Infant walkers' safety: A guide for new parents on what they should be aware of
Infant walkers, once considered a must-have for helping babies learn how to walk, have become serious safety hazards. Despite new safety standards issued in 2010, these devices are still associated with thousands of injuries to children each year.
Dangers of Infant Walkers
Infant walkers pose significant risks to children's safety. The suspended seat allows babies to touch the ground and "walk" around, but this mobility comes with a price. Approximately 12% to 50% of babies using walkers suffer injuries from falls or burns [1][4][5].
The dangers associated with infant walkers are not limited to falls. They also include high risks of serious head injuries, burns, and trauma from reaching objects or moving too fast. Furthermore, a study conducted in 2019 found lower locomotive development test scores for babies who used baby walkers [1][4]. This suggests that infant walkers may slow down the natural progression of walking skills.
Alternative Solutions
Parents seeking safe alternatives for their babies to practice walking should consider push toys designed with stability, maneuverability, speed control, and adequate foot clearance. These toys help babies practice walking skills without restricting natural movement [2].
Household items like an upside-down laundry basket, a lightweight sturdy chair, or a soft upholstered ottoman can also provide stable support and opportunities to practice walking safely [2]. Allowing babies to explore and practice walking with objects they naturally find around the house encourages motor development while minimizing injury risk.
Safety Precautions
It's crucial for parents to ensure their child is in sight at all times, even when using safer alternatives. Injuries from infant walkers can happen in a split second, such as a child falling down stairs or reaching for and pulling down hazardous objects.
Parents should also make sure to follow our guide to childproofing your home for more safety tips. The Cleveland Clinic does not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services, including infant walkers.
In summary, infant walkers are discouraged due to significant safety and developmental concerns, while safer alternatives like push toys or stable household objects provide effective support for early walking skills [1][2][4][5]. Always consult your pediatrician about devices that pose a safety risk to children.
[1] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Infant walkers. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Infant-Walkers.aspx [2] Zero to Three. (2018). Infant walkers: What parents need to know. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/321-infant-walkers-what-parents-need-to-know [4] Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2018). Infant walkers. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Infant-Walkers [5] Mayo Clinic. (2018). Infant walkers: Are they safe? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-walkers/faq-20058288
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended to replace professional advice from a healthcare provider or safety expert.
