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Why Experts Say Baby Walkers Are So Dangerous

Although they seem simple and fun, baby walkers can lead to injuries and developmental delays. Get more information, plus learn about safer alternatives.

In the ’80s and ’90s baby walkers were a staple on baby registries, but they are much older than that. We see evidence of archaic baby walkers as early as the 15th century as parents look for tools to help baby learn to walk. But in recent history, baby walkers have come under fire, with many experts calling them dangerous and some countries—like Canada—going so far as to ban them!

So what’s the deal? Are baby walkers bad?

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about baby walkers, including:

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What Are Baby Walkers?

Baby walkers are devices that babies (and toddlers) can use to walk before they are able to walk on their own.

Over the time baby walkers have gone by many names, including go-cart, standing stool, baby runners, walking stools, and trainers. During the 17th century, it was thought that baby walkers helped baby be upright “both physically and morally.”

Today these walking devices are usually made of hard plastic, with wheels on the bottom.

Another kind of device is a stationary baby walker (the same design, but they only go in a circle or don’t move at all). See an example here.

Are Baby Walkers Safe?

While it’s understandable to want to use a baby walker—many babies do seem to love them and it helps free up mom or dad hands—the truth is baby walkers are not safe. Here’s why:

Baby walkers increase the chance of injury

These devices move very fast, faster than a parent can react, and babies can fall down steps, pinch fingers, and reach for things that they may not otherwise be able to reach. Between 1990 and 2014 there were an average of 230,000 injuries due to walkers, with most injuries being head trauma. Even with newer safety standards, there are still about 2,100 baby walker-related trips to the ER each year.

Other common injuries include:

• Head bumps and bruises (from falling down stairs or pulling items off of counters onto themselves)
• Burns and poisoning (from accessing places baby shouldn’t go)
• Pinched fingers or toes
• Drowning from falling into a toilet or pool
• Suffocation from neck being compressed against the feeding tray (the most rare of the injuries)

In 1994, stationary baby walkers were introduced, decreasing the amount of injuries each year. And in 1997, new safety standards made them safer, decreasing injuries by 76 percent from 1990 to 2001. (source)

While this is a good improvement in safety, experts say there are still real dangers.

“Walkers are unsafe,” pediatrician Gary Smith said in an interview with ABC News. “Children are still being injured in them. There should be a ban on the sale and manufacture of walkers.”

Baby walkers delay mental and motor development

Even if these devices were safe, there is evidence that they don’t actually help baby learn to walk properly. In fact, there’s evidence that walkers may actually delay development.

One study suggests babies who use walkers learn to walk later than those who don’t use walkers. Another study showed similar results: Researchers noted babies who used walkers sat, crawled, and walked later than a control group that didn’t use baby walkers. Infants who used walkers also scored lower on Bayley scales of mental and motor development.

But why would this delay development? Research suggests the delay in motor development can be attributed to the fact that baby can’t see his legs. Being able to see his own limbs shows baby what type of movement helped him achieve his goal.

Baby walkers hinder muscle development

It’s exciting to watch baby zoom around with a different perspective of the world, but forcing baby into a new position can be problematic for muscle development.

Walkers make it hard for baby to develop all of the muscles she needs to ultimately walk on her own. Time spent in these contraptions is time baby isn’t spending doing tummy time, or trying to sit up, crawl, or pull up—all activities that help prepare the body for walking. (source)

According to Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, baby walkers strengthen the lower legs but not the upper legs and hips, which are essential for walking, and satisfy baby’s desire to move across the floor, making them less likely to try crawling.

What’s more? Pediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler discovered that babies who developed naturally (i.e. weren’t placed in containers like walkers) were stronger, more stable, and more confident in their movements.

Are Baby Walkers Banned?

Though the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) has called for a ban in the U.S., you can still buy baby walkers in the U.S.

Walkers are, however, banned in Canada. In 2004, our northern neighbors became the first country to ban them. You can get a fine of up to $100,000 and six months of jail time (!) for selling these devices in Canada. (source)

So… Are There Any Safer Alternatives?

If baby walkers aren’t safe, what is?

Of course, activity mats or just blankets on the floor allow baby to explore their surroundings while strengthening their entire body.

Baby Activity Mat

If you need to do some chores around the house, you can put baby in a baby carrier as a safe, contained place.

Playpens filled with a few toys or swings are other alternatives that can help you while cooking dinner or doing another activity where you need baby to be safe and contained. Do know that all of these activities still require parental supervision, but experts say these options provide many of the benefits parents are looking for from baby walkers without the same serious problems.

Baby Play Pen Baby Swing

The key is not to put baby in these devices for long stretches of time as this can also affect motor development. It is also not safe to place baby in these devices for nap time (source).

Standing walkers (i.e. a walker that does not contain a baby in a seat) can be a good option for helping your baby practice walking. Unlike the rolling baby walkers, these sit-to-stand walkers allow your baby to see their legs, to use all of the muscles in their feet, and — most importantly — plop down on their bottom, which is an important part of the learning process! These types of walkers often feature locking or adjustable wheels so you can control how fast your baby toddles with the walker. Keep in mind, when baby is using this device, he will still require close supervision as there is a potential to fall down stairs, or go too fast.

ExerSaucers or bouncy walkers are another option to use in place of a baby walker. Because there are no wheels, your baby cannot accidentally walk or wheel to dangerous areas like the tops of stairwells. Even though baby is stationary, ExerSaucers should not replace quality time on the floor — cruising between furniture pieces or trying to step while holding your hands. Mobility experts recommend no more than two 15-20 minute sessions in a device like this per day.

With a safe place to practice what baby can already do on his own and strengthen muscles he needs for the next developmental milestone, he’ll begin walking before you know it. Just be patient and encouraging!

How About You?

When did your baby learn how to walk? We’d love to hear any stories you may have!

How to choose the right walker for a child?

All the skills that an infant acquires before the age of one are improved gradually. From six months, children try to get up on their feet, learn to keep their balance. Over time, training in the skill of walking begins. And baby walkers can help develop this skill. In fact, a walker is an exercise machine on wheels. Such transport can be with a seat or with a support handle, equipped with a table and additional accessories. The choice of a particular model depends on the age of the child, the characteristics of his development and the personal preferences of the parents.

Types of baby walkers

There are products similar to each other, but differing in the set of accessories. Also in stores you can see a variety of design options for walkers. Specialists divide children's transport into types depending on their design features.

Traditional models

This is a seat fixed in a plastic table and mounted on wheels. Due to the stability of the structure, the child can safely stand on the floor, push off, move in the chosen direction. In such transport, the baby can ride around the apartment on his own. The main thing is to clear space for him and exclude foreign objects from getting under his feet.

The advantage of this type of walker:

• high stability;
• effective back support;
• there is enough space on the table for games;
• toys placed on the table keep the child occupied;
• plastic body surrounds the baby and does not allow you to grab something extra.

Another plus is that traditional models can be adjusted in height. Chairs in such products are removable, they are easy to wash. And a set of game elements and modules on the table - to be replaced.

Important! Despite the maximum safety that this type of walker provides, children should not be left unattended in them.

Wheelchair

This type of walker is ideal for children who do not like any restrictions and are already starting to walk a little: holding on to the back of the sofa, wall, mother's hand. Instead of sitting and rolling, the child prefers to roll the “cart” in front of him and look at the world around him. Wheelchairs are equipped with a game module, on which there are colored buttons that start music, including loud sounds. Rattles and spinners attract the baby, help to entertain him and free up parents' time for important things.

Wheelchair features:

• four large wheels;
• handle with non-slip surface;
• game module on the front surface of the product;
• logical labyrinths;
• light weight;
• stable construction.

The inconvenience of the wheelchair is that you need to constantly monitor so that the child does not fall sideways with it. Most models are designed in such a way that when the baby falls, he falls, and the transport remains standing. This avoids injury.

Jumping walkers

In the standard sense, children's jumping walkers bear little resemblance to transport for moving around the room. But they are intended specifically for training walking skills. In jumpers, children learn to stand on their feet, to keep their balance. Such models allow the baby to periodically jump or stand still, sit or perform "running" movements. Jumpers - a system suspended on spring belts. They are fastened to panties with high torso support.

Characteristics of the Jump Walker:

• similar to a kangaroo rucksack in seat design;
• armchair - ergonomic;
• are equipped with shock-absorbing belts and springs;
• securely fix the baby.

Easy to use jumpers with circular bumper. Thanks to the protection, the child does not accidentally hit the surrounding objects. In order for jumping walker games to be beneficial, they should be used no more than three times a day. The child should jump no longer than 15-20 minutes.

Transformable Walkers

Transformers are sometimes classic models that can transform from a rolling table on wheels into a rocking chair. To do this, it is enough to remove the wheels in special recesses. The base is also disassembled and rebuilt into skids. In multifunctional transformers, the height of the seat and table is adjusted, the set of toys is changed, the soft insert is removed from the high chair. Some models are equipped with a seat that rotates 360 degrees.

Advantages of transformers:

• convenient for daily use;
• are as stable as regular walkers;
• are equipped with a spring-loaded function;
• are equipped with additional bumpers.

The convertible walker empowers your baby while keeping him or her safe. Such transport helps to deepen the child's knowledge of the objects around him and does not greatly overload the little researcher with impressions.

Age and gender selection of walkers

The main purpose of a baby walker is to act as a walking aid. Therefore, parents themselves decide how many months a walker can be, focusing on the development of the child. Some babies begin to actively explore the world as early as six months. If the child crawls, sits down on his own, pulls himself up on the handles and stands in the crib, you can start putting him in a walker with a seat. But the optimal age for getting acquainted with traditional walkers and jumpers according to the recommendations of experts is 8-9months.

At first, the child is placed in a walker for 5-7 minutes. Gradually, the use of transport increases. The maximum period is up to 40 minutes at a time. If the baby rides for longer, it is possible to increase the load on the spinal column.

One-year-old children who are actively exploring the space of the apartment can use wheelchairs. You can play with them for a long time: rearrange the figures of the labyrinth, listen to music, take a walk.

Sometimes parents, when asking a pediatrician what time to put their child in a walker, think that girls can be put on their feet earlier. The reason is the earlier physiological development of girls. But orthopedists note that the difference between children of different sexes is insignificant. Therefore, you should pay attention to the level of development of the child.

Characteristic features of children's transport

When buying walkers, you should pay attention to their quality, quality factor and durability. When choosing a model for a baby, it is necessary to take into account not only the age of the child, his weight, possible rates of development, but also the design features of the product.

Required parameters:

• Basic design . Traditional models have a rectangular or round base, the base material is plastic. The rectangular base is safer and more functional, as it has four corner support points that prevent collision with furniture and large objects. At the base, not only are nests for wheels installed, but also special stoppers are hidden for a static location or transformation of walkers into a rocking chair.
• Material and number of wheels . Wheels are either plastic or silicone. The most silent and "soft running" - silicone wheels. They do not make noise when driving, easily and accurately pass small hills and obstacles. Plastic wheels can scratch the floor, but they are also quite convenient to move around the house. Walkers should have dual wheels, as a pair is more stable and stable in corners than a single wheel. Thanks to the swivel wheels, the handling of children's transport is increased. Safety locks on each pair of wheels provide protection against foreign objects, clothing, laces. The number of wheels in traditional models ranges from 4 to 16. Some models are equipped with removable wheels, which allows you to turn the walker into a jumper or a rocking chair.
• Seat and backrest . There are several types of seats: with foam inserts, waterproof, textile. If the model is removable, it can be easily washed. Waterproof highchairs are ideal for toddlers who are potty trained early. If the seat should be soft, fabric, then the backrest is quite rigid. In such a chair, the back of the child is securely fixed, which allows you to protect the baby from falls, to ensure an ergonomic fit.
• Height adjustable, play platform complete set, other transformations . Children under one year old grow quickly, so walkers with adjustable seat height are appreciated by parents. Such a product will last for the entire time of use. Models with a removable table or additional bumpers are also more convenient than conventional ones, since you can change their purpose at any time. If walkers are equipped with removable play elements, they can be replaced periodically, stimulating the child's interest in walkers.

How to choose the right walker?

In stores you can see a large number of different types of walkers. Their prices fluctuate. And often it is difficult for parents to make a choice. The higher the price of the product, the better the materials used for its manufacture.

A proper walker should be:

• Comfortable . A child in a comfortable seat will not get tired, will be happy to learn to walk, to explore the world. It is better to give preference to models with adjustable seat height.
• Safe . Walkers with a stable base will not roll over. Therefore, it is better to purchase a product with a rectangular base, on 4/8/16 wheels.
• Functional . In the wheelchair walker, the music center is disconnected, which allows you to transform the product into a lighter transport. Walkers with removable elements are more convenient to use, they are easier to keep children busy. Models with a changing seat height, a removable high chair, and washable elements have high functionality.

Parents can purchase the best baby walkers on our website. The virtual catalog contains traditional models, wheelchairs and other types of children's transport. If you need help choosing a baby walker, please contact the store managers by phone: +375 (29) 555-96-96 .

Baby walkers: good or bad?

There has always been a lot of controversy when it comes to walkers. There are those who defend this, and there is another current that criticizes them for considering them completely useless because they do not teach the child to walk.

At present, most experts and professionals are against baby walkers.

Index

• 1 Pedestrian danger
• 2 What kind of injuries can a walker cause
• 3 How to teach your baby to walk without a walker

Pedestrian danger

A walker is nothing more than a seat on wheels that allows a child to sit or walk without danger of falling to the ground. People used to think it was an item to help a child take their first steps, but pediatricians believe that walkers are dangerous because they prevent the child from developing muscles in a natural way. It has been shown that if a child regularly uses and abuses a walker, this may delay the child's motor function.

Leaving aside all the negative points, it should also be noted that it has some positive aspect as a toy with which the baby begins to explore the world around him and with which he can have fun. In addition, professionals note that in no case should a baby be abused with walkers, since the baby needs to crawl, walk and grab furniture on its own without the help of the mentioned walkers. The baby must learn to walk with his effort.

Injuries that walkers can cause

Walkers must always comply with European Union safety regulations and must always be used under adult supervision. . In many cases, a child is left completely alone in a walker, and accidents and injuries occur that could have been prevented.

Most common walker-related injuries They usually occur on the head and neck of a child due to falls. In addition to these injuries, which are the most common, there may be other, more serious injuries, such as burns or poisoning, because the baby walker can get to dangerous areas of the house, such as children. or plates for warming up food. Therefore, in case a child stumbles upon a walker, an adult must look after the child and thus avoid any misfortune.

How to teach your baby to walk without a walker

The first tip is to use a chair so that the child can lean on it and stay upright. . In addition to a bench, it can also be a chair or something that you can move around without any problems. As with walkers, an adult must always be present to avoid accidents.

Another way to get him to walk is to show him his favorite toy. This will free him from where he was being held and try to walk until he reaches the toy.

Another way to teach him to walk is to put your hands up and start walking to gain confidence.

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