An Unnecessary Guest in Every Home
Babies are natural explorers, constantly eager to discover their surroundings. Many parents purchase baby walkers expecting that they will help their child walk earlier than usual. While some walkers may appear helpful, most offer limited developmental benefits and may even pose safety risks.
Traditional sit-in baby walkers typically consist of a frame supported by multiple wheels or castors and a seat that allows the baby to move around before they are developmentally ready to walk. Some designs also include tray surfaces for food or built-in toys, allowing the baby to play, eat, or press buttons that produce sound. However, the popularity of baby walkers is more influenced by cultural beliefs and parental preferences than by evidence-based recommendations.
Why Parents Use Baby Walkers
Parents often choose baby walkers for several reasons:
- To entertain and engage their child
- To stimulate early walking or mobility
- To ensure the child’s safety within a confined area
- To allow some hands-free time for caregivers
- To promote physical activity or exercise
While baby walkers may provide temporary amusement and a sense of independence, they do not necessarily support healthy development.
Advantages of Baby Walkers
- Promotes Exploration: Babies can move around and discover their environment.
- Engaging Activities: Walkers often include toys and interactive elements.
- Emotional and Cognitive Development: Built-in activities can support early learning and stimulation.
Disadvantages of Baby Walkers
- Delays in Walking: Walkers may interfere with the development of balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
- Increased Risk of Injuries: Babies can suffer burns, head injuries, fractures, or foot torsion.
- Falling Hazards: Walkers can roll down stairs or crash into furniture.
- Drowning Risk: Increased mobility may lead to access to unsafe areas like bathrooms or pools.
- Unsafe Access: Babies may reach dangerous items (e.g., hot surfaces, sharp objects).
- Limited Motor Learning: The walker design prevents babies from seeing their legs move, hindering natural motor development.
Expert Opinions
Many parents are unaware of the risks associated with baby walkers and may mistakenly believe they help children walk sooner or develop faster. However, research consistently shows no developmental advantage to using sit-in walkers. In fact, for preterm babies—who may already face developmental delays—walkers can further hinder motor skill progression.
It is always best to consult a pediatrician before introducing any walking aid to your child.
Evidence
- There is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that baby walkers help infants walk sooner or aid in development.
- Multiple studies highlight both the physical risks and developmental delays linked to walker use.
- In Canada, baby walkers have been banned since April 2004—it is illegal to sell, import, or advertise them due to safety concerns.
Safer Alternatives
Instead of traditional sit-in baby walkers, parents can consider:
Push Walkers (Handled Walkers): These allow babies to pull themselves up and walk with support, promoting natural development of balance, strength, and coordination. Push walkers encourage upright posture and do not confine the baby.
Conclusion
As babies grow, they naturally progress toward walking. While baby walkers may seem like a convenient or entertaining option, they can delay motor development and increase the risk of injury. If a walking aid is deemed necessary, handled push walkers used under adult supervision are a safer and more developmentally supportive alternative.
References
- The Pros and Cons of Letting Your Baby Use a Walker by Aatish Mandot; December 2022.
- Baby Walkers Will Help Them Walk Sooner? Dr. Rajiv Uttam; May 09, 2024.
- Baby Walkers… Time to Take a Stand? D.N.S. Gleadhill, W.J. Robson, R.E. Cudmore, and R.R. Turnoc; 1987.
- The Effect of Baby Walker on Child Development: A Systematic Review, Shervin Badihian, Negin Adihian, Omid Yaghini; 2017 Autumn;11(4):1–6.
- Baby Products and Injuries in Canada: Is It Still an Issue? Robin Skinner, Anne-Marie Ugnat, Danielle Grenier; 2010 Oct;15(8):490. doi: 10.1093/pch/15.8.490.
