For years, parents have used walkers as a way to help their little ones learn to walk earlier. New studies have found that walkers do not, in fact, help babies learn to walk earlier.
Nevertheless, parents still use walkers today but more as a way to provide entertainment and mobility to their little ones.
Here are ten of the most popular walkers available:
Our Top Picks
- There is an area for snacks.
- None of the entertainment features require batteries.
- The walker can be converted from a sitting walker to a standing walker.
- The walker can be folded up for storage.
- There are skid resistant safety pads on the wheels.
- The walker is JPMA certified.
- The walker has a higher back for additional support.
- The walker has safety breaks.
- The entertainment center can be removed for on-the-go fun.
- The entire walker folds up when not in use.
- The back of the seat is higher for additional support.
- There are plenty of activities on the entertainment panel to keep your child entertained.
- The walker can be folded up for storage or floor play.
- The walker can be used for longer as there is no weight limit.
- There is an area for snacks.
- None of the entertainment features require batteries.
- The walker can be converted from a sitting walker to a standing walker.
- The walker can be folded up for storage.
- There are skid resistant safety pads on the wheels.
- The walker is JPMA certified.
- The walker has a higher back for additional support.
- The walker has safety breaks.
- The entertainment center can be removed for on-the-go fun.
- The entire walker folds up when not in use.
- The back of the seat is higher for additional support.
- There are plenty of activities on the entertainment panel to keep your child entertained.
- The walker can be folded up for storage or floor play.
- The walker can be used for longer as there is no weight limit.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
What is a Baby Walker?
A baby walker is a baby seat on wheels which provides room for your little one’s feet to touch the floor. This will give your child the opportunity to push off or walk while in the device. Walkers are one option for freeing up your own hands without having to use the confines of a playpen.
In recent years, walkers have become controversial, according to Livestrong. Canada has already set in place a ban on all walkers due to many injuries that have resulted from their use. The American Academy of Pediatrics has tried pushing for a ban in America as well.
Many of the injuries have resulted from parents using walkers as babysitters. Walkers, like any other equipment used for infants, should be used with proper supervision and safety cautions. When used properly and in moderation, walkers are a fun device that many infants have enjoyed scooting around their room in.
A child uses a walker before they are able to walk and after they have developed the required cognitive abilities to propel themselves. A walker shouldn’t be used before a baby can hold up their own head, as most walkers offer little to no head support.
Walkers should also only be used if your child’s feet can touch the ground. There are many concerns about a walker’s affects on your child’s hips.
Leaving your child’s feet dangling, or promoting your child walking on their toes are both unhealthy for your child’s development. Most walkers can be used between 4 and 16 months old.
Baby Walker Health Concerns
Walkers are not meant to teach your child to walk. According to an article in ABC News, studies have shown walkers to actually hinder your child’s ability to learn to walk. It can also delay other cognitive abilities. This is why walkers should be used in moderation, and not as a substitute for a walking teacher.
Using a walker does not normally keep a child from walking altogether. It just delays that specific development. It is said that the walkers tend to develop the calf muscles before the rest of the body is ready to walk.
They can also, when used improperly, teach a child to walk on their toes or other unnatural ways which affect their regular walking as well.
A walker can also keep a child from learning to walk. Walkers do not allow a child to see their own feet and learn from observation.
They may lean too heavily on the walker itself, and never push themselves to learn to walk otherwise. Other methods should be used to teach your child to walk, and a walker should only be used as a fun way of hands-free entertainment for your little one for short periods of time.
Teaching a Baby to Walk
Teaching your little one to walk takes a lot of patience and practice. Walkers are not meant to replace or quicken this process. The entire walking process begins around 4 months old, according to Parents.
4-7 Months
This is the age that your child will first begin sitting up without assistance. This sitting up stage can last from 4 to 7 months old. During this time, try encouraging play activities that strengthen the muscles used when sitting.
7 Months
Around 7 months old, your child will begin crawling. They may start by just scooting across the floor on his stomach. Eventually, you will want your little one on their hands and knees and moving in synchrony.
If your child is able to move his arms and legs together, he will already have important coordination skills needed when he begins to walk. This crawling stage can last from 7 to 10 months old.
8 Months
Around the 8 month mark, your child will start pulling themselves up. This could mean using a couch, your legs, or any curtains or hanging objects within reach.
He will not be able to stand on his own, and will still continue to crawl. During this stage, be sure to help teach your child how to lower themselves after they climb up in order to prevent them falling back down.
When your child starts pulling themselves up, you can help develop their skills further by holding them and encouraging them to take steps with your assistance.
9 Months
Around 9 months, your child may switch back and forth between crawling and using walls and furniture to hold themselves up to walk.
9-12 Months
Between 9 to 12 months, your child will start standing on his own. This may be just for a few seconds, but allow them to stand as long as they are able before swooping in to save them from a fall. This will encourage your child to gain confidence to stand on his own for longer without always relying on a parent.
Once they are stable, your child will begin trying to take their first steps. This will usually occur before they reach 12 months old. Each child is different, so some may be able to take those first steps before 12 months, and some may still be crawling at 12 months.
Once your child is taking those steps, try to encourage them to walk as often as possible. Hold their hand and walk with them short distances instead of carrying them.
Even when you do carry them, set them down on their feet instead of on their bottoms so that they will walk to their next destination instead of crawl.
Walking is a natural developmental cycle of every child. The only equipment children need to learn to walk is you and themselves. Walkers and other devices that make claims about helping in this process should be considered skeptically.
Nothing has been discovered yet that works better than just encouraging your child to try walking on their own, except if medical intervention is required. So, if you register for that walker, use it as entertainment, not as a walking alternative.
Types of Baby Walkers
There are many different types of baby walkers available. The only feature that all baby walkers have in common is that they have wheels in order to provide mobility when your child is using the walker.
Sitting Walkers
The two main types of baby walkers are sitting walkers and standing walkers. Sitting walkers are the type that most people picture when they think of walkers.
They are what looks like a high chair type of seat suspended over a circular plastic stand with tires. These can be used as early as your child is able to sit on their own.
Standing Walkers
A standing walker is for toddlers who have reached the stage of pulling themselves up. This looks closer to the style of adult walkers.
These devices will have handles or some other sort of grip, and a front device with wheels. The child has to be able to stand and move forward, pushing the walker while leaning on it for support.
Walkers are great for entertainment. This is why most walkers have an entertainment center attached. This can include buttons, lights, toys, and other items that your child can play with while in the walker.
Some walkers also have a food tray. This should be used with caution as a child should not be eating when they are mobile as this can lead to choking.
The tray can be used to place other entertainment items on it as well such as books or stuffed animals for your child to play with.
A great feature for many walkers is a stationary feature. This will allow you to remove the mobility aspect of the walker and turn it into a regular entertainment center.
You then reduce the risk of your child hurting themselves if you are not able to supervise them constantly for a few minutes. This will also allow you to give your child snacks without worrying about them moving and choking.
If a walker is JPMA certified, it will have two additional safety features. The first will be a wider base to prevent the walker from leaving a room. The second feature that this seal indicates would be the ability of the walker to be stopped from going downstairs through braking pads.
Baby Walker Alternatives
While baby walkers have some benefits, parents may prefer to find a safer alternative for entertaining their child. There are two other devices with a similar entertainment value as the walker, and these are the exersaucer and jumper.
Exercauser
The exersaucer is a stationary walker. It looks very similar to the walker in the way that the seat is placed in the center for your child. It also has an entertainment center of buttons, lights, and toys attached to the railing of the exersaucer.
Some may even allow for twisting and jumping while seated. The only part of the exersaucer that is different is the fact that there are no wheels which will keep your child safer.
Just keep in mind that remaining in this seated position for a long period of time can affect your child’s development. Also, be sure to use the same guidelines as the walker when it comes to age.
If your child is too young and their feet dangle, or they are too big and their feet are crammed, then the exersaucer can have serious negative effects on your child’s health.
Jumper
The second option is the jumper. There are two main types of jumpers available. The first kind is the jumper that attaches in a doorway.
These can pose safety hazards as your child could jump too high or too enthusiastically which can swing the jumper into a wall.
The stationary jumpers are slightly safer, though they pose their own risks of stability. Neither should be used without parental supervision. The jumper again should only be used for short periods of time.
All three devices, the walker, jumper, and exersaucer, are for your child’s entertainment, and should not be used as a babysitter.
If you need time to yourself to clean or cook, try using a playpen as a safer environment for your child, which requires less hands on supervision than the other devices.
Another option is to just allow your child to roam around the floor. This is very healthy for your child’s development. It requires just as much supervision as the walker, with greater developmental benefits.
This is not to say walkers should not be used, but there is a time and place for them. Nothing works as well for your child’s development as allowing them a little freedom to explore.
Baby Walker Safety
There are many safety issues associated with walkers which are what have led many pediatricians and others to caution against their use. Walkers can still be used as long as you are aware of the risks and take the appropriate safety steps to avoid possible dangers.
According to Healthy Children, a walker can be moved as fast as 3 feet in a second. This is why even with proper supervision, walker accidents still occur. If a walker is going to be used, additional steps must be taken beyond just watching the child.
One major danger of walkers are children who fall down stairs. Children should not be allowed to roam freely about the house in a walker. Child safety gates should be used on all stairs.
To be even safer, try to limit the walker use to one room by closing all doors. Many of the modern walkers are made wider so that they cannot fit out of the average door.
But, this should not take the place of implementing your own safety steps. Another safety feature is a wheel brake or something similar which allows the walker to be stopped before falling down stairs. If a walker has a stamp from JPMA, it will be both wider than a doorway and have the wheel brakes.
Walkers have been known to result in a child getting burned. There are many devices and items in the house that heat to dangerous temperatures.
Anything from hot coffee to stove tops are burn hazards to your little one. When your child is in the walker, they are able to reach higher than before. This can open up access to heaters, stovetops, or table clothes that can be pulled along with any hot beverages on top of the table.
Before setting your child in the walker, remove all items and devices that could potentially hurt your baby, no matter how high they may be. It is best to choose rooms that are free from all potential hazards, such as a nursery.
There have been cases of children drowning in a walker. This is especially true if they are outside where there is a pool or other form of water.
If a child falls in water, no matter how shallow, they can drown. This has even occurred inside by children falling in bathtubs. Be sure there is no access to water when your child is in their walker.
Walkers give your child access to harmful chemicals and food. Again, this is related to the fact that your child is higher up than they normally would be. This means that many of your baby proofing will no longer apply to them.
They can reach counters and cupboards that you would not have baby proofed as they are unreachable to a crawling baby. No matter how young your child is, always keep harmful chemicals, or choking hazards locked away. This should especially be true when your child is in a walker.
The best place for a child to use a walker would be their own nursery where there are only safe items at all levels. There is also no safety hazards in regards to temperature or sharp items that your child could reach. Be sure all doors are closed and locked so they avoid pinching their fingers.
As long as you are cautious about your surroundings before putting your child in their walker, walkers can still be safe and fun devices for your little one. They will love exploring around the room with the feeling of freedom that playpens do not offer.
Ten Best Baby Walkers Reviewed
The entire walker has passed the ASTM F977 Safety Standard. The walker fits children up to 25 pounds and 32 inches in height. When you are not using the walker, it can be folded up for storage.
This walker can be adjusted to your child’s height as they grow. There are three different height positions that the seat can be set to.
In addition, the walker can also be switched between the walker setting, and a stationary setting where you do not need to worry about your child wandering off.
The walker has two main features. The first is the walker setting. In the walker setting, four 360 degree swivel wheels easily move across hardwood and tile floors.
The base is wide enough to prevent your child from passing through average doorways, for their personal safety. The second feature is the rocking feature. In this mode, the walker is stationary and can be rocked back and forth while your child is slightly tilted back.
The front of the walker holds a tray with a removable entertainment center. The entertainment center holds just a few small buttons, beads, and a steering wheel.
When the entertainment center is taken out of the tray, there is a clear area for snacks, as well as a cup holder for a bottle. The seat padding can also be removed when it comes time to wash the walker.
- The walker passes the ASTM Safety Standard.
- The walker can be converted to a stationary entertainment stand or a rocker.
- The wheels are multi-directional for easier maneuverability.
- The entertainment center can be converted to a regular tray for snacks.
- The entire walker can be folded up for storage.
Cons:
- The entertainment center is made cheaply, and does not have very many activities to keep your child entertained for longer periods of time.
- The walker does not move across some carpets very easily.
- The baby cannot rock themselves in the rocker.
Dream on Me is a name known in the baby furniture niche. They have been known for their strict safety standards and quality products.
Their walker is not their most popular product that they have produced. That being said, it still holds a certain level of quality, and passes the safety requirements. The main area of quality that is lacking is in the entertainment center portion of the device.
Chicco Dance Walker Activity Center
There are three height adjustments so that the walker can grow with your baby. Your child can use the walker up until 26 pounds. When you are finished, you just need to fold the entire walker up for storage.
The walker can either be used as a mobile walker, or a stationary entertainment center. When it is a walker, there are bumpers that can be placed around the base in order to protect your walls from getting scratched up. There are also brake pads to stop the walker’s wheels if it goes over a step or other sharp decline.
The activity center is based around music. There is a piano, rattle, and lights to help encourage your child to dance. There is also a drawer that opens up to reveal an MP3 connection.
Smaller MP3 devices can be placed inside the drawer and play music for your child while they are in the walker. Larger devices like phones may not always fit in the drawer, unless you keep the drawer open.
The entertainment center can be taken out of the walker and used on the floor as well. The seat padding can also be removed in order to clean them easier.
- The walker can be folded up for storage.
- You can attach your own MP3 device for personalized music.
- The entertainment center can be removed to provide a tray area for snacks.
- There are removable bumpers to protect your wall from being scratched.
- Safety brakes help prevent the walker from falling down stairs.
Cons:
- The entertainment center drains batteries quickly.
- The entire entertainment center is mainly electronic.
- The electronics are cheaply made and break after only a short use.
- The lowest setting is still too high for many babies.
- The back wheels do not swivel all the way around, limiting the movements of the walker.
Any future music and dance talents will love this little musical walker. From a rattle to a small piano-type device, it has a good variety of musically themed items to keep your child moving.
The MP3 plugin is a great addition to mix up the music a little to something both you and your little one will enjoy listening to. Just be sure to remove the batteries between uses or else the entertainment panel will drain the batteries quickly.
Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Walker
In this way, the walker will last your little one longer as they develop. The walker can be used for children up to 26 pounds and 32 inches tall.
The entertainment center only has three items. Each item was carefully chosen in order to help develop a different sensory area. A bead bar helps to develop your child’s fine motor skills.
A textured flower helps stimulate your child’s senses, and a batting ball is for your child’s entertainment. None of the items require batteries.
The entire entertainment center can be removed in order to use the full tray area for snacks or small toys. Even when the entertainment center is attached, a small area and a cup holder is still available for snacks.
The walker’s seat has multiple adjustment levels as your child grows taller. When your child has outgrown the seat, the seat of the walker can easily be lifted out to provide a standing walker.
The base remains the same safe width even as a standing walker. Your child can also still use the entertainment center. When you are not using the walker, it can be folded up for storage. The seat can also be removed to clean.
- There is an area for snacks.
- None of the entertainment features require batteries.
- The walker can be converted from a sitting walker to a standing walker.
- The walker can be folded up for storage.
- There are skid resistant safety pads on the wheels.
- The walker is JPMA certified.
- The walker has a higher back for additional support.
Cons:
- The entire walker is made of cheaper plastic, and is not very sturdy.
- The toys do not stay in the tray area.
- The wheels are not very mobile.
- The wheels tend to scratch wooden floors.
This is a very simple entertainment center that can be used longer than a regular walker. Even when your child outgrows the seat, they can still use this walker as they continue developing.
The simple toys are enough to keep your child entertained without all the bells and whistles that can sometimes shorten a toy’s longevity. Just don’t use this walker with heavier children as it is a cheaper plastic and has not always held up to heavier use.
Bright Starts Walk-A-Bout Walker
The walker is available in four different colors and bright designs to attract babies of all personalities. When you no longer need the walker, it can be folded up and stored away easily.
The entertainment center is a mixture of electronic battery controlled items and non-battery items. The non-battery items include a steering wheel and spinning beads.
The battery is used for the musical feature, which can be controlled through a volume control. There are two additional empty hooks for attaching your own items to add on to the entertainment center. The entire entertainment center can be removed for floor play or to open up the tray area for snacks and other items.
The walker comes in three different height positions so that it can grow along with your child. The seat has a higher back for additional support for your little one.
The wheels have a safety brake that will help prevent the walker from falling down stairs. The entire walker can be used up to 26 pounds.
- The walker has safety breaks.
- The entertainment center can be removed for on-the-go fun.
- The entire walker folds up when not in use.
- The back of the seat is higher for additional support.
Cons:
- The walker sits low to the ground with smaller wheels which prevents it from moving easily on carpets.
- Only the front tires completely swivel, hindering the overall maneuverability.
- The toys on the entertainment center do not move much, which can cause some babies to grow tired very quickly.
- The walker cannot be made stationary.
The Bright Stars Walk-A-Bout Walker is a simple little walker with an affordable price tag. There are only a few little lights and sounds, but overall the walker is very limited when it comes to its entertainment value.
The walker is also limited as to its versatility as it has no conversion options. It cannot even convert to a stationary entertainment center.
Though, the removable entertainment tray does allow for a slight change between a walker and floor play. All in all, it does work well as a basic walker for a decent price.
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Activity Walker
There are three different ways that this walker can be used. The first is as a basic walker. There are four wheels as well as a handle on the back.
Your child can walk while holding the handle to help keep themselves upright. The second option is to lock the wheels. This will keep the walker stationary so that your child can use it as an entertainment table.
The third option is to collapse the entire walker so that it converts to an entertainment board. This entertainment board is a great option for your little ones who cannot stand up yet to use the board during floor play.
The activity walker is filled with many different lights, buttons, and sounds. The board does require batteries to operate some of the items.
Some of the entertainment options on the board are a slider, spinning balls, gears, and musical buttons. The entire walker is jungle themed and makes some fun animal sounds along with some of the items. A giant center light projects a colorful design in front of your child as they are walking with the walker.
- There are plenty of activities on the entertainment panel to keep your child entertained.
- The walker can be folded up for storage or floor play.
- The walker can be used for longer as there is no weight limit.
Cons:
- There is no sitting option for younger children who cannot walk yet.
- The tires do not swivel, making it harder to maneuver.
- The walker cannot be taken apart once it is assembled.
- The wheels have a tendency of locking up.
- There are quite a few mechanical and humming sounds unrelated to the entertainment panel.
While this walker does not offer the option of sitting for younger children, it is a decent second stage walker as your child advances.
Before they are walking, the collapsible entertainment board option can be used. The entire walker has quite a bit to offer when it comes to buttons and lights.
Most parents tend to use the entertainment center feature only, and never use the walker feature due to the issues with the wheels and maneuverability.
Disney Winnie The Pooh Music and Lights Walker
The entire walker can hold children up to 30 pounds. When you do not need to use the walker, it can be folded up and stored away.
Disney has created a very similarly designed walker with a Minnie Mouse theme who’s main difference is the toys on the entertainment center.
The entire walker is Winnie the Pooh themed. This includes four Winnie the Pooh toys on the entertainment panel. These include a pop-up Pooh Bear honey pop, reflective Piglet flower, a spinning ball, and a beaded arch.
In addition, the entertainment center has the option of 12 songs to accompany your child’s playtime. The entertainment center contains two halves.
These halves can be swiveled out to the side to reveal a large snack tray area that could also be used for additional toys.The entertainment center does require batteries for some of the items.
The walker’s seat has three different height adjustments to grow along with your child. The padding of the seat can be removed to wash between uses.
The wheels work on both hard floors and carpets. Only the front wheels swivel 360 degrees, which can hinder the overall maneuverability of the walker. The wheels also don’t have the option to lock in order to convert the walker to a stationary play center.
- The entertainment center can easily be opened up so that your child can have the tray and the toys at the same time.
- The walker is a fun and familiar theme.
- The walker can hold children for longer than most other walkers.
- The walker can be folded up for storage.
Cons:
- The back wheels don’t swivel which hinders your child’s movements.
- The entertainment tray cannot be fully removed unless you are willing to expose the attachment holes.
- The wheels cannot be locked in order to turn the walker into a stationary entertainment center.
Winnie the Pooh is a fun design that can help make the walker seem more attractive to your little ones. The brightly colored cartoon character-themed toys will also help hold their attention.
This walker also provides the option of opening up the eating tray area without having to completely take away your child’s toys. Other than the wheel issues, the walker is a reasonably priced option for keeping your child entertained.
Joovy Spoon Walker
The walker comes in four different colors. It also can hold a child up to 30 pounds and 33.5 inches. When the walker is not being used, it can be collapsed completely flat for storage.
The entire walker is made from higher quality materials. This is reflected in the higher price for this walker. The walker is free from BPA, PVC, and Phthalates.
The entire walker is JPMA certified. The wheels are large enough to smoothly roll over any surface. The back wheels are straight, while the front wheels can swivel in all directions.
The wheels also have non-slip padding to help prevent the walker from falling down stairs. The seat of the walker can be removed in order to wash it.
The walker can support your child as they grow. There are three different height positions for the seat to support your growing child.
There is also an insert in the oversized tray that can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher between uses. The base of the walker extends wide enough so that your little one will not pinch their fingers against the wall when moving about.
- This is a very simple design, with very little that can break.
- The materials are strong and reliable.
- The walker is free from harmful chemicals and is JPMA certified.
- The wheels have breaks to prevent it from falling down stairs.
- The tray is very large with plenty of room for snacks and toys.
- Even though only the front wheels swivel, the walker is still very maneuverable.
Cons:
- The wheels cannot lock to make the walker stationary.
- There is no entertainment center option, or ways to attach your toys to the walker.
- This is a higher priced walker, especially for offering less with the walker.
- The entire walker is very large, and weighs quite a bit.
- The walker is rather short, which means your little one will grow out of it quicker.
This is one of the best quality walker options available. The materials are sturdy and can handle quite a bit of bumping and moving. The higher quality materials also mean a heavier weight.
The entire walker comes across as rather large and heavy. If your main concern is quality, this walker is definitely up near the top. But, what you get for the price in the way of features does not quite line up with the price tag.
Stork Craft Mini-Speedster Activity Walker
This car walker is offered in three different colors from blue, red, and pink so that each of your little race car drivers can have a car to suit their personality.
This race car walker is a fun new twist on the basic walker and entertainment panel design. The entertainment panel includes a stirring wheel, a couple switches, and a few spinning circles.
In addition, the panel takes batteries which will then give a second level of entertainment through lights and exciting car sounds. The entire panel can be removed and used during floor play. The panel can also be removed to provide a tray on the walker for a snack or other toys.
The entire walker can grow with your child. It has three height adjustments for your child. The walker can hold children up to 26 pounds. It meets the safety standards of the ASTM and the EN.
The walker moves and maneuvers very easily with all four wheels being able to swivel completely. There are removable stoppers that can be placed on the bottom to limit where your child can move if desired.
When you want to turn the walker into a stationary entertainment center, the wheels can be removed. When it comes time to clean up the walker, simply fold it away with a one-handed folding system. The seating pad can also be removed and washed separately.
- The walker can be both mobile and stationary.
- All four wheels swivel.
- The walker is safety certified.
- The entertainment center can be removed for floor play and to expose a tray.
- There are removable stoppers.
Cons:
- The wheels do not lock.
- This walker has one of the smallest trays.
- The seat tends to get unhooked.
- The wheels are of cheaper quality.
Many customers have said that Stork Craft has come up with one of the most adorable designs with their unique car walker. The major complaints have all been about the poor quality of the wheels which tend to break soon, and the difficulty of attaching the seat. Otherwise, this walker has pleased many parents and kept their little ones entertained.
Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Walker
This colorful walker comes in two designs: backyard critters and underwater themed. The entire walker can hold children up to 25 pounds.
The entertainment center has a few fun items that both use batteries or can be used without batteries. There is a main steering wheel, then some spinning beads for your child to play with.
The garden theme has a series of buttons instead of a steering wheel. If batteries on inserted, the steering wheel or buttons will let off fun sounds relating to the walker’s theme.
The sounds and music can be adjusted through a volume control. There are three language options for the sounds as well. Two loops are on either side of the entertainment center for additional toys to be attached.
The entire entertainment center can be removed and used during floor play. The entertainment center can also be removed to expose a small tray for snacks and additional toys.
The walker is great as a space saver through its minimalistic design. What materials they do use are sturdy materials that can last through wear and tear.
The seat only has one sitting position, and does not adjust with your child’s growth. The wheels on the walker cannot be locked.
The front wheels can swivel in a complete circle, while the back wheels are kept straight which limits side to side motions. When you are not using the walker, it can be folded up for easy storage.
- The entertainment center can be removed for floor play or to expose a tray.
- The entire walker is a space-saver design that can fit in most homes.
- The entertainment center has options that can be used without a battery.
- There are multiple languages for the entertainment center.
- The walker can be folded up for storage purposes and travel.
Cons:
- The wheels cannot lock to make the walker stationary.
- The tray is smaller than most other walkers.
- The height cannot be adjusted, which limits how long your child can use the walker.
- The walker does not turn very easily.
While this is a fun walker, there are some major flaws with the design. The main flaw is the lack of seat adjustments. This will cut down greatly on how long your child will be able to fit in the walker. On a positive note, this is one of the greatest walkers when it comes to saving on space due to its minimalistic design.
Safety 1st Sounds ‘n Lights Discover Walker
The entire walker is dinosaur themed, bringing out the little archeologist in your child. With three different height adjustments, this walker can grow along with your child.
The entertainment panel is an exciting array of five different items. The items are set up to resemble a dinosaur jungle and include a light-up dinosaur egg, a crinkly dinosaur, and a tree with mirrors to name a few of the exciting toys.
Some of the individual toys can even be removed from the tray. The entertainment panel is split is two halves which swing out to the side to reveal a tray underneath that can be used for snacks or additional toys.
The entertainment panel could also be disconnected and used during floor play as well. The entertainment panel does require batteries to make the sounds and lights work. There are also plenty of items that work without battery power as well.
The entire frame moves on four stable wheels. Only the front two wheels swivel in all directions. The back wheels are stable. There are bumpers to prevent your little one from going over steps.
There are no wheel locks to make this walker stationary, but the wheels can be removed if a stationary entertainment center is desired. The seat padding can be removed and washed between uses. The entire walker can be collapsed for storage or for travel.
- There are plenty of toys on the entertainment center.
- The walker can be collapsed for storage and travel.
- The entertainment panel can be swiveled out to reveal a tray.
- There are toys that work both with batteries and without batteries.
Cons:
- The batteries cannot be replaced, but the entertainment panel can be replaced by the company if it no longer works.
- The height is very difficult to adjust.
- The seating compartment forces your child to walk in a half-seated position.
- This walker is not made for shorter babies.
- The wheels don’t lock to make the walker stationary.
Safety 1st Sounds n’ Lights offers a walker option with the reliability of the Safety 1st brand name. This walker is one of the most popular walker options available. The walker is better quality than some of the cheaper options, but is not quite as high as others. This walker is popular because it does what it should while lasting through the bumps and wiggles of your little one.
The Winner
Baby Walkers should be chosen carefully due to the large number of accidents that occur because of walkers. This is why it is very important to keep those safety hazards in mind when choosing a walker for your little one that will not only keep them entertained, but also keep them safe.
Out of the ten baby walkers listed, the best choice in both utility and safety would be the Stork Craft Mini-Speedster Activity Walker. This cute yet safe walker is entertaining, versatile, and safe. It is these three qualities that make this the top choice.
The Stork Craft walker is entertaining because of the numerable items on the entertainment panel. One of the major features is the fact that it has items that both require a battery and do not require a battery. The battery can be replaced, unlike some other walkers’ entertainment panels that do not have a replaceable battery.
The Stork Craft walker is very versatile. It has a tray, removable entertainment panel, and can be collapsed for storage. The wheels can be taken off to even make it stationary.
This allows you to make the most use of your purchase. One of the best features is the four fully swiveling wheels. This allows your little one more maneuverability and will prevent them from getting stuck in corners.
The most important aspect of the Stork Craft walker is its safety ratings. This walker meets the Safety Standards of both the ASTM and the EN. Having this stamp of safety will reassure you that Stork Craft has gone out of their way to add features needed to prevent accidents with the walker.
With the walker’s entertainment value, high versatility, and reliable safety, Stork Craft’s Mini-speedster Activity Walker is the top choice out of the ten reviewed walkers when it comes to finding the best device for your little one.
