5 Best Baby Walkers in 2023 (incl. 3 Alternatives)
Physical activity should play a role in your child’s life from the time they start walking. Keeping your child bound up in their bed means they will not be active. They need both physical and mental stimulation to grow up healthy. Studies show that physical activity plays a crucial role in the early cognitive development of children (1).
The best baby walker is an excellent product that allows your infant some freedom. At the same time, the product can help your child be active at a young age. We look at the top options to consider when buying a new baby walker.
We Recommend
Types of baby walkers
There are two types of baby walkers that you are going to find on the market. Each of these comes with a specific function and serves a particular group of infants. Understanding how the two options differ will help you determine which one will be best for your child.
Seated Walker
- Seated walkers are often considered an ideal entry point. These are the walkers made for children who are not yet able to stand up and walk by themselves.
- The idea is to give your infant a seated item that they can sit in. When your child’s feet touch the ground, they are able to move the walker around the room.
- Your infant active when they are not yet able to walk by themselves.
- There is no specific age restriction for seated walkers in general. This is because children start to walk on their own at different ages. Children usually walk on their own by 14 months. (2)
Sit-To-Stand Walker
- A sit-to-stand walker is appropriate for infants who are already able to stand up and walk without the help of an adult.
- Thus, in most cases, these are appropriate for infants from the age of nine to 14 months, depending on when they will start walking on their own.
- A sit-to-stand walker does not only allow your child to sit down and move the product. Your child can also stand up and walk while they are inside the baby walker. This gives them more freedom compared to a seated walker.
- When the child gets tired from walking, they can simply sit down – as a seat will be available beneath them at all times.
Are baby walkers safe?
Baby walkers have been banned in Canada. In fact, the Canadian government may fine a person up to $100,000 if they are found selling or simply owning a baby walker (3). Other countries, including the United States, are also considering the ban of baby walkers.
The problem with baby walkers is that they have been deemed dangerous by some parents. One journal entry explains that up to 50% of all infants who are regularly placed in these products will sustain some type of injury (4).
The most common injuries observed include minor cuts, abrasions, and contusions. More serious incidents have also been reported in the past. One major concern that comes to mind here is that some parents use these products as a baby sitter. A baby walker is not designed for extended use. You should not put your child into a baby walker and walk away – the product is not made to keep them occupied for long hours at a time.
When you use the product as a babysitter instead of something to use while you are playing or interacting with your child, the chances of an injury are higher. Use a baby walker only while you are present in the room – this can help to make the product safer.
Also read:
Safety tips for baby walkers
- You can make a baby walker safer for your child. As discussed, one of the most important things is to supervise your infant when they are placed in the baby walker. This is the best way to prevent injuries. While supervising, be sure to interact with your child while they are inside the baby walker.
- Even when you are present in the area, be sure to place the baby walker at a safe location. Never allow your baby to roam in a baby walker near the stairs. This should be a concern even when you do have baby gates up. Accidents do happen – and if that baby gate is not closed properly, your child is at risk.
- Also, avoid allowing your child to go too close to the fireplace or any other obstacles and areas of the room that may be hazardous to them.
- When buying a baby walker, try to find one that has a speed limiter. This helps to ensure your baby cannot go too fast in the walker. A wide base is also useful, along with anti-slip pads, which will help to keep the baby walker stable on the floor. A walker with adjustable height can also be beneficial.
- You can also consider a handheld baby walker harness, which gives you a chance to help your baby walk.
Best baby walker alternatives
A handheld baby walker harness can be an excellent alternative to a standard baby walker. You have a harness that can be used to help keep your infant stable while they are trying to walk. There are, of course, other options that can be used as an alternative for baby walkers too.
There are a few baby walker alternatives that you should keep in mind. Each one offers a specific set of benefits in comparison to a regular baby walker. Let’s take a look at these:
Exercauser: An exercauser seems similar to a baby walker at first, but it does not move in the way that a baby walker does. Instead, it gives your little one an opportunity to have fun and be active without the risk of them bumping into objects or falling over.
Jumper: A jumper is also often considered a safer alternative and can be attached to a variety of structures in your home. These also help to keep your child active without letting them move freely around the room.
Stationary activity centers: Different types of stationary activity centers are available. These keep your child active and usually contains a few toys, without moving.
If you still feel like getting your hands on a baby walker, we share some tips to help you buy one that is appropriate and safe for your infant in the next section.
How to choose the right baby walker?
When you decide to buy a baby walker, safety should be the main priority you keep in mind. To buy the best baby walker that is safe for your baby, a few things need to be taken into account. We share a few tips on what to look at when buying a baby walker below.
- Stationary feature: The addition of a stationery feature means you can lock the baby walker in place when needed. This is useful when you go out of the room. It will prevent your baby from driving the walker into a hazardous area of the house.
- Brake pads: Brake pads are essential as they can help to prevent your baby from entering into dangerous areas, such as the staircase.
- Speed control: The baby walker should have some type of speed control setting. Look if it has a brake. This allows the product to come to a halt when your baby finds itself in a troubling situation. Also, consider if the wheels can be adjusted based on the size and age of your child.
- Food tray: A food tray can be very useful, allowing you to put the baby walker in a stationary position and feed your baby.
- Adjustability: A folded baby walker means less space is used around the home. Simply fold it up and store the walker away when you are not using it.
- Toy center: The addition of a toy center adds an element of fun and entertainment. This can be in the form of sounds, lights, and even a couple of toys.
Best baby walkers
1. Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk! Walker
The Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk! Walker gives you peace of mind with a wide base, providing adequate stability that helps to reduce the chances of your child falling over in the walker.
The walker is available in a selection of five different designs and features 12 built-in songs, flashing lights, and a range of Disney-featured toys.
The seat is padded, helping to provide a more comfortable seat for your child. The padded seat is also machine washable, making it easier to keep the product clean.
The Safety 1st Ready, Set, Walk! Walker comes with an activity and food tray that can be easily wiped clean. The product also folds up, reducing the space needed to store the walker when it is not being used.
What we liked
- Selection of styles available
- Features 12 built-in songs
- Flashing lights
- Comes with built-in toys
- Support children up to 26 pounds
What we didn’t like
- Only appropriate for children who can sit up without assistance
Security features: Wide base
Dimensions: 28 x 7 x 24
Foldable: Yes
Suggested weight: Up to 26 pounds
Suggested height: Up to 36.5 inches
Age range: One to two
2. Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Toddler & Baby Walker
The Kolcraft Baby Walker is a multifunctional option. It can be used as a regular baby walker and as a walk-behind walker.
The height of the walker can also be adjusted to fit your growing infant.
The product features a couple of built-in toys, which gives your child something to keep them busy. There is a small tray that can be helpful when feeding your child too. A mirror is also included in this particular walker.
The Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Toddler & Baby Walker easily folds up into a compact product. This makes storage very easy and convenient.
The product also comes with a one-year warranty. Cleaning up after your child is easy, as most parts of the baby walker can simply be wiped off.
Check the price of Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Toddler & Baby Walker here
What we liked
- Adjustable height system
- Two-in-one functionality
- Easy to clean
- Skid-resistant friction pads
- High foam seat
What we didn’t like
- No added brakes
- Small tray
Security features: Skid-resistant friction pads
Dimensions: 24 x 32.5 x 26
Foldable: Yes
Suggested weight: 15 pounds to 26 pounds
Suggested height: Up to 32 inches
Age range: One to two
3. Joovy Spoon Baby Walker
The Joovy Spoon Baby Walker features exceptionally sturdy construction but does come with a price tag to match the higher quality materials used.
The product features a super-sized tray. This makes it much easier to feed your baby. It also adds more space for toys and other entertaining factors for your child.
The materials used are all safe for your child. The material is free of phthalates, PVC, and BPA.
The seat features padding, which increases the comfort of your child when they sit down in the walker. The seat is also machine washable, along with a tray that can be washed in the dishwashing machine.
The Joovy Spoon Baby Walker features three adjustable height settings for better convenience. It can also be folded up when you are not using the walker. This makes it easier to store the product.
What we liked
- Easily folds up
- Height can be adjusted
- Features a wide base
- Non-slip stair pads
- Machine washable seat
What we didn’t like
- High price tag
- Limited height settings
Security features: Wide base
Dimensions: 18 x 25.5 x 27.75
Foldable: Yes
Suggested weight: Up to 30 pounds
Suggested height: Up to 33.5 inches
Age range: One to two
4. Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker
The Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker is a quality walker for infants up to the age of two. This baby walker is ideal for infants who have just learned to sit up unassisted.
The product features a play tray with built-in toys. This adds some fun to the walker while your child is placed in the product.
The product can be easily folded for easier storage. The seat can be easily removed and washing in a regular machine.
The seat also features foam padding, which helps your infant sit more comfortably in the baby walker.
The Chicco Walky Talky Baby Walker features brake pads for added safety. This helps to prevent your child from going down the stairs, which could cause them serious injury.
What we liked
- Padded seat can be added to the washing machine
- Interactive play tray
- Play tray can be removed
- Built-in brake pads
- Easily folds up
What we didn’t like
- Limited designs to choose from
- High price tag
Security features: Brake pads
Dimensions: 31.8 x 26 x 20
Foldable: Yes
Suggested weight: n/a
Suggested height: Up to 33 inches
Age range: One to two
5. Combi Baby Walker And Interactive Mobile Activity Center
The Combi Baby Walker can be used as a walker but doubles as an activity center.
At the top, there is a structure that represents the shape and appearance of a car. The product comes in a large variety of colors, including Black, Pink, Purple, Red, and more.
The product features a built-in snack tray. The walker’s wheels can be easily locked. This turns the product into a stationary activity center.
Even though the price is on the higher side, consider the value that comes with this two-in-one baby walker. Anti-Skid padding also helps to reduce the chances of your baby slipping while they use the baby walker. The snack tray can be easily removed. The product also comes with several interactive features, including lights, sounds, and even a mirror.
Check the price of Combi Baby Walker And Interactive Mobile Activity Center here
What we liked
- Baby walker and stationery activity center in one product
- Features sounds and lights
- Two built-in mirrors
- Anti-skid safety feature
- Can be locked in place
What we didn’t like
- Higher price tag
- Only available in a car design
Security features: Lock feature, anti-skid safety feature
Dimensions: 28 x 26 x 21.5
Foldable: No
Suggested weight: 30 pounds
Suggested height: Up to 40.5 inches
Age range: One to three
Also read:
Hello beautiful!! Welcome to my small corner of the internet! I’m a mom of 2 monkeys and a happy wife. My goal is to share my best tips and tricks to raise happy and healthy kids and keep your sanity in the process :))
