If the answer is “it depends,” does that sound like a bad answer? The truth is, it depends! It depends on many aspects: the length of use, the model, whether it’s under adult supervision, the place where it is being used—it’s quite complex! There’s a reason this is one of the most controversial topics when it comes to toys or accessories for babies. Baby walkers are undoubtedly tempting, both for the child, who is dazzled by the freedom and mobility they gain instantly, and for the parents, who are delighted to see their child exploring new movements and, as a bonus, get a few minutes of “rest.”

Warning for Parents

But this is exactly where the real danger lies. The baby walker requires careful adult supervision more than ever; otherwise, the risks are enormous and the consequences can be serious. Another point raised by some specialists is the damage caused by the walker forcing the baby’s spine for a long time when standing. However, it has been proven that the real harm comes from excessive usage time, not from the act of using it itself. Moms, always concerned about their children’s well-being, especially where safety is concerned, are often in doubt about whether to buy a walker or not. That’s why we’ve selected some important information to help you better understand the pros and cons of this equipment.

Why Are Baby Walkers Dangerous?

Some studies conducted in Brazil and other countries point to walkers as the children’s equipment responsible for the highest number of accidents and injuries. A Swedish researcher even published the conclusion of an analysis on cases of head trauma in children under 4 years old, indicating that the walker is the most dangerous piece of children’s equipment, followed by playground toys.

Banned Sales

In some countries, the sale of baby walkers has already been banned, sparking major debates about the restriction of their use, especially among health professionals. Some Brazilian states have also adopted the ban, but the topic remains highly controversial. The model of the baby walker in question is the traditional one where the child sits in the center, with their little feet touching the ground, pushing the toy back and forth. According to experts, the toy can reach a speed of 1 m/s, which is a lot for a baby just a few months old who has no control or sense of danger.

Main Risk of Baby Walkers

As they move freely around the room, babies are at risk of running over a toy or any object on the floor, including steps, causing the walker to tip forward and the baby to be thrown out. At that moment, according to studies, the head is the first to be hit, which explains the high rate of head trauma in accidents involving this equipment. There is also the risk of the child in the walker accessing dangerous areas like stairs, the kitchen, or swimming pools, for example. Full-time adult supervision is essential to prevent any type of accident.

Precautions to Avoid Accidents

Some other precautions are essential to reduce risks and ensure your baby’s safety and well-being, since, after all, with or without a walker, they need full-time care. Check out some tips:

  • Any children’s equipment or toy, if misused, poses accident risks (this isn’t a problem exclusive to walkers)
  • Before buying a toy or accessory, check if it has ANVISA’s certification label
  • When crawling, the child is also exposed to dangerous objects, stairs, or pools. Supervise closely so nothing goes wrong.
  • If you choose to use a walker, limit the amount of time and stay right by their side to minimize the risk of tipping over.
  • Love means caring! Take care of your little one and everything will go well!

Does the Baby Walker Affect Development?

There is no study proving that walkers harm the child’s physical or motor development. Many pediatricians argue that the equipment can interfere with muscle formation in the legs and spine, as well as make it harder for the child to learn proper walking technique. A study conducted by the University of Juiz de Fora evaluated 40 children, half of whom used walkers and half did not. No changes were observed in the motor or physical development of any of them. It was therefore concluded that walkers offer no benefits, but also do not cause harm in these regards. In fact, the natural stages leading up to a baby’s first steps—rolling over, sitting up, and crawling—are important in providing the security and maturity children need for the right time to walk unsupported.

Push Walkers for Babies

The push walker is a kind of cart in which the baby supports themselves and walks all over the place. Usually, children interested in this type of toy are steadier on their feet and are already taking their first hesitant steps; all they really need is a little “push.” Since with this type of walker they are not strapped in, and if it moves faster than they can keep up, they can let go and sit down—in this case, the risk of serious accidents is lower. Even so, all the baby’s movements should be supervised by an adult. See Also: Baby’s First Steps Photos: Bob Deng, Tamgarma