Risks of baby walkers and options for prevention.

Recent studies have reported fatal head injuries associated with baby walkers. Skull fractures and hospital admissions are significantly higher for infants who have received head injuries while using a walker. Thirty to 50% of infants regularly placed in walkers experience an accident or injury related to the device. Most injuries are minor cuts, abrasions and contusions. While there are many hazards, no benefits have been documented. The walkers do not help children learn to walk. Options for preventing injury including banning baby walkers, product design regulations, and public education about the risks. An outright ban would be difficult, because walkers are not considered inherently dangerous; they become so when parental supervision is lacking. Although design specifications will decrease some walker-related injuries, they will not prevent severe or fatal head injuries associated with falls down stairs. Public awareness of hazards from baby walkers and discouragement of their use are recommended preventive measures at this time.