Baby Walkers - Think Twice About Them

from Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota

Baby walkers have had so many safety problems some officials think they should be banned. Experts believe that up to 40 percent of babies using walkers will be hurt by them. Babies in walkers have fallen down stairs and been badly hurt or killed--even with safety gates on the stairs.

Some babies have lost fingers when the walkers folded up. Other babies have choked in some models when the strap buckle slipped and allowed them to slide down.

There are other safety concerns with walkers, too. Babies in walkers can move 3 feet per second--faster than parents can react. And, babies are up higher so they can reach things, like cleaners or other poisons that parents may not have put away yet.

Some research also suggests that babies placed in walkers longer than 2 hours per day may begin to sit, and to walk later than normal. If you do decide to use a walker:

• close doors to stairways, and latch safety gates.
• keep a close eye on your baby
• remove dangerous things from your baby's reach.
• use it for less than 2 hours a day.

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is starting to certify walkers and put labels on safer models. To get the Association's approval, walkers must be made so they don't collapse accidentally, pinch fingers or tip over easily. Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association label if you are buying a new walker.

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