Infant walkers safety: crucial information for new parents to consider
Infant walkers, once popular devices designed to help babies learn to walk, have become serious safety hazards that parents should avoid. These circular, wheeled devices with suspended seats for babies between five to 15 months may seem harmless, but they can move several feet in a matter of seconds, faster than a running adult. This speed can lead to accidents, with between 12% to 50% of babies using walkers suffering injuries [1].
The injuries from infant walkers can happen in a split second. A child who lungges a lot, if their waist is very close to the top of the device, there's a possibility that they could topple it over. Falls can result in tumbling down stairs or reaching for and pulling down dangerous objects. In fact, the study shows that infant walkers are responsible for many injuries to the head and neck, including skull fractures [1].
In addition to the physical risks, using infant walkers can delay a child's motor development. By allowing children to move quickly without learning essential motor skills properly, prolonged use may lead to developmental delays because babies are not learning to adjust their head and body position, which is crucial for balance and postural control [3][4][5].
Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to infant walkers that are beneficial for a baby’s walking development. Push toys, for instance, allow babies to maintain a more natural walking gait with proper foot positioning. These toys encourage practice of actual walking movements and improve balance and coordination. It is important to select push toys that provide good stability, maneuverability, speed control, and sufficient foot clearance rather than just entertainment features [2].
Another alternative is supervised floor play. Allowing babies time on the floor to crawl, cruise along furniture, and explore encourages natural development of motor skills and muscle strength without the hazards associated with walkers.
Lastly, using designated safe areas with soft surfaces where babies can practice movements reduces injury risks.
Health professionals such as pediatricians or physical therapists can provide personalized advice for babies with developmental concerns or special needs.
In summary, infant walkers pose significant injury and developmental risks. Safer options like push toys and supervised floor play are recommended to support healthy walking development [2][3][4][5]. Parents should also make sure their child is in sight at all times, even when using safer devices. Always consult your pediatrician or follow a guide to childproofing your home for additional safety information.
- Parents should consider exploring health-and-wellness options other than infant walkers due to their association with injuries and developmental delays.
- Opting for safer alternatives, such as push toys or supervised floor play, can promote a baby's healthy walking development and provide a safer environment.
- In addition to safer devices, regular consultation with health professionals like pediatricians or physical therapists can offer personalized advice for addressing any developmental concerns or special needs regarding family-health.
- To ensure the mental-health and safety of both parents and their children, it is essential for parents to monitor their child's activities during fitness-and-exercise, keeping in mind that children should never be left unsupervised with any gadgets or devices.
