Walkers give infants a vehicle that can propel them at speeds they are unable to handle. And, because walkers elevate babies off the floor, they are able reach appliance cords and objects that are on low tables, thereby leading to burns, poisonings and head injuries. Obviously walkers are very dangerous from a safety perspective. However, the use of walkers is also developmentally inappropriate because they encourage caregivers to place babies in sitting positions before they are developmentally ready to sit unsupported. In addition, experts feel that infants' development for creeping, crawling and walking will be affected if they are sitting in a chair rather than on the floor where they can use their bodies to move.
Caregivers are in an ideal position to model injury prevention for the parents of infants.
Centres should not use walkers and should explain the reason for this decision to parents. If several parents use walkers, perhaps you could hold a health and safety education night for parents and invite a nurse or doctor to talk about walkers and other related topics. Prepared by Deborah Kernested, RN, Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Bike Helmet Coalition Project. Canadian Tire Cycle Safe Helmet Program.