Common Baby Walker Injuries

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has warned parents for years about the injury risks of baby walkers and sought a ban on the wheeled devices, which help babies get around before they've mastered walking.

A recent study in the journal Pediatrics renewed calls for that ban. The study, reviewing 230,676 infant walker injuries from 1990-2014, found that:

• 74% resulted from falling down stairs while in a baby walker
   
• 91% were to the head or neck
   
• 4.5% of the children injured were admitted to the hospital

Other injuries included burns (from rolling into a hot stove) and drowning (after rolling into a pool).

If you have a baby walker, consider the injury risks and that pediatricians do not recommend their use.

See also ...

•  Baby walkers – A dangerous choice

•  Baby safety,  6 to 12 months

Disclaimer: This page is not intended to provide medical advice about your child. Always seek the advice of a physician, qualified healthcare provider or child-development specialist with any questions you have about your child's health, medical condition or development. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you read here.