Are Baby Walkers Safe for Babies? Myths and Truths

What Is a Baby Walker?

Baby walkers have been around for centuries and are still used very often! These devices consist of a plastic frame with a fabric sling in between where your baby can sit in.

In addition, there are wheels present in the bottom so that the baby can easily run around by pushing their feet on the ground.

The Myths and Truths About the Use of Baby Walkers

Sometimes as a parent, it’s natural to feel the need to have a few minutes to yourself. And most parents do that by placing their baby in the baby walker so that the child remains calm and happy as well.

This may look like an ideal solution, but it’s really not looking at the reality of it. You might think that it’s a safe place to keep your baby for a bit, but you’ll be surprised to hear about the injuries babies went through just because of this device. Did you know baby walkers have been banned in Canada since 2004? The American Academy of Pediatrics also strongly urges parents not to use them.

Parents have a lot of misconceptions when it comes to the use of baby walkers; hence we’ve compiled a few myths along with the actual facts of using a baby walker.

• Myth: Baby walkers help a child walk earlier due to the support it provides

Fact: This is one of the biggest reasons why people buy a walker for their child; however, it’s not true. Walkers don’t help children learn to walk. The walker holds the baby upright; hence, the child does not practice the balance and posture skills needed for walking. This is why you should avoid the walker so that your child can learn the skills needed to walk independently.

• Myth: Babies can be left in the walker for a little while without supervision

Fact: Leaving your child unattended in a baby walker is one of the worst things you can do. There are a lot of cases of falls and injuries associated with the walker. This is because babies tend to move pretty fast when placed in a walker, walkers can tip over, and babies can roll to the stairs or reach dangerous items like a knife or a hot drink.

• Myth: The use of baby walkers helps in the developmental process of the baby

Fact: Walkers don’t help development. Some research suggests that babies who use walkers may crawl and walk a little later than babies who don’t. Free play on the floor is what helps babies build the strength and balance they need.

• Myth: The strength of the baby’s leg increases by using a baby walker

Fact: There is no good evidence that walkers make a baby’s legs stronger. In a walker, the child doesn’t learn how to carry and balance their own weight the way they do when pulling up, cruising along furniture and standing on their own.

What Are the Safety Concerns of Using a Baby Walker?

The thought of using a baby walker might be tempting, but you probably shouldn’t as they’ve proved to be unsafe due to reasons including:

1. Risk of Injuries

These walkers have wheels present due to which they move very fast, which makes them risky, even when a parent is close by.

The most common injuries include:

• Head injuries from falls, especially falls down stairs or the walker tipping over
• Burns (access to unsafe places like the kitchen)
• Drowning (by falling into a pool)
• Pinched toes and fingers

2. Delayed Development

Walkers were technically made to help babies walk, but they don’t, and they may even delay walking a little as the child starts relying on the walker for support. Free floor play is better for child brain development and balancing skills.

Alternatives to Baby Walkers

Instead of using a baby walker, there are other methods you can safely keep your child for a limited period of time while you do chores.

• Keeping the baby on the floor in a safe area where they can do their tummy time and learn to roll over or sit up.
• Use of Stationary activity center (with no wheels)
• A sturdy push toy once your baby is pulling up to stand
• Playpen if the child can move on their own
• Put baby gates surrounding the safe area

Whatever method you pick, ensure that the baby is within your sights, as young children should never be left alone.

How to Safely Use A Baby Walker at Home

The safest choice is not to use a mobile baby walker at all. If you already have one, these rules can lower the risk, but they can’t remove it:

This includes:

• Do not leave the child unattended.
• Block access to unsafe places like stairs, kitchen, fireplaces
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines thoroughly when assembling

Keep in mind that the risk of using a baby walker outweighs any benefit of using a walker.

Final Words:

The conclusion is that you should always avoid using baby walkers due to the amount of risk associated with using one.

A baby will learn how to walk on their own properly and naturally hence using a walker isn’t necessary at all. Many babies take their first steps around their first birthday, and walking a bit earlier or later is normal.

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Always contact your pediatrician with questions about your baby’s health.