Baby walker safety

Baby walkers provide mobility for infants who are not yet able to walk. However, because they pose a high risk for injury to your child, as well as possibly delaying normal development, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend their use.¹

If you allow your baby to use a walker, the AAP recommends using only those labeled "ASTM F977-96," which meet international safety standards.¹ The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also recommends these models because they are either made too wide to fit through a doorway or are equipped with a gripping mechanism that stops the walker at the edge of a step. These features help prevent children from falling down stairs, the most common cause of baby walker injuries.²

Also, consider the following:²

• X-frame walkers should have locking devices to prevent small fingers from becoming trapped in the spaces between the collapsing mechanism. All spring coils should have protective covers.
• To prevent tipping, all types of walkers should have at least 6 wheels.

In addition to equipment standards, keep your child safe while using a baby walker by:

• Closely supervising your child at all times.
• Blocking off stairs and doorways.
• Avoiding floor surfaces that may make the walker unstable and tip over, such as an uneven floor or edges of carpeting.
• Being aware of new areas that your child may explore. Clear away any hazards.
• Keeping your child away from stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces.