Infant walkers may seem like a fun way to help babies move around, but they pose significant safety risks and are not recommended by pediatric experts. Walkers can increase the likelihood of falls, head injuries, and access to hazardous areas like stairs or hot surfaces, as they allow infants to move quickly without full control. Additionally, they may delay motor skill development by discouraging natural activities like crawling and pulling up. Instead, safer alternatives like stationary activity centers or supervised floor play promote healthy development and minimize risks.
I’m pregnant with my first child. My mom wants to buy a baby walker, like the one I had when I was little. However, I’m concerned about the safety of these devices. Are walkers hazardous, or am I just being an overly cautious first-time mom?
— Jessica
It sounds like your maternal instincts are already kicking in. Baby walkers—devices with wheeled frames and suspended seats that allow babies to move around using their feet—are indeed considered a safety hazard. They are a leading cause of injuries in infants, which is why health and safety experts strongly advise against their use.
While in walkers, babies can easily roll into dangerous areas like hot stoves, heaters, and pools. Because walkers enable babies to reach higher than usual, they are more likely to grab hazardous items such as hot coffee cups and kitchen knives or touch stovetops, which can result in burns and other injuries. Walkers also pose a risk of falling over objects or down stairs, with falls down stairs being one of the most common walker-related injuries. Such falls can lead to broken bones and serious head injuries.
Research indicates that walkers do not offer any developmental benefits. They don’t teach babies to walk or help them walk earlier than they would naturally. Babies need opportunities for pulling up, creeping, and crawling—activities they cannot engage in while in a walker.
To ensure a safe play environment for your baby, consider using alternatives like activity centers, bouncy seats, stationary rockers, swings, or play yards. Additionally, make sure that everyone who cares for your child is aware of the dangers associated with walkers.