A baby walker is a wheeled frame that a baby sits in and moves around by pushing with their feet. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against walkers because they cause falls and injuries and do not help babies learn to walk.
Key takeaways
- Walkers let babies move fast and reach stairs, hot drinks and other hazards.
- They do not teach walking and may delay it.
- Stationary activity centres and floor play are safer alternatives.
What you can do
- Give your baby plenty of floor time to roll, crawl and pull up.
- Offer a sturdy push toy once your baby can stand and cruise.
Frequently asked questions
Most injuries happen with adults nearby; a baby in a walker can move a metre in a second.