Should you buy your baby a walking ring?
While it might seem like a good idea to let your little one zoot around in a walking ring while you prepare dinner, the consensus among experts - including occupational therapists - is that walking rings should be avoided at all costs.
The problem with walking rings
According to occupational therapist, and owner of Capable Kids Occupational Therapy, Samantha Smith, walking rings aren’t a good idea for little ones who can’t yet walk unaided, because “they force children into a developmental stage they’re not yet ready for.”
Plus, walking rings put additional pressure on a child’s legs, when they might not be strong enough to stand and walk. “This is a developmental milestone that shouldn’t be rushed,” says Samantha.
Walking rings also encourage little ones to toe walk as they push off the ground with their feet, but toe walking isn’t optimal because it can shorten the muscles at the back of the legs and cause strain later.
“Some parents put their children into a walking ring as early as five months old, and this is a big no-no”, says Samantha. “Even a child who’s approaching the 12-month mark shouldn’t be in a walking ring, because it takes away the opportunity for a child to crawl”, she adds.
Crawling is excellent for children and it should be encouraged for at least four to five months before your little one learns to pull themself up onto furniture, stand and then walk.
Some of the benefits of crawling include
• Developing strength in the arm and shoulder muscles, which is critical for both fine motor and gross motor skills
• Balance and coordination
• Core strength and stability
• Helps to establish sequencing - the arms and legs follow a specific pattern
• Increase hand and finger strength
• Assists with developing sensory skills
“Following the sequence of crawling first, then standing and walking also helps with bilateral integration, which basically means the ability to use both sides of the body together in a balanced, coordinated way,” says Samantha. Putting your child in a walking ring too early can disrupt this natural sequence.
The best alternative to a walking ring
Samantha says it’s important to let your child navigate their way around the house on their own, with your supervision of course. “It’s fine to hold your child’s hand if they're ready to stand unassisted and take a few steps, but again you don’t want to encourage this too early or force your child to walk.” The key is to follow your child’s natural lead and let them decide when they're ready.
Rather than a walking ring, let your child:
• Pull themself up against furniture
• Crawl around as much as possible - without any risks of injury
• Crawl to the Tupperware cupboard and play with different-sized lids and containers
• Lie on their back and play with their hands and feet
• Use things around the house, such as kitchen utensils like a spatula or pots and pans to push and play with
• Throw balls or put them in and out of a basket
All these activities will help to develop fine and gross motor skills, and keep your child entertained without having to use a walking ring. Later as your child learns to stand and walk, you can consider using push toys such as wagons with blocks inside.
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