Chicco DJ Walker

Warning: controversial product described below! It’s true, many parents worry about walkers, especially when stairs are involved. However, today’s walkers are made extra safe, and in my opinion, they’re a great way to keep a baby happy.

As I was creating my registry, I realized that walkers aren't so easy to find these days—many of the major brands simply don't carry them. In fact, Chicco is one of the few companies putting out walkers for sale in the U.S., so I was thrilled when I came across this little joymobile. The colors are fresh and fun, and the construction is nice and simple. It also features smart storage, safety and play innovations that make it extra mom- and baby-friendly.

For storage, the DJ Walker collapses to nearly flat. For safety, the walker has six rubber bumpers between the wheels, around the front and sides. If baby were to wheel over to the stairs, the bumpers would catch and keep the walker from tumbling. Because the bumpers come so low to the ground (almost touching), the walker is pretty much stationary on carpet. On hard floors (wood, tile, laminate), the wheels glide nicely.

And for play, the DJ Walker has a keep-em-busy dashboard filled with interactive fun. Farm animals host a colorful symphony of keyboard tones and drums. There are also buttons, lights, sounds and rattles to keep baby occupied. (Note: batteries are required.) I love that the DJ tray is removable, so you can fill the tray below with Cheerios instead or let baby play with the musical board on the ground.

Why did I choose this walker over a stationary activity center or jumper, you might ask? I have a few reasons. First, this guy isn't taking up permanent floor space; he can come out for play and fold away again for storage. Second, in my experience, most babies like to be on the move—if this toy also inspires early walking, awesome! And third, it's easier to tote from one room to another.

This particular walker is extra enticing: It has three heights so it can grow with baby, and it's easy to wipe clean. The seat pad is machine washable, but it took some sweat to get it stretched into place, so I hope I don't have to wash it too often! We'll definitely have to institute a no ketchup in the walker rule.

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