Important Information about Baby Walkers
Baby walkers have been very popular for many years now. Chances are, you had one when you were a baby so you’re probably thinking about getting one for your own child. If you are, beware. Baby walkers are considered by many today to be dangerous and may even delay your baby’s first steps.
In 1997, baby walkers sent more than 14,000 babies to the hospital emergency room. Walkers were even involved in 34 deaths from 1973 to 1998. The initial standards for safety of walkers set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission dealt with injuries to the hands from pinching, but did nothing to address the issue of falls. And the majority of the severe injuries occur when the walker goes down the stairs. Because of all of the injuries, a new standard adopted as of July 1, 1997 required that the new generation walker must have one of two features. Walkers are now made wider so they cannot fit through most doorways and can stop at the edge of a step.
In recent years, we have learned that walkers are detrimental to normal development. Because the babies can get around too easily, their urge to move across the floor is satisfied, and many of them will not undertake the important task of crawling, creeping, scooting, or hitching. This stage is important for developing strength and coordination.
Many parents think that walkers will help children learn to walk. As it turns out, walkers interfere with learning to walk. In addition to decreasing the desire to walk by providing an easier alternative, walkers strengthen the wrong muscles. The lower legs are strengthened, but the upper legs and hips become relatively weak. The upper legs and hips are most important for walking.
If you do choose to buy a walker, make sure that you allow your baby to use it for very short periods of time and allow them plenty of crawling and rolling around on the floor. Here are some things to look for when you choose a walker:
- Make sure that the walker you chose has met the Product Safety Standards Baby Walker Regulations.
- Pick a walker which has a large base that cannot fit through the a regular door frame so babies cannot scoot into other rooms or down stairs.
- Look for a walker that has protective coverings over all metal screws or hinges so you baby does not get cut or pinched in any way.
- Choose a walker that meets the manufacturer’s recommended weight and height for your baby and do not start your baby when they are too small or allow them to use it when they are too big.
An alternative to the traditional baby walker is the push wagon or car. Some look like little lawn mowers. You will need to be careful with them as they can fit through doorways and fall down stairs, but they strengthen the correct muscles that babies use when they are learning to walk.
Image: about.com
My Way Corp. recalled Baby Walkers due to “stairway fall hazard.”