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8 best baby walkers to help keep them active
Encourage your little one to build their confidence and independence with one of these aids
There are many milestones in the early years of a baby's life but none are quite so exciting for parents as when they take their first steps. For navigating those difficult transitions – from sitting to standing; standing to cruising and finally cruising to walking, many parents choose to invest in a baby walker.
Although there’s no evidence that they will make your baby walk quicker, lots of parents find walkers a great way to engage their little one as well as helping with things like confidence building and support.
There are traditional walkers (which babies hold on to and push along), which are also ideal for encouraging them to pull up and stand. Or you might choose to invest in a “sit-in”’ walker or a multi-functional model, which can double up as an activity station and be used from sitting age (usually around six months).
There are a few different factors to consider when purchasing a walker. One is practicality: are you looking for a model that is beautifully designed or one that has a myriad of different functions? Second is size: some models can be bulky so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you only have a small playroom. Finally, longevity is an important consideration too.
Some traditional walkers may be cast aside once your baby is a confident walker but if you want something that lasts, some models can be converted so they remain useful right through the toddler stage.
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How we tested
Whichever model you choose, it’s important to note that all the walkers in this round-up require parental supervision and you should never leave babies alone with their walker. In turn, the NHS recommends only using walkers for around twenty minutes per day. With all that in mind, we recruited a team of parent and baby testers to trial the latest models and have rounded up eight of the best.
The best baby walkers are:
- Best overall – Baby Einstein around we grow 4-in-1 discovery centre: £140, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for fun design – Infantino sit walk n ride-on elephant: £56.05, Onbuy.com
- Best for sturdiness – JoJo Maman Bebe baby walker with pastel wooden blocks: £55, Jojomamanbebe.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Little Tikes fantastic firsts 3-in-1 activity walker: £35, Argos.co.uk
- Best standalone toy – VTech first steps baby walker: £30, Argos.co.uk
- Best wooden walker – Classic World rider and walker: £54.95, Hippychick.com
- Best for sustainability – Legler baby walker move it: £74.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for practicality – Baby Einstein sky explorer walker: £79.99, Onbuy.com
The verdict: Baby walkers
We loved Baby Einstein’s 4-in-1 discovery centre. If you’re not sure if you’ll get much use out of a traditional walker, this one is a great option as there’s so much more to it and the activity table can be used long after your child has taken their first steps. For a more traditional walker, we can’t fault Little Tikes offering: it provides great value for money and scored highly from both its parent and toddler tester. Finally, if you’re looking for something to take pride and place in your nursery then Legler’s walker is a purchase you won’t regret.
FAQs
Are baby walkers safe?
The big question most parents will wonder is around the safety of baby walkers. Like any baby toy or tool, the important thing is to make sure you always supervise your little one when using a walker. Babies and toddlers should never be left unattended in a walker and, like anything, it’s important to moderate the amount of time you use them for. The NHS warns against excessive use of baby walkers and suggests using them no more than twenty minutes a day. It notes that they can delay walking if babies use them too much.
Do walkers help with babies’ development?
While many parents use walkers as a fun way to introduce their baby to walking, there isn’t any evidence yet to show that they have a beneficial effect on babies' development. While purchasing one may help with entertaining and educating your baby, there’s no suggestion they’ll make them walk any quicker.
What age can babies go into a walker?
Since many modern walkers are multi-functional, it’s always important to check the instructions to see the age range they can be used from. If they have a sitting function or an activity function that can be accessed without standing, walkers may be suitable from as early as six months of age. Otherwise, they tend to be recommended from around nine months onwards which is when most babies begin to want to be on their feet. Every baby is different so it's important to check the guidelines and only use a walker when you feel your little one is ready. As a point of reference, your baby should be able to place both feet completely flat on the floor while using the walker. If only their toes can touch the floor, you’ll need to wait until your child grows more.
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