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.

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!

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.

Stationary activity centers are a much safer alternative to a baby walker, your child does not get wheels for mobility but they do get entertainment and stimulation.  Most activity centers are adjustable, which allows it to grow with your baby.  You will get great use out of it for a good 10 to 12 months, which should cover the time between your baby starting to stand and wanting to walk.  However, for those time periods this is a great alternative.

When at the store choosing an activity center do a little research, makes sure it’s sturdy and is level on the ground.  Also, make sure there are no sharp objects; don’t just look in the obvious places but in areas that may catch a foot or knee.  Generally, make sure what you purchase is well designed and that the toys are secure.  You want to make sure that your child is safe and enjoys the center fully.

Not all babies enjoy the activity centers; some are just unsure or scared.  If at all possible try your child out in one first.  If the store you are looking at doesn’t have one out to try ask a clerk, often they will have one available to test.  Also, many stores do allow you to test, so find one that does.

Do you like assembling things?  Then make sure you get one with lots of parts, if you are like most people and do not like it do some research to find out what has the least amount of assembly as possible.  Many come with too many toys that not only add to the assembly time they can actually over stimulate your child.  Whichever way you choose, hard or easy assembly take time on occasion to make sure that everything is maintained well.  Lose screws, sharp edges or tears in fabric can show up even under normal use.

Taking the time to make sure that you have a satisfactory activity center will bring your child entertainment and you some much needed time to use both your hands at once on other activities.

In 1992 the State of Washington banned baby walkers in all day care centers stating that there is mounting evidence that the walkers a dangerous to children.  On a much smaller other child day cares are refusing to use baby walkers on a company by company basis.   This has to do with both children safety and the potential legal issues surrounding an injury stemming from a baby walker.  In addition many insurance policies will either deny insurance for the use or require the termination of them prior to a policy being issued.

A study showed that in 1991 there were over 29,000 visits to the emergency rooms from the use of baby walkers in the United States alone.  That number was up from slightly over 10,000 in 1980.  From 1990 to 2000 there were over 200,000 visits, however studies are now showing that number to be declining.

Most of the injuries are occurring in older walkers, not the newer ones.  However, most experts state that this does not warrant their use.  Injuries from baby walkers are happening too often for parents to consider their use.

Many experts also consider the use stationary activity centers that give children some mobility as well as activities to entertain them and keep them busy.  Because they are not on wheels injuries are greatly reduced.

Experts agree that there is no need to take the risk by using a baby walker.   Even if injury was 100% eliminated the walker still serves no real purpose, they do not teach the baby to walk and can actually hinder normal progress and development.  If you are looking for something that provides you with a break and entertains your child consider the stationary activity center.

Although these incidents sparked heated debates, however the purchase of walkers continues to increase.   Manufacturing companies argue that baby walkers may actually save lives or injury.  They base this on a statistic which states that less than 3% of all baby injuries come from baby walkers.   Back in 1985 the Consumer Safety Unit stated that “most mothers who use a baby walker found it to be an essential piece of equipment and very useful”.

On the flip side studies show that the use of baby walkers may hinder a baby’s development, teaching them to walk on their toes which cause leg muscles to tighten.  Obviously, this does not occur with all babies, but does enough to cause a concern.   Babies that used walker scored 12% or lower on mental and physical development than those that never used them (Journal of Development and Behavior Pediatrics).

The majority of injuries occur from falling down stairs and spills from hot liquids, these incidents can cause injuries that are major and leave lasting damages.  So what can you do to limit your baby’s injury chances?  The most obvious one is to not use a baby walker.  Otherwise, consider never using it while upstairs where there is a possibility your child may fall down them.  Don’t use them around fires, especially those where the wheels can get caught or the fire in unguarded.  Supervision is the key, but don’t assume that this alone guarantees your child safety.  Try and limit the use to no more than 20 minutes, this will allow your child time outside the walker to develop proper motor skills and muscle development.   Keep the walker out of the kitchen to limit the chances of hot liquids spilling on your child and in other areas of the house keep hot liquids out of child’s reach.  Last, inspect the walker on occasion to make sure that it is functioning properly.

The author of this article is not a medical person, so take that into consideration.  The best thing you can do is consider the pros and cons to make a choice that is best for you and your child.