Doctor On Call: Safety Concerns Lad To Push For Infant Walker Ban

Consumer Reports is calling for a federal ban on infant walkers, saying that they are unsafe.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says nearly 2,500 children under five, went to the ER every year between 2021 and 2023, for injuries from baby walkers, jumpers, or exercisers. Dr. Theresa Horton from the Utica Park Clinic in Owasso joined News On 6 to talk about these types of products.

Canada's Infant Walker Ban vs. the US Approach

Canada banned infant walkers in 2004, imposing hefty fines and even jail time for violations. However, the US has yet to follow suit, despite growing safety concerns.

"As long as people still want them and they're still making money selling them, then it just hasn't been as much of a push," explains Dr. Theresa Horton, a pediatrician at Unica Park Clinic in Owasso. "But I'm very happy that consumer reports in the American Academy are now making it more known to try to get them off the market."

The Alarming Injuries Caused by Infant Walkers

Dr. Horton has witnessed firsthand the severe injuries that can result from infant walkers, including broken arms, burns, and even skull fractures. She emphasizes that the most dangerous scenario is when a child using a walker goes down the stairs.

"Kids can also reach up higher and pull things over onto themselves," Dr. Horton says. "Going downstairs is one of the biggest ones that's the most dangerous."

Debunking the Developmental Myth

Some parents may be hesitant to forgo infant walkers, believing they are essential for their child's development. However, Dr. Horton assures that the opposite is true.

"Using walkers, especially if used frequently, will delay walking," she explains. "When you're sitting in one of the walkers, it shifts the baby's hips into a different direction, so they're more of a pushing and not standing, so used a lot, it will delay their walking," she said.

Safer Alternatives for Child Development

Instead of relying on infant walkers, Dr. Horton recommends good old-fashioned floor time as the best option for child development. She also suggests using stationary exercise and entertainment centers, as long as they don't have wheels.

"The key is no wheels, because you turn your head for one second and that baby can move three feet across the room," Dr. Horton cautions.

A Pediatrician's Personal Experience

Dr. Horton herself has never owned or used an infant walker, having witnessed the injuries they can cause during her medical training and practice.

"I saw injuries in residency and my children never, never did," she says.