So, your little one is taking his or her first steps…congratulations!
It’s a momentous milestone for both you and your baby.
And while you may be tempted to buy every toys that claims to help with gross motor skills development, we’re here to talk about one in particular: push toys.
Do they really help babies learn to walk?
We’ve weighed the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself.
Push Toys – The Pros:
1. They Provide Essential Support
For those first few wobbly steps, push toys can provide much-needed support.
Unlike toy cars or other wheeled options which require babies to maintain their balance while also pushing, push toys have a low center of gravity and wide base making them more stable (and less likely to tip over).
This helps your little one focus on walking without worrying about staying upright.
2. They Encourage Gross Motor Skills Development
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles in our body such as our legs, arms, and trunk.
Pushing a toy requires babies to use their leg muscles which strengthens them and helps with coordination.
As an added bonus, continually reaching for the toy helps strengthen arm muscles too!
3. They Can Be Used Both Indoors & Outdoors
Another great thing about push toys is that they can be used both indoors on rainy days and outdoors when the sun is shining.
Most have long handles so your baby can take them wherever he or she goes without you having to worry about keeping up.
Just make sure the area is clear of obstacles like cords or small pieces that could become a choking hazard.
4. They’re Fun!
Last but not least, push toys are just plain fun!
There are so many different kinds available featuring everything from favorite cartoon characters to grown-up themes like shopping carts.
And watching your baby giggle with delight as he or she cruises around is priceless.
Push Toys – The Cons:
1. They Can Be Expensive
Like anything else related to children, push toys come with a hefty price tag.
You can find some cheaper options made of plastic but they often don’t look as nice or last as long.
If you opt for a wooden version, get ready to shell out some serious cash (we’re talking $100 or more).
2. They Take Up A Lot of Room
With their long handles and bulky bodies, push toys can take up quite a bit of space – something that may not be ideal if you have a small home or live in close quarters with others.
If this is the case, consider getting a smaller version or choosing another type of toy altogether.
3. They May Not Be Suitable For All Babies
Some babies simply don’t like push toys regardless of how much their parents try to convince them otherwise!
If your baby seems uninterested or frustrated when using one, don’t force it – there are plenty of other types of toys and activities out there that will promote gross motor skills development without causing undue stress (for either of you).
Conclusion
So there you have it – the pros and cons of using push toys to help babies learn how to walk.
Now it’s time for you to decide if they’re right for your little one (and budget!).
Whatever you decide, just remember that the most important thing is spending quality time together and encouraging lots of smiles along the way :).
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