Baby Walkers
The downside of baby walkers
baby walker
A baby walker is a device that can be used by infants who cannot walk on their own to move from one place to another. It is designed for a child between 4 and 16 months. Usage of walkers is a controversy topic. Many parents believe that such walkers teach a child to walk faster; however, studies suggest that it is not true, and they may actually delay walking by two to three weeks3. But clearly, that the American Academy of Pediatrics tell in their white paper ‘ Baby Walkers ARE DANGEROUS!’ they suggest that you ‘ throw far away. As useful as they may seem, baby walkers are involved in more than 28,000 injuries in the United States every year.
In Canada and Australia, the sale of baby walkers was banned. Canada is the first country in the world to ban the sale, importation and advertisement of baby walkers. Below is more information on the baby walker downside.
The downside of baby walkers
Falling down
Falling down a flight of stairs in a walker is the main problem. Children in walkers face a greater risk for injury due to a fall downstairs compared to other children. Research show, 60-90% accident in doorstep correlate with baby walker.
Baby development trouble.
Baby Walkers do not help babies learn to walk and can actually lead to delays in child development.
Risk of injury.
Placing a baby in a walker results in a significant risk for an injury. Thirty to 40 per cent of infants who use walkers will have an injury. Children have suffered serious head injuries and death as a result of baby walkers. Other injuries include fractures, drowning and poisonings. The mobility provided by the walker may give infants access to toxic household chemicals. They also allow children to reach cords and heavy items that they may not otherwise have access to.
Motoric baby trouble
A research at 2 children show child which put down in baby walker experience trouble motorik run compared by the twin you. Paid attention, child of without baby walker would more freely roll over, sit and stand up, make a move to take something, and play at in floor which is basis for learn to run, compared to shifting there here with baby walker.
Use baby walker with precautions
In the event parents option to use a baby walker anyway, here are a few precautions to keep in mind:
1) Use a walker only in a room that doesn’t have access to stairs leading down, and block access to stairs and the outside while the walker is in use.
2) Clear objects off tables, counter, and stove-tops that a baby in a walker might be able to reach.
3) Make sure any springs and hinges on the walker have protective coverings
4) When selecting a walker; if you choose one with an X-frame; be aware that the frame can trap your little ones fingers.
5) Look for a baby walker that has a wheel-base wide and longer than the seat height, thereby ensuring maximum stability.
6) Never use the walker on carpets, near door thresholds, or around any other obstructions, that can cause it to tip over.
7) Never, ever leave your child unattended in a walker!
Before allowing your child to sit in a walker, ensure that all stair guards and security gates are securely closed.
9) Never allow your child to move around in walkers near steps or door ledges (walker could tip over causing baby to be thrown out of walker).
10) Don’t carry a walker with your baby in it. It’s too easy for you to trip.
Other option recommended
Instead of baby walkers, the AAP recommends that parents select a stationary product such as a bouncer; or ‘walkers’ that have no retractable wheels; no wheels at all; or walkers that allow only rotating motion (avoid swings that fasten in doorways or jump seats).
You may be interested in reading my other guide about baby toy or stroller baby