use a baby walker and you will have nothing to worry about!
For more information and the best deals online check out Baby Walker [http://babywalkerstore.co.uk].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Betty_Brown
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6583583
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