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Why Baby Walkers Aren’t Safe—and What to Buy Instead

As parents, we want to place our trust in the many baby products available on store shelves and online. But not all gear is created equal, and some so-called “must-haves” are simply unsafe, despite their appeal. One item you may hear mixed reviews about? Baby walkers. They sure do look cute and fun, but numerous accidents and incidents have proven them to be potentially dangerous. So are walkers bad for babies? Read on to learn more about why you shouldn’t use them—plus, find some nifty, safe and adorable alternatives to baby walkers to shop instead.

In this article:
What are baby walkers?
Are walkers bad for babies?
Are walkers bad for babies?
Safe alternatives to baby walkers

What Are Baby Walkers?

In short, a wheeled baby walker is a piece of gear that babies who can’t walk yet (generally between the ages of 6 and 15 months) can use to scoot around spaces on their own. Traditional baby walkers feature a seat for babies to sit in, a table and a wide base that has four wheels; baby’s feet touch the ground, and they can use their legs to push off the ground. This is not to be confused with a push-toy baby walker, which is an upright toy that a standing baby can hold onto and push forward.

Are Walkers Bad for Babies?

So are baby walkers safe? By now you probably realize that the short answer is no, they’re not. Baby walkers with wheels pose a risk to a child’s safety and development, says Paul Patterson, MD, PhD, a pediatrician in Seattle. He adds that baby walkers with seats have been outlawed in Canada, and that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has called for a ban on them as well.

But exactly why are walkers bad for babies? There are a few specific hazards to be concerned about, says Leah Alexander, MD, a pediatrician in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Below, some of the more common issues associated with baby walkers with wheels:

• Falling down stairs. According to the AAP, more than 230,676 children under 15 months old were treated for baby walker–related injuries between 1990 and 2014. Of those injuries, a whopping 74 percent involved infants falling down the stairs while in a wheeled baby walker. If there’s any good news, it’s that the number of injuries involving wheeled baby walkers has decreased in recent years as a result of parents becoming better informed about the risks involved.
• Moving too quickly. Unfortunately, walkers for babies can pose a threat even when you’re closely supervising. Once baby gets the hang of how to scoot around, they can pick up speed. “They can quickly get away from a parent or caregiver and into a dangerous situation,” Alexander says. “What’s more, baby can’t get out of a walker if an injury occurs.” Essentially, they’re trapped.
• Reaching for hazardous items. In her practice, Alexander has seen multiple injuries from babies reaching for hazardous items while using a baby walker with wheels. “In one case, an infant reached up and swiped a soup pot handle while passing by a stove,” she says. “The pot’s contents fell on him, resulting in third-degree burns. Another infant ‘walked’ into the cord of a hot iron. It fell on him and caused a large second-degree burn.” There have also been reports of drownings of infants who used a walker near a pool or body of water, she adds.
• Improper leg development. From a developmental perspective, baby walkers place a child in an atypical standing position, inadvertently promoting external rotation and pointed toes, explains Patterson. “This can put unnecessary force on joints, creating an abnormal walking pattern and impacting typical muscle development,” he says.

What Are Some Safe Alternatives to Baby Walkers?

Don’t worry, we’re not here to take away all of baby’s fun, especially at such an adorable age. Instead of a baby walker on wheels, the AAP recommends opting for an activity center with either a stationary, rotating or bouncy seat.

Sturdy wagons or push walking toys are also acceptable, but you’ll need to closely supervise when your child is using this item, as the wheels can increase the risk of injury. Make sure your toy of choice has a bar for baby to hold on to, and check that it’s weighted and won’t tip over while in use.

Ready to help baby explore, play and move around in a safe way? We’ve rounded up developmentally appropriate alternatives to baby walkers for littles who are just beginning to use their legs and feet.

Image: buybuy BABY

Skip Hop Explore & More 3-Stage Activity Center

This fun activity center allows babies to swivel and bounce once they’re ready to use their little feet to explore. It supports proper leg alignment at a variety of ages and stages, and a removable bounce plate lets babes bounce before their tiny tootsies even reach the floor. As your little one grows, removable and repositionable toys give way to a simple tabletop space perfect for playing, coloring or snacking.

Buy it: $142, BuyBuyBaby.com

Image: buybuy BABY

Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Jumper

Satisfy baby’s need to move and bounce with this brightly colored bouncer from Baby Einstein. Choose from three different designs, each with a host of coordinating toys for hours of play. The seat is suspended from the top of the toy, which allows for maximum bounce action.

Buy it: $100, BuyBuyBaby.com

Image: Amazon

Baby Einstein Around We Grow 4-in-1 Walk Around Discovery Activity Center Table

Here’s a unique spin on a baby walker with wheels: This toy combines a wheeled walker with an activity table. A seat on one end of the toy sits on wheels, which allows baby to safely circle around the activity table without the whole contraption moving around the room.

Buy it: $109, Amazon.com

Image: buybuy BABY

VTech Super Star Learning Table

When baby is preparing for those first tentative steps, a learning table offers a great way to encourage movement. This bright and colorful VTech table is loaded with interactive toys that light up and sing. As baby begins to take steps, they’ll love pitter-pattering from one side of the table to another.

Buy it: $30 BuyBuyBaby.com

Image: Amazon

Angel Bliss Extra Large Playard

If it’s freedom that baby craves, try giving them more space and less restriction with the help of an extra-large playpen. This oversize option affords baby the liberty to scoot and crawl and attempt those first steps without risk.

Buy it: $130, Amazon.com

Image: Amazon

Kiddery Toys Wooden Push-and-Pull Learning Walker

Sturdy push toys are an alternative to traditional baby walkers with wheels. Just make sure your pick has a bar for baby to hold on to, and check that the toy won’t tip while in use. Younger babies can use this toy to play, while early walkers will benefit from the support the toy gives as they push it and practice their steps. Keep in mind that caution and supervision is always in order when baby uses a toy with wheels.

Buy it: $60, Amazon.com

About the experts:

Paul Patterson, MD, PhD, is a pediatrician in the Seattle area. He received his medical degree from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

Leah Alexander, MD, is a pediatrician with Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey, and a consultant for Mom Loves Best. She received her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

When Do Babies Start Walking?

How to Childproof Once Baby Is Walking

21 Baby Walking Shoes to Support Your Child’s First Steps

What are walkers? | Med-magazin.ua

Medical walker for adults is a special design designed to facilitate the movement of the disabled and the elderly.

- Movement of patients with limited motor functions due to injuries and operations;

- In the process of long-term gradual rehabilitation after various diseases - stroke, trauma;

- To facilitate the movement of the elderly. Some models can be used to move small loads, for example when shopping in a store.

Principle of operation

Medical walkers belong to the category - home medical equipment and are used to facilitate movement on the street and in the apartment.

When moving, the bulk of the user's weight is transferred to the walker, lightening the load on the legs.

By imitating walking, they facilitate coordination of movement, which can be impaired as a result of past diseases, such as stroke. Thanks to walkers, it is easier for a person to maintain balance without the additional support of strangers.

Unlike crutches and canes, which are also designed to support walking, walkers provide a more stable and comfortable state, so they are recommended for the first stage of rehabilitation.

Construction of walkers

The construction of different types of walkers is based on a frame made of light metal. It can be on legs or wheels.

The structure should be approximately waist-high and slightly wider than the body. Walker depth up to 30 cm.

Handles are made of plastic or rubber. If the walker is on legs, their ends are protected by replaceable hard rubber spikes.

The structure is height adjustable and can be changed according to the person's height. With the correct height set, the user's arms are slightly bent at the elbows.

Some walkers are adjustable in width.

Walkers on wheels

A special group of devices for the movement of people with disabilities - walkers on 2 wheels. The peculiarity of this design is that the front legs are equipped with wheels. This design is suitable for people with good coordination of movement, if this function is violated, such walkers are not recommended to be used, since the possibility of injury is not ruled out.

Another model of walkers on wheels is a roller. These walkers move on four wheels. Usually, such designs are equipped with a shopping basket, have a table that can be used as a seat.

The front wheels are swivel and the rear wheels have a brake to stop the walker smoothly and quickly.

Varieties of walkers for adults

To choose the right product in each case, it is necessary to clearly understand what walkers for adults are, which will facilitate the choice of model.

Products can be classified according to several criteria.

According to user weight:

-                                                                                                                                                                           

- Reinforced for users up to 120 kg body weight.

According to design features:

Fixed (stationary). For movement, a person must rearrange the entire rigid structure in front of him. These walkers are used in the early stages of the rehabilitation process, when a person does not move well and there is a lack of coordination of movement;

Walking walker. The connection of the left and right vertical parts is carried out in such a way that they can be rearranged alternately, imitating ordinary steps. They will be convenient for people with weakened arm muscles, when it is difficult to completely rearrange the entire structure. It can be used in later periods of rehabilitation, when a person is confidently standing on his feet;

· Versatile walker that can be set up and used in walking mode or by moving the entire unit. Such walkers will be more economical, since there is no need to purchase each model separately for different stages of the rehabilitation process.

By type of support:

- Axillary walker that transfers the load from the hand to the axillary region;

- Waist-high walkers on which a person leans with his arms slightly bent at the elbow;

By mode of transportation:

Walkers without wheels. Four supports protected from damage by special pads. To move, the user must rearrange the entire structure or one side of it;

2-wheel walker. The front wheels are mounted on the wheels, the rear ones are without wheels. The front wheels provide easy movement, and the rear supports guarantee stability;

· 4-wheeled walker (rollator) completely put on wheels. The front wheels swivel right and left for freedom of movement, while the rear wheels are braked for easy stopping. They are convenient for walking on the street and shopping.

Walkers are foldable and rigid. The design of rigid walkers can be with sliding parts to adjust the height and width. Folding walkers are easy to transport.

Features and extras

Some walkers may have a seat that is sometimes used as a table. The presence of a folding seat makes it possible to relax during a long walk.

Rollators often have a basket that can be used for transporting items or when shopping.

Some models have 2-level handles. This will make it easier to get up from a chair or toilet.

Removable foot pads prevent the walker from sliding on the floor or pavement. This improves user safety.

Tips for choosing walkers

You can choose and purchase walkers of various shapes and models in the Vashhe Zdorovye chain of stores or on the network's website. Professional advice, usage articles and a large selection will make the purchase comfortable and fast.

When choosing a walker, consider the material from which it is made. Selection criteria - lightness and strength.

The shape, size and material of the armrests are of great importance. The wide handles are suitable for people with hand arthritis, and the highly absorbent material is suitable for users with increased perspiration.

If the walker is chosen for permanent use, it is better if it is a folding rollator with a basket and a table.

You need to know the height and weight of the person for whom the walker is being purchased.

Rollators and walkers: differences and recommendations

When choosing a walker for an elderly person, safety, convenience and functionality are always put in the first place. Simple walkers have their advantages: they are lighter, more mobile and inexpensive. It is also worth highlighting rollators or rollators - walkers with wheels for adults.
The presence of wheels on walker supports greatly facilitates the process of movement, especially for people with weakened muscle tone. However, if the patient needs to recover from an operation or a stroke, it is better to choose a regular walker "with a step", which will help to gradually restore the main functions of the musculoskeletal system and improve coordination.

However, if the support is mainly needed for walking, it is better to choose a comfortable rollator. As mentioned above, such supports are equipped with wheels, the number of which can vary from 2 to 4. The wheels differ in diameter, they can be cast or pneumatic (which determines the level of depreciation). Also, the convenience of using the rollator lies in the fact that the product is most often equipped with a seat on which you can relax while walking, as well as a shopping basket. Also for added safety and control, the rollators are equipped with a hand brake, they are easy to fold and transport in a car.

I would like to note that if the user has a violation of movement coordination, then it is better to refuse to buy a rollator in the direction of fixed or walking walkers without wheels.

Rollators, in contrast to conventional supports, are convenient to use when moving on uneven surfaces, on streets with unpaved surfaces. All the "roughness" of the road is smoothed out by shock absorbers.

Benefits of casters:

1. Structural stability. The user feels the safety of movement even in winter.
2. Comfortable movement due to the even distribution of the load between the limbs.
3. The presence of a seat and a shopping basket makes it possible to take long walks, go shopping and get the joy of communication.

When using walkers and rollators, remember important rules:

1. You must not climb stairs or escalators using walkers and rollators.
2. Do not lean with your whole body on one side of the product - this can lead to a fall and injury.
3. Do not use walkers and rollators on wet floors.
4. Defective products must not be used. It can also lead to falls and injury.

View section Walkers for the elderly and disabled

Rehabilitation Review Walkers Rollators

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