Walker
With all the discussion about walkers, how do you know what is the best choice for your store and your customers? A few considerations can help this decision.
Age of child
A traditional walker, consisting of a frame with a suspended seat and wheels attached to the base, allows baby a way to move around before she can walk. Typically children can begin using walkers around six months and up, until they start walking on their own. Since every walker has its own specifications, it is best to check packaging and instructions for exact weight, height, and age restrictions before purchasing. Some walkers offer extended life features, by converting into walk-behind or push-along walkers.
Walker safety standards
Walker safety is a concern and it is important that the walker has a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Certification on either the product or the packaging. The JPMA rules require that walkers comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for Infant Walkers. The ASTM standard includes a series of tests to examine whether or not a walker will tip over if it is pushed over the edge of a stair. Additionally, there are several tip tests which re-enact situations where a child leans over the side of the walker to grab a toy on the floor. These tests are run while the walker is in its most vulnerable position. Certified walker bases also come with friction/rubber strips on the bottom for the baby's safety. These requirements, when coupled with adult supervision as required in product warnings and instructions, allow for the safe use of walkers.
Special features
Walkers come in a variety of colors and features. Many of them have toys attached to them, which can occupy and entertain baby. While there is no guarantee which toy(s) a child will like, a walker with a variety of activities will increase the chances of baby liking it.