Although some parents begin to use mobile baby walkers once their baby is four to five months old, many experts think that they are too dangerous to be used routinely.
In addition to falls down stairs and falls out of their walker, many infants are injured each year as their mobile baby walker makes them a little too mobile and able to get to things that would otherwise be out of reach, even if you have started childproofing your home.
In fact, the number of injuries from baby walkers has led the Canadian government to ban the 'sale, advertisement and importation of baby walkers in Canada.'
Although they haven't been successful, the American Academy of Pediatrics is urging the U.S. government to do the same. Instead, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been promoting new safety standards for baby walkers that can lead to fewer injuries, especially from falls.
If using a mobile babywalker, parents should follow the Consumer Product Safety recommendations and:
- close the door or gate at the top of the stairs
- keep children within view
- keep children away from hot surfaces and containers
- beware of dangling appliance cords
- keep children away from toilets, swimming pools and other sources of water
And since 75% of injuries are related to falls down stairs, in addition to the above recommendations, don't use a baby walker near stairs, even if you have a gate on the stairs.
Baby Walker Alternatives
Since they can be dangerous and they won't help your baby walk any sooner, you might seek out an alternative to a baby walker, such as a stationary activity center.
Sources: AAP Fact Sheet - Baby Walkers are Dangerous! Health Canada Consumer Products Safety - Baby Walkers (Banned) & Stationary Activity Centres.
