The doctor is in

I have a nine-month-old baby and have been in a dilemma over the usage of walkers for my little one. While we learnt walking by using a walker, these days, doctors have started saying that they should not be used. Could you please tell if using walker is bad for the development of legs or is there any other reason for avoiding its use? — Risha

Dr Sanjeev Bagai, director and HoD Paedriatrics, Rockland hospital, says:

Generally walkers are not required after the age of 12-15 months. Very early use of walkers can lead to bow legs and an abnormal gait. And infants may suffer injuries to the spine and neck if they are yet to gain spinal control. The easiest way to introduce children to walking is by supporting them under the arms and letting them walk on their own.

Is it necessary to give additional readymade food supplements to toddlers? — Ruchi

Dr Bagai says:

Readymade good supplements are never a proper substitute for home-made food. It is best to use whole food, which is natural, hygienic and cheaper. There is a good balance between wheat, rice, vegetables and other nutrients in whole food. Introduction to semi-solid whole foods in mashed form is the best way to get proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, which help optimise growth.

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