REHAB SERVICES Q: Should I get a baby walker or exer- saucer for my baby? Tonya Onstad, Pediatric PT A: Walkers, exer-saucers and jumpers are popular items used by parents to entertain their babies. However, while they may be convenient and perceived as "fun" for your baby, this use can cause more harm than good. Baby walkers can cause injuries and exer-saucers or jumpers frequently cause your baby to get into weight bearing on leg bones too early, causing bones to bend or "bow". Your baby pushing up, jumping and standing on tip toes leads to tightened muscles, decreased awareness of foot on the floor and can cause your baby to toe-walk when learning to stand and walk. Your baby was designed to best learn and develop body balance, visual motor coordination and gross and fine motor skills by playing on the floor. Tummy time, then sitting, then moving to hands and knees and crawling should all happen before walking. Set up a safe space with baby gates, safe flooring and age appropriate toys. Your baby learns the most from spending time playing with their caregiver with toys. Please take the time, on the floor, with your baby. They are only little for a short while and it's an amazing process to watch them learn and grow. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD D"| 1300 Anne Street NW TM Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: Should I get a baby walker or exer- saucer for my baby? Tonya Onstad, Pediatric PT A: Walkers, exer-saucers and jumpers are popular items used by parents to entertain their babies. However, while they may be convenient and perceived as "fun" for your baby, this use can cause more harm than good. Baby walkers can cause injuries and exer-saucers or jumpers frequently cause your baby to get into weight bearing on leg bones too early, causing bones to bend or "bow". Your baby pushing up, jumping and standing on tip toes leads to tightened muscles, decreased awareness of foot on the floor and can cause your baby to toe-walk when learning to stand and walk. Your baby was designed to best learn and develop body balance, visual motor coordination and gross and fine motor skills by playing on the floor. Tummy time, then sitting, then moving to hands and knees and crawling should all happen before walking. Set up a safe space with baby gates, safe flooring and age appropriate toys. Your baby learns the most from spending time playing with their caregiver with toys. Please take the time, on the floor, with your baby. They are only little for a short while and it's an amazing process to watch them learn and grow. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD D"| 1300 Anne Street NW TM Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji