BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Consumer Reports has issued a critical warning about baby walkers, a popular product designed to help infants move around. While these devices are often marketed as beneficial, they have been associated with thousands of injuries and even fatalities. The organization highlights the dangers of baby walkers and provides guidance for parents on how to keep their children safe.
For years, many parents have opted for baby walkers to encourage their little ones to explore. However, a disturbing statistic reveals that, over a four-year period, sit-in baby walkers were responsible for an average of 3,000 injuries and eight deaths annually. The most frequent injuries involved babies falling out of walkers or down stairs, leading to head and facial injuries, contusions, abrasions, and even internal injuries. Due to these risks, Canada banned baby walkers two decades ago, and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against their use.
Many parents underestimate how quickly babies can move in walkers, with some able to travel several feet per second. This rapid movement not only increases the risk of falling down stairs but also gives infants greater access to dangerous areas, such as stoves and pools. Despite numerous recalls, updated safety standards, and warnings from experts, baby walkers remain available for purchase in the United States.
Notably, Hispanic consumers are nearly twice as likely as non-Hispanic consumers to have bought a baby walker in the past six months.
In response to the concerns raised by Consumer Reports, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, an industry trade group, stated that current baby walkers feature numerous design improvements and safety measures, making them safer than ever before.
However, safety advocates, including Consumer Reports, argue that the potential for serious injury or death outweighs any improvements. They advocate for the U.S. to follow Canada’s example and implement a ban on all baby walkers.
Additionally, research suggests that extensive use of baby walkers may hinder children’s ability to learn to stand and walk independently, as they do not receive adequate practice during this crucial developmental stage.
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