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Baby Walkers are dangerous because:
Babies can roll down the stairs, which often causes broken bones and severe head injuries. This is how most children get hurt in baby walkers.
Babies can get burned—a child can reach higher in a walker. It is now easier for a child to pull a tablecloth off a table and spill hot coffee, grab pot handles off the stove, and reach radiators, fireplaces, or space heaters.
Babies can drown—a child can fall into a pool or bathtub while in a walker.
Babies can be poisoned—reaching high objects is easier in a walker.
Most walker injuries happen while adults are watching. A child in a walker can move more than 3 feet in 1 second! That is why walkers are never safe to use, even with an adult close by.
They can delay your baby’s ability to learn how to walk.
What you can do:
Throw out your baby walkers!
Be sure that there are no walkers wherever your child is being cared for, such as childcare centers or in someone else's home.
Try something safe when needed like:
Play yards or playpens—these are great safety zones for children as they learn to sit, crawl, or walk.
High chairs—older children often enjoy sitting up in a high chair and playing with toys on the tray.
This publication was adapted from information from American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education materials.
Reviewed by: MC MD, CPCMG Newborn Committee, SL MD, TT DO | 05/2024