Baby Walkers

When most of today’s mothers were tots, we scooted around our parents’ houses in our little walkers beginning as soon as we could sit unassisted. Our parents found them a great way to keep us amused, and believed that they helped us learn to walk earlier.

Today, however, traditional baby walkers have fallen out of favor and are considered hazardous. In fact, in 2006, the American Association of Pediatrics recommended that baby walkers be banned because of the dangers they pose to children. Following are some statistics that help explain why professionals are so opposed to the use of these walkers.


• From 1989 to 1993 there were 11 deaths involving a baby walker.

• Each year over 8000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for walker-related injuries. Many more children are injured and go to their health care provider's office.

• Walker injuries can be serious, such as skull fractures, head injuries causing bleeding inside the head, broken legs and arms, and burns.

In addition to these frightening statistics, there are also some myths about baby walkers that it’s important to clear up. First, baby walkers do not help babies learn to walk earlier. In fact, some experts believe that they actually delay walking in infants. Secondly, many parents believe that as long as a baby gate is used to block stairs, using an infant walker is safe. However, a walker can move at 3 feet per second, and is very capable of knocking down a baby gate that’s blocking a stair case. Finally, many people believe that a walker is safe if their house has no stairs. But, keep in mind that a walker still allows baby to get to places that you don’t really want him to go, such as the cabinet where your cleaning supplies are stored. Because the walker moves much faster than baby can move on his own, he can get out of your sight and into something unsafe much more quickly.

A safer alternative to a traditional baby walker is a baby activity seat. These seats work much like walkers, except that they can’t go anywhere. Most have a round base that rocks and turns in place, so that baby has some freedom to change his view in the room, but cannot actually leave the spot where he’s placed. Toys and music on the tray keeps baby occupied while he gets the opportunity to play in an upright position, strengthening leg muscles.