Walking Ring Safety | Baby Safety

To "buy or not to buy that walking ring - That is the question!".....sorry Mr Shakespeare

There is a love hate relationship with walking rings. Most child safety experts don't like them at all. For years, all I used to hear was that "... they are not safe!" The problem is, nobody could tell me why. Even today, I discovered that my daughter and her "young mothers" group didn't know why walkers are not safe.

On the other hand, when it came to my own kids, I thought they were great. Thirty years ago there was nobody to tell me that they were a safety hazard.

One of the things that you need to remember, is that a child can , and does, propell himself at a speed of four feet (122cm per second in a walking ring. There is no way in... (that nasty red hot place) that you will reach your infant before he crashes through the safety gate or your glass sliding door.

I seriously suggest that you consider providing him with a stationary play center. He will love all the wonderful noises and bright colors.

However, if you are determined to buy that walking ring, here is what to do to ensure that your child is indeed safe when he rushes around in new found freedom:

• Make sure that the walking ring that you choose has a stable wide wheeled base, preferably not less than thirty-six inches (92cm) wide. This will prevent your child from getting through the width of a door-way.

• Find out what the recommended maximum child weight is?

• A folding walker is very useful when visiting, but make sure that it has a good locking system. You don't want it collapsing while your child is in it.

• The seat portion must not be detachable and should be made of a strong durable material.

• Do not pick up the walking ring while your child is in it. He could fall out.

• Your child is not ready for a walker if he is unable to sit without help.

• Make sure that there are no obstacles and that the floor is flat and firm (your lawn is not a good place). Electrical cords and toys lying around should be removed.

• Do you have glass doors? If they are not safetey glass, have the glass replaced. You really do need crash-proof doors for your mobile infant.

• If there are stairs, make sure that access is solidly blocked. A gated stairway is not necessarily safe. Given enough momentum, your baby can crash right through the safety gates.

• Have a look around, get down to his level, are there any potted plants, electronic equipment, or anything else at all that he could possibly pull down on himself. Don't just say No! Put your hand out and pull!

• Don't forget, babies in walkers can also roll into fires and swimming pools. Be vigilant!

  Return from Walking Ring Safety | Baby Safety to the HOMEPAGE