Baby Walker Safety Guidelines for Indian Parents to Prevent Injuries
Walking is a vital milestone in a baby’s development chart that every parent is eager to witness, and they put all their efforts into encouraging and supporting the baby as soon as he starts cruising around by grabbing onto furniture nearby.
However, this process is also risky as those little hands fail to grip things tightly, falling abruptly, which can result in injuries, something that parents want to avoid.
This is where introducing a baby walker plays a crucial role, as this provides appropriate support to the little one, letting him get the correct posture and move around freely without hurting himself.
Importance of a Baby Walker Meeting All the Safety Recommendations
A walker is a great baby gear that you should consider buying to let your growing child explore around the house and observe the surroundings independently. This helps develop gross motor skills and body balance and instills confidence since the child does not need any assistance from parents or other family members.
The most important reason for buying the walker is it keeps the little one safe from bumping into things or falling. However, you still need to be vigilant and check on him as he moves around in the walker since you never know what situation may arise.
1. Choosing the Right Baby Walker With All the Safety Guidelines
The choice of walker makes a considerable difference in the overall experience, so following the baby walker recommendations by experts is a must before placing an order.
You need to research and compare all available options in a price bracket to select one that would meet all your requirements and be the best choice for the tiny tot. Here are some tips to help you select the suitable model without stress.
- JPMA, ISO and EN safety certifications
A certification states that the product has been designed per the safety standards for baby walkers, which means that every material made is of top quality, ensuring your little rider is always safe.
- Wide, stable wheelbase and support
The product you choose should have a broad and stable base because poorly designed walkers tend to flip over. The base renders the desired support to the baby and stabilizes the structure as he pushes around.
- Anti-flip/tilt mechanisms:
Good walkers come with an anti-flip mechanism that works great in case your child uses it on an uneven surface. Hence, you should check for such features and choose accordingly.
- Adjustable height settings
Every child is different; therefore, a walker that can be adjusted according to height is a must-have. This gives him proper room to move the legs and reduces pressure on the lower body, making him less tired even after long hours of usage.
- Smooth-rolling wheels
The wheel quality directly affects the baby’s riding experience since cheap wheels are rough and make annoying sounds on any surface. In contrast, quality wheels make movement smoother without any noise.
- Shock absorbers
Some walkers come with shock absorbers, letting your child enjoy the ride without jerks.
- Sturdy, high-quality build
If you introduce walkers at the right time, expect your baby to use them for several months; hence, the built quality makes a difference. A sturdy metal frame that is covered with a safe material to ensure smooth edges serve the purpose.
Also Read: Guide for Parents to Buy Best Baby Walkers
2. Well Preparing Your Home Environment to Prevent Injuries
Apart from buying a practical and valuable walker, you also need to work on your home arrangement so that the tiny tot can move around freely without any stress of being hurt. Following baby walker safety tips and ensuring the explorer gets the proper environment is necessary. Here are some changes that may help you baby-proof the house:
- Remove loose wires and clutter
Gone are the times when your device wires would keep lying, and you never had to worry about it. As soon as your child starts cruising, you should remove all the clutter and loose wires around the house so that those tiny hands do not reach and pull them off out of anxiety. Be very cautious of electrical devices and sockets in your baby’s reach, as these are hazardous.
- Pad sharp table edges
We understand that you cannot clear out the furniture at once to make space, so use corner protectors and edge pads to baby-proof the house. You can find different designs and types of such protectors online and use them to smoothen surfaces, ensuring the child remains safe even if he bumps into it.
- Install safety gates properly
You need to mark territory for your kid to explore; hence, installing safety gates is wise. Restrict movement in the kitchen, balconies, or garden with a child-relevant safety gate for a stress-free routine.
- Check for dangerous spaces like stairs
You must take care of the stairs when your child is in the baby walker. We know you would never want him to trip down and get hurt, so either install a safety gate or use a barrier to keep him away.
- Use on flat, non-slip flooring only
We suggest you use walkers on flat and smooth surfaces for easy movement, but simultaneously, the floor should not be slippery, which may make it difficult for the child to control the walker, increasing the chances of injuries.
3. Supervision is One of the Prime Keys
You researched and compared all the baby walkers efficiently and finally bought the best one for your munchkin; you deserve applause for your efforts. But this does not end your responsibility as a parent.
No matter how excellent and functional the walker is, you must always be on your toes to avoid unwanted incidents. We recommend you follow baby walker safety guidelines and always supervise the kid.
One of the family members should always be accessible to the walker and take quick action whenever required. This is also an opportunity to teach safe habits to your child. We know he is too tiny for lessons, but if you guide him continuously, he will gradually understand and avoid mistakes when exploring the walker.
Keep a check on the height of the walker and the position of the legs as your child grows quickly in this phase. Adjust the height and seat for comfortable seating and reach during the ride.
4. Maintenance and Upkeep of Baby Walkers
Your child will spend considerable time in the walker, so expect minor wear and tears occasionally, which you must check and repair immediately. Below are specific maintenance tips to help you keep the walker in good shape.
- Inspect the walker thoroughly before each use
You may find this point irrelevant, but it is essential to inspect the gear every day before you put the child in it. This will let you point out necessary repairs and take action proactively.
- Tighten loose screws
Expect the nuts and bolts to loosen up if your child uses the walker regularly; hence, make sure you tighten them appropriately for safe-keep and enjoyable riding experience.
- Clean wheels and wheel wells
If you do not clean the baby walker regularly, you will notice that the wheels tend to accumulate dirt. So, please do not neglect frequent cleaning of the wheels as otherwise it will impact the efficiency of the walker in the longer run.
Use a wet cloth or wipe to clean the wheels and other parts of a walker, and you may use soap if your child has soiled it during play.
- Replace damaged parts promptly
If you find any damaged parts during the checks, take the necessary steps to repair and replace them. You may connect with the brand for spare parts as reputed companies now provide such facilities for their customers. If you can find the part in the local market, buy it soon.
Added Safety Precautions By Indian Parents
We have listed all the baby walker safety precautions you need to take when your child uses the gear. We recommend not to use these near pools, on roads, and on slopes outdoors as they may cause serious injuries.
You should let the child play with the musical and activity toy with the walker rather than attach other toys, which may make the gear unstable. Also, limit the daily usage to ensure the child does not feel too tired or stressed at the end of the day.
Also Read: Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Walker
Key Takeaways
Taking precautions and being vigilant when your tot uses the baby walker will let him enjoy his best time exploring around and learning the walking skill. If you have not bought a walker yet and are gathering all the information about the gear, check out the range on the R for Rabbit website.
You will find all types of baby walkers designed with absolute love and care for the tiny toddlers, with safety as the focus. The brand promotes high-quality baby gear for growing children and recommends parents stay vigilant while using baby walkers to ensure the child learns and enjoys without any possible injuries.
