A baby walker consists of a plastic or metal frame with a suspended seat and wheels attached to the base. Walkers are used for babies ages 4 to 16 months. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against using walkers at all. However, if you decide to use a walker for your baby anyway, be sure to choose one that meets safety standards and to closely supervise your baby while he is using it.
Walker Dangers
According to Healthy Children, a walker allows your baby to move as far as 3 feet in just one second. With this quick movement, your baby can crash into objects and furniture, roll down stairs or fall into a pool before you have a chance to stop her. The walker can also allow her to reach objects that are up high and potentially dangerous.
Safety Standards
According to Consumer Reports, voluntary safety standards were introduced in 1997 to make walkers safer for babies. When conforming to the new standards, walkers are wider so that they cannot fit through doorways. They also have a rubber friction strip on the bottom that helps prevent the walker from dropping away from the edge of a step. Consumer Reports states that there has been a decline in walker incidents since these standards were introduced. However, they do not prevent all injuries. Since the standards are only voluntary, walkers that do not conform to the new standards are still manufactured.
Choosing a Walker
If you chose to use a walker for your baby, do not use an older or secondhand unit that does not conform to safety standards. Look for a walker that has a wheelbase that is wider and longer than the walker frame to provide stability. Practice using the folding mechanism to make sure it is working properly and will not pinch your fingers. Be sure that your baby's feet can touch the ground when the walker is on its lowest setting. You should also check the walker to make sure there are no small parts, toys or screws that can come loose.
Walker Safety
When your baby is in a walker, supervise him the entire time. Only use the walker in areas where there is no access to stairs or water, even if you use a baby gate. Gates do not always hold up to the impact of a walker. Make sure there are no dangerous objects within your baby's reach, and be sure there are coverings on all springs and hinges.
Recommendations
Do not allow your baby to spend the majority of her time in a walker. The walker will not improve her walking skills. In fact, it may delay her ability to walk because it does not strengthen the upper leg and hip muscles necessary for walking. Consumer Reports recommends using a stationary play center for your baby to sit in instead of a walker.
