So I had decided that I would try to get a push walker for my LO for Christmas - one of those that they push in front of them - not the sitters. So i have been searching online and saw a great imaginarium one for sale on ruelala - however it says that it is for ages 3+ - my question is why would an average 3 year old need a walker or is this something that they still enjoy at that age. I was hoping to get something to help him walk but maybe I am missing something and there are different types for different ages. So bees, am I missing something glaringly obvious here!?
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I think since walkers aren't recommended by peds, maybe manufacturers have to put that age on the product. But it's up to the parent and as long as you are present while they are being used, I personally don't see a problem. There is no way my son would have played with a walker at 3!
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Hmm, w/out seeing it, it's hard to say, but my LO was really into pushing toys like shopping carts starting when she was around 10 months old. At 21 months she still loves her shopping carts and will still push around her corn popper around randomly.
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It is kind of odd that a company would market a push walker for preschoolers, but I have to say my 2.10yo loves pushing her toy stroller.
I am not a fan of push walkers for pre-walkers. When DD was 10mo she got one for Christmas. It would roll too fast for her gait, so she fell on her face a few times. Maybe they're better on carpeted surfaces (we have hardwood). But they've also been shown to delay walking. She did really like it after she learned to actually walk.
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@Aimed: My ILs are getting this one for LO for Christmas. It says the recommended age is 9 months-3 years.
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This is it in toys r us where they dont seems to mention an age recommendation so perhaps its a ruelala insurance thing.
@mrsmate: I worried about the falling flat thing too but we have carpet everywhere so I don't think he will be able to get much speed up with it!
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@Aimed: that's really cute. I agree probably an insurance thing.
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@Aimed: The US Toys R Us site says the recommended age is 12 months - 3 years.
When I Googled it a bunch of articles came up about it being recalled in March because of choking hazards, so you may want to look into that.
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LO got a push walker at seven months. For the first week it was too fast for her even though the wheels had a speed limiter. I walked behind her slowing it down and by eight months she was using it well on her own. By ten months she was walking well without it, but still uses it as her ballet barre.
I think their age limit is probably an oversight.
I thought the pediatrician objection was for the seated walkers not the push type. The studies I have read on those indicate physical and mental delays. I can't find anything on the push type.
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@mrsmate: I thought the delays were for the more old fashioned walkers that babies sit in. Everything I can find says that push toys are conducive to walking because they build strength and balance...
@Aimed: We also have carpet, and I think that does help to slow it down as compared to when he used it on the smooth floors at my grandparents' house. LO has fallen a couple of times, but it's been because he ran something over, the walker got stuck, and he tipped it. Both times he ran over (and thus fell into) soft things (jacket, pillow), so he was fine and kept playing. Stairs are definitely something to watch with a push toy. We don't have any, but if we did I could see a push toy being dangerous around them.
@lawbee11: We just got that same one and LO absolutely loves it! I really like that the back wheels have two settings. On the slower setting, they slide more than roll. LO can still go, but is more in control of the speed and doesn't race off faster than he can handle.
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@lawbee11: Thank you! I was also looking at this one and I think I will go with it - the other one was just on a super sale so I was considering it. Thanks for the heads up about the choking hazards - I have enough problems keeping things out of his mouth without introducing more!
@oliviaoblivia: I was under the impression that the warnings were for the seated ones too.Thanks for all the advice ladies!
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@mrsmate: @LittleFox: I didn't think the push walkers delayed walking either! my LO was 13 months when we bought her the FP Stroller one, and she started taking steps within a week!
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We got the Vtech farm one I but it never was great for him to push- the slower wheel settings are nice, but it's still not easy to use. It's awesome for sitting or standing and pushing buttons.
The best thing I've found has been the Step 2 Little Helpers grocery cart. It's very sturdy and a favorite a year later!
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I definitely think that the 3 years thing must be a liability issue as I looked at the Vtech one on the target website and they have a warning "Not for Children under 3 years" but in the overview it is recommended for children ages 6 months and up!
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@lawbee11: R is getting that walker for Christmas too!
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@sorrycharlie: @LittleFox: my ped said walkers delayed walking, but now I'm wondering if we were talking about the same thing! When I asked about walkers, I meant push walkers, maybe he thought I meant the seated walkers? I didn't think they even made those anymore.
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@mrsmate: I think lots of people mean the seated kind, though you'd have to ask to be sure. Theh have definitely been related to delas. They still make them in my area of the US, but I think they are not sold in Canada.
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@mrsmate: They definitely make them here in the US as I saw plenty of them while looking for a push one. I was surprised too as they have been so widely discouraged.
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