Walkers
Mamas & Papas has a range of three different walkers: Energia; Stroller; and Walk'n Play Jumper. Energia has a high-backed, cushioned PVC seat with an integral plastic tray, and is available in two nursery designs. It measures 67(l) x 61(w) x 51(h)cm and 67(l) x 61(w) x 51(h)cm when folded away, priced 29.99. The Stroller is similar in design, but with a spring-loaded bumper bar that helps protect the child from too much jolting.
It comes in a Jenny Giraffe design and measures 73(l) x 59(w) x 56(h)cm, and 73(l) x 59(w) x 28(h) when folded away; priced 34.99.
Top of the range is the Walk, Play & Jump, which has a padded PVC seat unit with a back rest, plus a large tray with a removable activity centre. The activity centre features six toys and the walker measures 66(l) x 59.5(w) x 25(h) and 66(l) x 59(w) x 25(h)cm when folded. Priced 49.99.
* Telephone 01484 438222
Tomy's Multi-Gym Walker converts from an activity gym, so it can be used with babies at different stages. The activity tray can also be removed to transform it into a pushchair or wheelbarrow toy. The activity tray can be played with separately, and includes a shape sorter and individual toys.
The Multi-Gym Walker is made from moulded plastic and measures 57(h) x 49.5(l) x 60(w)cm and is priced 19.99.
* Telephone 02380 662600
The All Aboard Baby Walker in the Bruin range at Babies 'R' Us co-ordinates with everything else in the All Aboard range, and is designed with friction strips that help to restrict the walker's movement on uneven surfaces. The walker is adjustable according to the height of the baby sitting in it and has a padded seat unit and swivel wheels. The All Aboard measures 61(l) x 56(w) x 76(h)cm and folds almost completely flat for storage. Priced 24.99.
For slightly older children (18 months plus), the Bruin range includes an Electronic Activity Walker. This is designed to be pushed around, rather than sat in, and has a tray that folds down to make a seat for a toy to sit in. The walker can also be used flat as a play board, and incorporates a beeping horn, musical melodies and telephone sounds, along with a toy telephone and shape sorter, priced 19.99.
* Telephone 0845 786 9778
Mothercare's selection of walkers includes ,the Slo-go exerciser, which comes in three variations: with a striped livery and plain play tray or with a circus or aeroplane-themed activity tray. The Slo-go aeroplane exerciser has adjustable seat height and speed-restricting wheels. The activity tray is detachable and has flashing lights and six noises, and is operated by two AA batteries (included). The exerciser measures 57(l) x 57(w) x 69(h)cm and folds flat for storage, priced 49.99.
* Telephone 08453 304030
Rockers
Babies 'R' Us is also the exclusive stockist for the Graco Fun Rock Deluxe.
This rocker has a seat unit that can rotate 360o and a removable, machine-washable seat pad. The unit can be set to gently rock or can be stabilised by using the attached feet. A large play tray with 12 activities is included and the height is adjustable to three levels. The Graco Fun Rocker is priced 49.99.
* Telephone as before
Scallywags Train Rocker Walker 2 in 1 converts from a walker to a rocker by switching the integral base from walk to rock mode and attaching a footrest that allows the unit to rock. The Rocker Walker includes an activity train with a train that moves round the tray, carrying little passengers as it goes and incorporates singalong tunes and animal sounds. The Train Rocker Walker measures 64(w) x 68(l) x 42(h)cm and is priced 29.99.
* Telephone 0161 335 2508
Sitting still and moving
The Bumbo is suitable for babies who are not happy rocking or not ready yet to be on the move. The Bumbo is a very deep, non-slip 'seat' with a high saddle front that prevents the baby from wriggling too much or climbing out. The seat is made from hygenic soft rubber that can be wiped clean. It is also useful for slightly older children who can safely climb in and out.
The Bumbo is priced 19.95 from the Grobag Company.
* Telephone 0870 606 0276
Lastly, once children are at the walking stage, they can make use of this trampoline for beginners, to help develop their sense of balance and co-ordination. The trampoline is suitable for use both indoors and outside, and has an 'easy grip' handle and a toughened mesh mat. The unit measures 97cm in length and folds down flat for convenient storage. Simple assembly instructions are provided. Priced 49.95 from Letterbox.
* Telephone 0870 600 7878
Safety First
* Never place babies in a walker if they cannot yet support their head, and never leave any child unattended.
* Do not use walkers or rockers on uneven flooring or near stairs or open doorways.
* All the equipment mentioned in this feature is intended for short periods of supervised play only - a maximum of 20 minutes.
* Check all fittings on the equipment before it is used each session.
