As your baby starts cruising along furniture, you might be considering a push walker to help them find their feet. If you’re on the fence about whether to buy one, it helps to weigh the benefits against how quickly babies often move past this stage.

Some parents find push walkers incredibly useful, especially models that double as activity centers. These often feature interactive toys on the front to keep little ones engaged during floor time and a storage basket in the back for moving toys around the house—a favorite activity for many 9-to-12-month-olds. Even if your baby learns to walk independently without one, the multi-purpose play value can make it a worthwhile addition to your toy collection.

However, it is worth noting that some babies are natural daredevils who prefer pushing heavy furniture or finding their own way to cruise. If your baby is already moving light objects around the house, they may master walking quite quickly on their own. If you do choose to purchase one, look for a sturdy, stable model. Most importantly, keep in mind that this is a temporary bridge to walking, and there is no pressure to rush the process—your baby will be on the move before you know it!