Baby Walkers 101: Delaying Child Development

As a mother, you want your baby to learn and develop at their own pace. Many parents believe that baby walkers can help their babies learn to walk faster and more efficiently, but the truth is that walkers can be dangerous and hinder proper development. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the misconception and dangers of baby walkers for child development, and what every mother needs to know, with data and studies to back it up!

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that between 1990 and 2014, an estimated 230,676 children under the age of 15 months were treated in US emergency departments for injuries related to walkers. Most of these injuries were from falls down stairs or from tipping over. The study concluded that the best way to prevent these injuries is to ban the sale and manufacture of baby walkers altogether.

Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against using baby walkers, citing the risk of falls down stairs, burns from hot liquids, and other accidents. In fact, Canada banned the sale and import of baby walkers in 2004. But the dangers of baby walkers go beyond physical injuries. A study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics found that walkers can delay motor and mental development. The study compared babies who used walkers with those who did not, and found that those who used walkers were slower to reach developmental milestones such as crawling, standing, and walking without support.

The unnatural position of sitting in a walker can also cause problems with the development of the muscles, bones, and joints in the legs and feet. Using a baby walker can also delay the natural process of crawling, which is important for strengthening the muscles needed for walking. In addition to the physical and developmental dangers, baby walkers can also have negative effects on cognitive and social development. Babies in walkers may have limited interactions with their environment and caregivers, which can delay language development and socialization skills.

As a mother, it's important to be aware of the dangers of baby walkers and to avoid using them. Instead, focus on providing a safe and stimulating environment for your baby to learn and develop. Encourage crawling, tummy time, and interactive playtime with caregivers and toys. It's important to prioritize your baby's safety and development by avoiding the use of baby walkers and providing a safe and stimulating environment for learning and growth.

xo, Taira!