Baby Walkers Review

Quinny Baby Strollers and Bassinet

The Quinny stroller, a long time UK favorite, is now readily available to the American consumer. To own a Quinny baby stroller is similar to owning a Volvo automobile in that Quinny baby strollers are famous for safety and features much like the Volvo vehicle.

One might think that since the Quinny stroller is such a safe piece of equipment, and with its many features, that it would be a rather large and bulky stroller. When the Quinny stroller reviews are put forth, one comment that is consistent among the many accolades heaped on this stroller is its compact style. For instance, the Quinny zapp strollers are so compact they are rated as the most compact in their class. This is quite an accomplishment for a stroller that does not compromise on quality in any area.

Now that the Quinny strollers have arrived here in US markets, does that mean the cost of this line of strollers will be less than when many paid to have them shipped from the UK? Quinny strollers can still cost parents as much as $750+ far outpacing competitors in price. The ever popular Quinny Zapp stroller can be purchased for as little as $190. If you choose to begin adding other attachments this stroller can balloon up to $500+ in a brief period of time.

What are some of the attachments parents find enjoyable with the Quinny stroller? One thing you will want to keep in mind when considering additional features for your stroller, just as Quinny strollers are not inexpensive you need not expect attachments to come without their cost as well. There is the bassinet, which is designed to fit the stroller system effectively. This item comes at an additional cost of about $200. A simple cup holder for your Quinny baby stroller will cost your $20 while a travel bag will tack on another $170.

A Quinny stroller is the kind of equipment that gives parents a great sense of safety for their little ones when moving about the town. There is no other stroller system that can compare with Quinny.

Something else to consider as you look for strollers and bassinets are other items that will surely enhance your parenting experience, such as  baby hampers and a wooden highchair, there are many options out there and some that are sure to accent your design perfectly.

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Baby Walkers Questions

This article falls a little outside of the normal format.  As the blog author I asked around to see what questions or misconceptions people may have about baby walkers.

Question: I hear that baby walkers are bad and they should not be used, I have had three children and the youngest still uses one.  I feel guilty when I hear stories, so I am wondering am I in the minority of people still using them?

Answer: You may be surprised to know that you are neither in the minority or majority, it is estimated that 50% of all children ages 6 to 16 months use a baby walker.

Question: I hear of injuries to babies using walkers, but I believe most are very minor.  I have never known anyone that has either been injured nor had a child injured using one.

Answer: The answer may be somewhere in between.  Many minor injuries do happen, but there are still a lot that happen that are much more serious.  Nearly 25% of all injuries sustained by a baby walker are to the head and that includes fractures. The two most common ways baby injuries happen are from falling down stairs and having scalding liquids spilt on them.  In those two cases the injuries are usually severe.

Question: Isn’t all the fuss about baby walkers really around the older models and not the newer ones?  I hear the newer ones are safe.

Answer: Actually, they are safer.  However, that does not mean they are safe or the best alternative for your child.  The walkers still have wheels, the children are still mobile and although they have cut down on the amount of injuries some such as falling down stairs and hot liquid spills still occur.

Question: Don’t baby walked increase the baby’s ability to walk earlier by strengthening the legs, teaching balance and getting a feel for walking.

Answer: That is a common belief, but in actuality it slows the baby’s development and doesn’t teach balance.  The baby is supported and often leaning at an odd angle, balance isn’t learned because it is difficult for the child to fall on their own.  A baby actually learns to walk on the toes which actually slow the progress of walking once the support of the walker is no longer used.

Baby walkers are not the only thing to consider when your child’s safety is concerned.  Car seats are also important and should be something of great concern for parents, surprisingly there are some great Cheap Car Seat alternatives out there and it’s important to look into them. Just remember, expensive doesn’t always mean better!

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The Cost of Baby Walkers Convenience

Baby walkers, all of us have probably either used one either as a parent or child.  One thing that probably isn’t up for debate is their convenience.  They are great for putting a child in and allowing you either time to get other things done or even just a little rest and relaxation.  However, with all things there is usually a negative to the positive.  This true for the baby walker too, some experts even say that what small gain you get it is far outweighed by the potential dangers.

Most babies love the freedom it gives them, they can now sneak up on the dog and pull his tail and run around from room to room.  A negative to this could be that a child who enjoys this, even if just a little may stay in the baby walker too long.  Studies show that baby walkers actually can slow development for muscles and walking and may even cause back problems later in life.

Parents often have the belief that walkers actually assist the baby in learning motor skills, both with dexterity and walking.  When in actuality it is just the opposite that is true, the baby isn’t actually walking, it’s just experiencing propulsion.  In addition motor skills are actually slowed, not increased during this process.

Most experts highly discourage the use of baby walkers.  However, if you choose to use one you need to keep a few things in mind; this may seem more like common sense but over time it’s easy to allow complacency to move in.  Consider putting the walker away when grandparents, friends and babysitters are with your child without you being there.  Often these people have the best intentions, but may not understand the dangers that surround them.  Take the extra step and put it away during these times.

Take the time to make sure objects that can harm the baby or burn the baby are out of harm’s way.  Having the baby roam from room to room unsupervised is a big no-no, make sure your baby is visible even when you are in the same room and that you are ever aware of what your child is doing.  If you are cooking keep your child out of the kitchen, there are too many things going on and a hot pan, scalding liquid or dropping knife can cause damage and injury.

As mentioned, most experts suggest not using baby walkers. If you make the choice to use one, be careful and understand the dangers around your child.

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