What are the pros & cons of a baby walker ?

The main advantages of baby walkers are that they protect your babies from falls. They also give them a sense of independence. Another advantage is that it is easier to feed your baby when you use the baby walker. Also, if your baby gets tired while on the baby walker, it can be easily put back on his or her feet, rather than having to struggle to get your baby off of the walker. They are very convenient to use if you have older kids. You can put them on their feet while they are sitting or lying down and they will stand up or walk when they get tired. You don't need to have your hands full to watch the kids while they are walking. However, it's not good for the little kids to be too exposed to cold or hot weather. If it's hot, the babies will sweat and if it's cold, the babies will shiver.

Baby walkers are wheeled frames that aid a baby in walking and balancing by himself. Just like every other human invention a baby walker also has certain advantages and disadvantages. Following are its pros and cons:

Pros:

1. The major reason behind the invention of a baby walker is that it encourages an infant to move on his own and offers mobility.

2. Most of the times in a day, a parent's hands are not free to take his baby. In such times, a walker keeps your baby occupied.

3. Several baby walkers are equipped with toys. Besides, helping in walking, such walkers entertain and engage infants too.

4. Baby walkers give a little sense of independence to your baby as he/she need not be relied upon you for moving around the house.

Cons:

1. Many studies show that baby walkers slow down the natural process of walking. Babies who use baby walkers have delayed walking as compared babies who don't.

2. Since they don't need your assistance while they stand in walkers, they can go anywhere in the house. There have been several cases where walkers proved fatal for the babies. For instance, falling from the stairs.

3. Babies may damage their feet from the wheels while trying to move. Sometimes, there can be muscle tears or sprains due to improper coordination between walker wheel and his feet.