Baby Walkers Review

Baby Walkers Ban

The debate on whether to allow the use of baby walker is continues, opponents continue to get small victories while still not reaching the elusive international ban of their use.  One of the major victories came in April of 2004 when Canada became the first country to ban the use of baby walkers.  The ban was immediate and prohibited Canadian retailers from selling baby walkers or any advertising of such.  Other countries, such as the United States, were also banned from importing.  Last, the selling of used baby walkers were prohibited from being sold, even from garage sales and flea markets.

In 1992 the State of Washington banned baby walkers in all day care centers stating that there is mounting evidence that the walkers a dangerous to children.  On a much smaller other child day cares are refusing to use baby walkers on a company by company basis.   This has to do with both children safety and the potential legal issues surrounding an injury stemming from a baby walker.  In addition many insurance policies will either deny insurance for the use or require the termination of them prior to a policy being issued.

A study showed that in 1991 there were over 29,000 visits to the emergency rooms from the use of baby walkers in the United States alone.  That number was up from slightly over 10,000 in 1980.  From 1990 to 2000 there were over 200,000 visits, however studies are now showing that number to be declining.

Most of the injuries are occurring in older walkers, not the newer ones.  However, most experts state that this does not warrant their use.  Injuries from baby walkers are happening too often for parents to consider their use.

Many experts also consider the use stationary activity centers that give children some mobility as well as activities to entertain them and keep them busy.  Because they are not on wheels injuries are greatly reduced.

Experts agree that there is no need to take the risk by using a baby walker.   Even if injury was 100% eliminated the walker still serves no real purpose, they do not teach the baby to walk and can actually hinder normal progress and development.  If you are looking for something that provides you with a break and entertains your child consider the stationary activity center.