Use of baby walkers and jumping aids

A message to all Nursery parents

The first three years of your child's life are probably the most important in terms of preparation for formal learning and movement. It is important that your child gets plenty of stimulating time on the floor (including time on their back and tummy) and is encouraged to move around freely.

To this end the use of baby walkers, jumping aids and all baby accessories that confine a child's movements are not suitable. Baby walkers, in particular take up precious time that could be spent on the floor, gaining body awareness, control and strength. there are very real dangers associated with baby walkers as they make a young child mobile much earlier than is normal or developmentally necessary. your child now has ready access to stairs, steps, uneven surfaces, stoves, open fires, heaters, tabletops and bench tops. Injuries (mainly to the head) occur as the baby walker tips easily and the child has little control. Apart from tipping easily, baby walkers can be detrimental to the development of your child's muscles. As with the bouncing aid, if the heels are not flat when pushing from the floor surface, this may shorten the Achilles tendon and create a toe walking action when the child is learning to walk without support.

Without a doubt, the safest and most educational place for your young baby to be is on the floor. This is our practice in the Nursery and we encourage you to do the same in the home.

kind regards

Shona