Infant Walkers -- Recommendations
- Because data indicate a considerable risk of major and minor injury and even death from the use of walkers, and because there is no clear benefit from their use, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a ban on the manufacture and sale of mobile infant walkers.
- If a parent insists on using a mobile walker, it is vital that they choose a walker that meets the performance standards of ASTM F977-96 to prevent falls down stairs.
- Efforts should be made, through media campaigns and during anticipatory guidance, to educate parents about the hazards and lack of benefits of walkers. The particular risk of walkers in households with stairs should be emphasized.
- Even if walkers are banned, the life span of existing devices is considerable, and community programs should be developed to encourage proper disposal of walkers so that they can be destroyed and the materials recycled.
- Agencies responsible for licensing child care facilities should not permit the use of walkers in approved child care centers and homes. Hospitals should not permit the use of walkers in their facilities.
- Because the safest baby walker is one without wheels, stationary activity centers should be promoted as a safer alternative to mobile walkers.
- The CPSC should closely monitor the compliance of infant walker manufacturers with the voluntary standard ASTM F977-96 to ensure that noncom plying walkers do not continue to be manufactured and sold.
- The CPSC should collect surveillance data on children injured while using walkers that are in compliance with ASTM F977-96.
Please review Injuries Associated With Infant Walkers by the American Academy of Pediatrics for further information.
